Why Sealing Your Concrete Matters in Florida (And How Often to Do It)

Why Florida Concrete Needs Sealing

South Florida’s climate is uniquely harsh on concrete. The combination of daily UV exposure, 60+ inches of annual rainfall, high humidity, and occasional salt air creates conditions that break down unsealed concrete surfaces rapidly. Here’s what happens without sealer:

UV radiation fades colors and breaks down the surface layer (spalling)
Rain penetrates porous concrete, carrying minerals that cause efflorescence (white staining)
Trapped moisture promotes mold, mildew, and algae growth—especially on shaded surfaces
Freeze-thaw isn’t a factor in South Florida, but thermal expansion from 90°F+ surface temps causes micro-cracking
Unsealed decorative concrete loses its color and pattern definition within 2–3 years

Comparison of sealed versus unsealed concrete showing color retention

Types of Concrete Sealers: Which One Do You Need?

Not all sealers are the same. The right choice depends on your concrete type and what you’re protecting against.

Penetrating sealers (silane/siloxane) — Soak into the concrete, invisible finish, best for driveways and plain slabs. $1.50–$2.00/sq ft
Acrylic sealers — Film-forming, enhances color, slight sheen. Best for stamped and decorative concrete. $1.50–$2.50/sq ft
Polyurethane sealers — Thicker film, high durability, glossy or matte. Best for high-traffic commercial areas. $2.50–$4.00/sq ft
Epoxy sealers — Maximum protection, used for garage floors and industrial surfaces. $3.00–$5.00/sq ft

How Often Should You Reseal in South Florida?

The resealing schedule depends on the sealer type and how much sun and rain the surface gets. Here are the recommended intervals for Palm Beach County:

Driveways (penetrating sealer): Every 3–4 years
Stamped concrete patios (acrylic sealer): Every 2–3 years
Pool decks (acrylic or polyurethane): Every 2 years due to chlorine and water exposure
Decorative overlays: Every 2–3 years
Garage floors (epoxy): Every 5–7 years

Professional concrete sealer application on decorative patio

Professional Sealing vs. DIY

DIY sealing is possible for small, plain concrete areas using a pump sprayer and a store-bought sealer ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft in materials). However, professional application is strongly recommended for stamped, decorative, or colored concrete. Improper application causes bubbling, peeling, white hazing, or uneven sheen—all of which look worse than unsealed concrete. Professional sealing includes surface prep (pressure washing, crack filling), proper sealer selection, and even application with commercial equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does concrete sealing cost in Florida?

Professional concrete sealing in South Florida costs $1.50–$3.00 per sq ft. A typical 600 sq ft driveway runs $900–$1,800. A 400 sq ft patio costs $600–$1,200. This includes surface prep, sealer, and application.

What happens if you don’t seal concrete in Florida?

Unsealed concrete in South Florida fades, stains, and develops surface deterioration (spalling) much faster. Decorative finishes lose their color within 2–3 years. Plain concrete develops mold, efflorescence, and surface pitting. Sealing extends the life of your concrete by 50–75%.

Can you seal old concrete that’s never been sealed?

Yes. Older concrete benefits from sealing even if it was never sealed before. The surface should be pressure washed, any cracks filled, and the concrete should be fully dry before applying sealer. Penetrating sealers work especially well on older concrete.

How long after pouring new concrete should you seal it?

Wait at least 28 days after pouring before sealing new concrete. This allows the concrete to fully cure and release moisture. Sealing too early traps moisture inside, which can cause white discoloration and reduce the sealer’s effectiveness.