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How does DecoShield compare to other sealers or stain solutions?
The most common alternatives to DecoShield are topical acrylic-based sealers and acid staining. Acrylic-based sealers can be easy to install—they’re just painted onto the surface—but because they sit on top of the concrete, they are subject to abrasion and weather, leading them to flake and chip, often in less than a year.
Acid staining provides a more permanent color as it involves a chemical reaction inside the concrete. But the color cannot be guaranteed, and they use harsh chemicals that require care while handling. Installs often take multiple days due to dry times and the acid must be neutralized before sealing the surface.
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How is SealantPro applied?
The SealantPro installation process is thorough, detailed and proven. Each step is critical to ensuring the intended effect and no aesthetic damage, and experts are trained to optimize environmental and functional circumstances.
Here’s an overview of the process: Following a pre-job inspection of the work site, a commercial pressure washer, turbo nozzle and rotary surface cleaner are used to prepare the pores of the concrete for the SealantPro application. Next, the deep penetrating sealant is applied evenly to the surface with a high-quality pump sprayer. A broom is used to work the product into the surface, with the grain of the concrete, to avoid standing puddles and ensure a neat, quality finish.
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How long does SealantPro take to cure? How quickly can concrete be used after it’s applied?
SealantPro cures in 4 to 6 hours. Concrete can be trafficked as usual within the same day.
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Is there a recommended waiting time before applying SealantPro to new concrete, like a newly poured driveway?
SealantPro can be used as a curing agent, although it is not specifically intended for such an application. When using it on new concrete, make sure the pour is firm to the touch, and all the excess water has been worked out. It should be applied at the same rate as it is to older concrete.
It is important to note that newer concrete may not exhibit the same beading effect, as when placed on older concrete. This is because the SealantPro mixes with the water in the new concrete and is dispersed throughout the concrete, rather than staying close to the surface. This is actually better for the longevity of the SealantPro product.
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How often does SealantPro need to be applied?
SealantPro only needs to be applied once to last for the concrete’s lifetime.
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Does SealantPro wear away?
No. Because SealantPro penetrates 1/4” into the surface and bonds with concrete on a molecular level, it will not wear away unless more than 1/4” of the concrete surface is removed.
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Will SealantPro always make water bead?
SealantPro will cause water to bead up on the surface immediately after application and for a couple of weeks following. The product remains permanently bound to the concrete whether or not water beads on the surface.
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Will SealantPro protect the concrete from staining?
SealantPro helps make stains easier to remove by preventing them from penetrating deep into the concrete. Surface stains can still occur and should be cleaned as soon as possible for best results. It’s important to note that any existing concrete stains that cannot be removed with a power washer will be permanently sealed in when SealantPro is applied.
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Can something be applied on top of SealantPro?
Yes, SealantPro can be used as a breathable primer for a topical sealer (acrylic, urethane, epoxy, etc.), paint, and adhesives, epoxies or mastics. It is best used with a breathable topical sealant to create an extra layer of protection from clouding and film separation. Likewise, the life of a painted concrete surface is greatly extended by applying SealantPro first—decreasing the eventual separation of paint from a concrete surface caused by excessive moisture working its way through the substrate. The same is true for adhesion of hardwood flooring, carpet, linoleum, tile, backer-board, etc.
Because SealantPro is designed to discourage water and other liquids from penetrating the substrate, it is not an ideal base for concrete stains, many of which are water-based and in fact designed to penetrate the concrete. Some solvent-based stains have been seen to penetrate “enough,” but are not recommended. SealantPro can be applied after hydrophilic concrete stains to prevent fading over time, but is not recommended for use atop hydrophobic stains, as it would not be able to penetrate the surface as it is intended.
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Can SealantPro work with concrete lifted with PolyLevel™?
Yes. In fact, we recommend that our PolyLevel customers protect their newly lifted concrete with our SealantPro solution, as it will help protect their concrete for many years to come.
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Is SealantPro expensive?
