Exterior · Specialty
Michigan winters are hard on concrete. Sealing it now costs a fraction of what replacing it does later.
Concrete looks solid, but it's actually full of tiny pores. In Michigan, water works its way into those pores in fall, freezes in winter, expands, and opens the pores a little wider each cycle. Do that for a few years and you get surface spalling, cracking, and pitting. Add road salt on top of that — which accelerates concrete breakdown — and you're looking at a driveway that ages twice as fast as it should.
A penetrating sealer fills those pores before the damage starts — or slows it down significantly if some cracking has already begun. It doesn't change how the concrete looks. It just stops the freeze-thaw cycle from winning.
Sealing vs. staining: A clear sealer protects the concrete while keeping its natural look. A concrete stain adds color — it can make a plain gray driveway or patio look intentional without the cost of pavers. Both options get a protective topcoat. I'll walk you through which makes sense for your surface.
Penetrating sealer
Goes into the concrete, not just on top. Fills the pores so water has nowhere to go. This is what actually stops freeze-thaw damage.
Salt & chemical resistance
Road salt, ice melt, and oil drips all accelerate concrete breakdown. A good sealer slows all of it down significantly.
Crack treatment
Small cracks and joints get filled before sealing. Sealing over open cracks just traps water — the repair comes first.
Stain option
Want color? Concrete stain adds a permanent tint without covering the texture. Great for patios and walkways that could use a lift.
Pressure wash & degrease
Oil stains, dirt, and any old sealer get cleaned off first. The sealer won't penetrate through grime — the surface has to be completely clean.
Treat cracks & joints
Surface cracks get filled with a flexible crack filler. Control joints get cleaned out. Water can't get a foothold if there's nowhere for it to pool.
Apply sealer evenly
Sealer goes on in two passes with a roller or pump sprayer, depending on the product. Even coverage is critical — thin spots won't protect.
Cure time
Most sealers need 24–48 hours before vehicle traffic. Foot traffic is usually fine after a few hours. I'll tell you the exact window for what I use.
Pricing
From $500
Depends on square footage and surface condition. Driveways, walkways, patios — reach out and I'll give you a real number.
Get Your PriceConcrete replacement runs thousands. Sealing runs hundreds. Reach out and I'll take a look at what you've got and tell you exactly what it needs.