How often should concrete be sealed in NB?

In New Brunswick, exterior concrete should be resealed every 2-3 years for penetrating silane/siloxane sealers, and every 1-2 years for surface acrylic sealers -- more frequently in high-traffic areas or surfaces exposed directly to road salt.

New Brunswick's climate is genuinely one of the harshest for concrete in Canada. With 150+ freeze-thaw cycles annually and heavy road salt exposure from November through April, unsealed concrete absorbs moisture and salt-water solution into its pores. Each freeze cycle expands that trapped moisture by 9%, progressively fracturing the concrete matrix from within. A quality sealer applied on schedule interrupts this cycle and dramatically extends the service life of your driveway, patio, steps, or walkway.

How to tell when resealing is due: the water bead test is reliable. Pour a cup of water on your concrete -- if it beads up and sits on the surface, the sealer is still working. If the water darkens the concrete and absorbs quickly, the sealer has worn down and it is time to reapply. Do this test in spring after winter salt exposure and again in fall before the freeze season begins.

Sealer type matters for reapplication frequency. Penetrating silane/siloxane sealers penetrate into the concrete and are not subject to surface wear the way film-forming sealers are -- they typically last 2-4 years in NB conditions. Surface acrylic sealers, which add a sheen and enhance colour on stamped or decorative concrete, wear off faster because they sit on the surface and are abraded by traffic, snowblowing, and UV exposure. Plan to reapply acrylic sealer every 1-2 years on a driveway, and every 2-3 years on a less-trafficked patio.

Critical timing for resealing in NB: apply in a dry weather window between May and September when temperatures are reliably above 10 degrees Celsius. The worst time to seal is in spring with variable temperatures and frequent rain, even though that is when your concrete looks most in need of attention after a hard winter. Wait for consistent warm, dry conditions. Clean the surface thoroughly, repair any cracks, and allow 24-48 hours of drying time before applying sealer.

Special cases calling for more frequent sealing:

• Driveways in coastal NB communities (Saint John, Shediac, Bathurst) exposed to salt air in addition to road salt


• Steps and porches that receive direct de-icer application in winter


• Stamped concrete patios where the coloured surface layer needs protection from UV and freeze-thaw


• Any concrete that is showing early signs of surface scaling or pitting

For surfaces that are already scaling or spalling, sealing will slow further deterioration but will not repair existing damage. A concrete professional can assess whether resurfacing or overlay is a better option. New Brunswick Concrete can connect you with local contractors who offer concrete sealing and maintenance services.