SealantPro is actually quite cost-effective because it offers a permanent solution unlike the cheaper urethane-based products available at big-box DIY stores that must be reapplied regularly.
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What is the DecoShield System?
The DecoShield System enhances the look of the concrete through a translucent stain and protects the surface against damaging elements while avoiding the pitfalls of other color-enhancing products. It consists of three primary components: The DecoShield Etch, DecoShield Colorant + Hardener and DecoShield Sealer. DecoShield Etch is used to prep and clean the concrete using a self-neutralizing, environmentally friendly acid. DecoShield Colorant + Hardener is a penetrating concrete dye that bonds directly into the concrete through silicate hardeners, providing a long-lasting and aesthetically appealing color that builds with each layer. Finally, DecoShield Sealer is a topical, wet-look finish sealer that locks in the color and protects the concrete from weather and every-day wear and tear.
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Who is DecoShield a good solution for?
DecoShield is a great choice for property owners who want to improve curb appeal while protecting their concrete. DecoShield can minimize the appearance of mismatched concrete and pre-existing stains or just add a pop of color.
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Does SealantPro work on…?
SealantPro can be used on any concrete surface where no other sealer is present and water can be absorbed evenly. SealantPro must be able to penetrate the pores of the concrete in order for the chemical reaction and subsequent bond to occur.
A simple water test is the best way to see if SealantPro can seal a concrete slab. If water can penetrate, SealantPro can penetrate; if not, or if it does so extremely slowly, it is not advised.
SealantPro can stain or permanently damage glass, plastic, aluminum or other metals. Immediately flush these surfaces with water if they come in contact with SealantPro.
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What benefits does the DecoShield System provide?
- Long-lasting, rich, translucent color (think stain vs. paint)
- Ability to minimize mismatched concrete from slabs being poured at different times
- Ability to minimize pre-existing stains
- Protection against damage from freeze/thaw, salt, oil, chemicals and mildew
- Reapplication of clear sealer only ever 2-3 years
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Is DecoShield UV stable?
Yes. All products in the DecoShield System are UV stable and will not yellow with exposure to sunlight.
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Will DecoShield damage grass or plants?
No, DecoShield is environmentally friendly, self-neutralizing and non-harmful to plants and animals. It is also biodegradable, low odor and non-flammable.
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How long does a DecoShield install take?
It typically takes a day to install the DecoShield system. Areas over 1500 square feet could require additional time.
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What does DecoShield look like when finished?
The DecoShield Color is a pigmented, translucent concrete dye, as opposed to a paint. It colors the concrete like how a stain would color wood, absorbing at different rates on different types and finishes of concrete (broom vs. smooth trowel, slabs poured at different times, etc.) and allowing some natural variability to show through. No two installs will look the same. The DecoShield Sealer is glossy, providing a sheen or “wet look” to the area.
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Will DecoShield cover existing stains?
DecoShield will minimize the appearance of existing stains on the concrete. Lighter stains will often become undetectable, but we cannot guarantee they will completely disappear.
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Will DecoShield help blend mismatched concrete?
Yes, DecoShield can help with mismatched concrete. The darker the color of DecoShield used, the greater the chance of a seamless appearance.
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How long does DecoShield last?
The DecoShield color bonds directly into the concrete and is permanent, provided that the protective sealer is maintained. The DecoShield Sealer will last approximately 2-3 years, depending on exposure to traffic and direct sunlight. We recommend having the sealer reapplied every two years to ensure the concrete and the color are protected.
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What colors does DecoShield come in?
DecoShield comes in 4 tint options: Caramel, Gray, Sand, and Walnut.
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What is CSS Emulsion?
CSS Emulsion is a clear, abrasion-resistant exterior concrete sealant that can create a glossy finish ideal for decorative and stamped concrete. CSS Emulsion can used on conventional slabs, polished concrete, stained concrete, or colored concrete to add durable protection against staining, UV radiation, chemicals, and weather events.
