Penetrating sealer vs acrylic sealer for concrete in New Brunswick?

For most concrete surfaces in New Brunswick — driveways, sidewalks, exposed patios — a penetrating sealer (silane/siloxane) is the superior choice. Acrylic sealers have their place, but the demanding NB climate makes penetrating protection the better long-term investment for high-exposure surfaces.

The fundamental difference is how each product works. Penetrating sealers absorb into the concrete and chemically react with the calcium silicate compounds in the paste, creating a hydrophobic barrier within the pore structure. You cannot see it and it does not change the surface appearance — the concrete looks exactly the same. Water beads up and rolls off. Salt cannot penetrate to create freeze-thaw damage at the concrete surface. The protection is below the surface, so there is nothing to peel, flake, or wear off. Silane/siloxane blends cost $40–$80 per gallon, cover 150–300 sq ft, and should be reapplied every 2–4 years.

Acrylic sealers form a thin coating on top of the concrete surface. They enhance the appearance — adding a mild sheen on a matte acrylic, or a high gloss on a glossy product — and bring out the colour and texture of stamped or exposed aggregate concrete. For decorative concrete where aesthetics matter, acrylic is attractive. The durability problem in NB is the coating itself: it sits on top and must contend with freeze-thaw movement in the concrete, vehicle tyres, snow shovels, and UV exposure. On driveways in Moncton or Fredericton, acrylic sealers typically need reapplication annually to maintain protection. They can also trap moisture beneath the coating, which accelerates spalling if applied too soon or over concrete with active moisture movement.

The practical recommendation for NB driveways and outdoor slabs: penetrating silane/siloxane sealer. Apply after 28 days of curing (some contractors prefer 90 days), on a dry day when temperatures are between 10°C and 25°C. Two thin coats are better than one heavy coat. Allow to dry completely before vehicle traffic.

Where acrylic sealers make sense in NB: covered patios and porches with no vehicle traffic, stamped concrete surfaces where colour enhancement is desired, interior garage floors where UV is not a concern. Even on stamped driveways, consider a penetrating sealer as the base coat with a light acrylic on top — the penetrating layer provides the freeze-thaw protection, the acrylic provides the enhanced appearance.

Never apply any sealer to concrete that is not fully cured, damp, or freshly cleaned. For optimal results, clean the surface with a concrete cleaner and rinse thoroughly before applying sealer. Your contractor can advise on timing and product selection.