The application of a breathable surface sealer can reduce damage caused by de- icing and road salts. Silane and siloxane are the two most common sealers. These sealers can penetrate concrete as deep as three millimeters while still allowing the concrete pitting. Sometimes, the contaminated material can also pop out and leave a hole or raised spot in the concrete. Quality mix and proper installation and curing will significantly reduce the likelihood of these defects and are in the hands of the builder. The following measures will increase your chances of a successful concrete installation: to breath. This prevents vapour pressure from building up between the concrete and sealer. Because the sealer is embedded within the concrete, it’s more durable to abrasive forces and ultraviolet deterioration, providing longer-lasting protection. How can I protect my concrete? • Use air-entrained concrete mixes with a low water-to-cement mix ratio • Delay finishing until the water sheen on the concrete surface is gone • Edge the concrete near forms • Use isolation joints and construction joints where appropriate • Do not power-trowel concrete subject to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing chemicals • Wait at least 28 days before applying sealer to new concrete • Sealer should only be applied to clean concrete left to dry for at least 24 hours at temperatures above 16°C • Penetrating sealers cannot fill surface voids that are filled with water • Concrete should be clean • Concrete placed in late fall should not be sealed until spring because the sealer may cause the concrete to retain water and increase the likelihood for freeze-thaw damage TREATMENT AND RE-TREATMENT SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURERS’ DIRECTIONS BUT SOME GUIDELINES APPLY TO ALL SEALERS: CONCRETE 25