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What does CSS Emulsion look like when finished?
CSS Emulsion creates a clear, glossy finish.
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Is CSS Emulsion UV stable?
Yes. CSS Emulsion is UV stable and will not yellow with exposure to sunlight.
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What is mudjacking or slabjacking?
Mudjacking (or slabjacking) is the process of lifting a concrete slab using a cement slurry, which is usually a mix of sand, water, and cement. Compared to PolyLevel, mudjacking is signficantly heavier, messier, and more time consuming.
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How much does cracked concrete repair cost?
Our NexusPro solution is cost-effective over the long term because it offers a long-lasting solution, unlike the urethane-based products available at big-box DIY stores that must be replaced regularly. The cost for concrete repair depends on the project's size and application, so don't hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate!
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What is NexusPro?
NexusPro is a silicone-based sealant for joints and cracks specially formulated to provide long-lasting flexibility and to stand up to harsh weather conditions. Unlike traditional polyurethane sealants, NexusPro resists UV rays, which means it won't crack, bubble, or dry out. That means a single application can seal the joints and cracks in your concrete driveway, patio, pool deck, or sidewalk for years to come, protecting it from damage caused by soil erosion and washout.
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How long does NexusPro concrete sealant last?
Because NexusPro is silicone-based, not urethane-based, it won't degrade over time, even when exposed to UV radiation and extreme temperatures. This ensures that it remains flexible and waterproof for years.
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Can NexusPro work with concrete that has been lifted?
Yes. We recommend that our customers seal the cracks and joints of their newly lifted concrete with our NexusPro solution, as it will help protect their concrete for many years.
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Can I repair cracked concrete myself?
You can, but it might not be a long-lasting solution. While you could seal cracks with urethane caulk found at your local big-box hardware store, that solution is prone to cracking, bubbling, and drying out over time. You'll need to be prepared to monitor and re-seal your cracks regularly, as the conditions that led to your cracked concrete will likely happen again. Our NexusPro solution is highly effective and lasts 5x longer than DIY methods, so contact us and see how we can help!
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What causes concrete to sink?
Poorly compacted soil: When your home was built, soil movement around the building site results in poor compaction. Even when the replaced soil is compacted well, it's never as stable as the original soil. Over time, this can cause voids to form and slabs to settle.
Dry soil: Another cause of soil failure is drought. During dry conditions or even just during periods of warm weather and low precipitation, the soil under your concrete will dry out and shrink, creating voids. The concrete above eventually cracks and sinks into these empty spaces, especially if any weight is placed on it.
Flooding: When the rains return, the water has an even easier pathway under the slab due to cracks and crevices left over from the dry period. And this wet, soft soil is too weak to support the concrete above it. In the worst case, the soil erodes and washes away completely, leaving behind large voids that cannot support the weight of the concrete above.
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How much does repairing uneven concrete cost?
Our PolyLevel solution is cost-effective over the long term because it offers a long-lasting solution, unlike mudjacking which can degrade over time. The cost for concrete leveling depends on the project's size and application, so don't hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate!
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What is PolyLevel?
PolyLevel is a two-part urethane polymer that expands into high-density foam to fill voids, lift and stabilize concrete.
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How much does PolyLevel cost?
PolyLevel is a proprietary product developed by Foundation Supportworks and is available exclusively from LevelUp and other concrete repair contractors in the Foundation Supportworks network. The cost for concrete leveling depends on the project's size and application, so don't hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate! PolyLevel is cost-effective because it offers a solution that is long-lasting, unlike mudjacking and slab replacement. And your concrete will never cost less to repair than it does right now.
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Is PolyLevel safe for the environment?
Yes. PolyLevel does not react with soil or moisture, so it will not leach harmful chemicals into the soil.
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Can I lift or level sunken concrete myself?
We do not recommend attempting to lift or level concrete yourself as most DIY products require specialized equipment and do not result in a long-lasting solution. Don't hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate!
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How soon can I use my driveway/sidewalk/patio/pool deck?
PolyLevel cures very quickly. In fact, you can drive your car over a driveway slab just 15 minutes after it's been lifted with PolyLevel.
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What causes concrete to crack?
Poorly compacted soil: When your home was built, soil movement around the building site results in poor compaction. Even when the replaced soil is compacted well, it's never as stable as the original soil. Over time, this can cause voids to form and slabs to settle.
Dry soil: Another cause of soil failure is drought. During dry conditions or even just during periods of warm weather and low precipitation, the soil under your concrete will dry out and shrink, creating voids. The concrete above eventually cracks and sinks into these empty spaces, especially if any weight is placed on it.
Flooding: When the rains return, the water has an even easier pathway under the slab due to cracks and crevices left over from the dry period. And this wet, soft soil is too weak to support the concrete above it. In the worst case, the soil erodes and washes away completely, leaving behind large voids that cannot support the weight of the concrete above.
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Is PolyLevel better than mudjacking?
PolyLevel offers many advantages over traditional concrete leveling methods like mudjacking. PolyLevel is significantly lighter at only 2 lbs. per cubic foot compared to 100 lbs. for cement slurry, which means a much more efficient installation process. PolyLevel is less invasive, only requiring holes that are smaller than the size of a dime to be drilled. PolyLevel won't wash away or erode over time, and best of all—it's cured and ready for traffic after just 15 minutes.
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How long does PolyLevel last?
PolyLevel does not react with soil or moisture so it won't erode away over time, effectively making it a permanent solution for filling voids and lifting settled concrete.
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Does PolyLevel require maintenance?
No. Once it's cured, your driveway/patio/sidewalk/pool deck are ready to use and don't require re-application of PolyLevel unless the underlying soil degrades further.
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Do you fix basement or retaining walls?
No. We focus on lifting and leveling slab foundation floors.
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What is concrete sealant?
Concrete sealants are liquid-based materials designed to protect concrete from surface damage and corrosion. Though chemical makeup can differ, there are two major types of concrete sealants: topical and penetrating.
Topical sealants:
- Sit on top of concrete slabs and form a layer that’s impermeable to moisture
- Protect the top, but can trap moisture that enters concrete from beneath the slab
- Best for interior application and smooth surfaces
- Often creates a slick, glossy surface
- Widely available
- Typically last 5-10 years, requires regular reapplication
Penetrating sealants:
- Penetrate the concrete, rather than sitting on top of it
- Can be used on more surface types
- Ideal for exterior applications
- Won’t become slick when wet
- Long-lasting because they don’t wear off the surface and are “breathable”"
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Can concrete sealant work with concrete that’s been repaired?
Yes! In fact, we recommend protecting your repaired concrete with a sealant so that your repairs last. We offer three concrete sealant systems: SealantPro, DecoShield, and CSS Emulsion.
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Can I seal concrete myself?
While you may find concrete sealant at big-box retailers, those solutions are temporary and will require reapplication at regular intervals (months or years depending on the product). If you're looking for a permanent solution, SealantPro is a concrete sealant that permanently bonds with the concrete surface and creates a waterproof, spill-proof barrier.
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Does concrete sealant need to be reapplied?
It depends on the product. SealantPro is permanent and does not need to be reapplied, whereas other solutions like DecoShield will need reapplication every 2-3 years for maximum protection and aesthetic appeal.
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Is concrete sealant permanent?
It depends on the product. SealantPro creates a permanent barrier on your concrete, whereas other solutions like DecoShield will need reapplication every 2-3 years for maximum protection and aesthetic appeal.
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What is SealantPro and what makes it better than the alternatives?
SealantPro is a highly versatile siliconate-based, penetrating concrete sealant. Its primary function is to keep moisture, and other chemicals from being absorbed into the concrete, which can cause it to deteriorate, particularly through freeze/thaw cycles.
Because SealantPro is reactive, it causes a chemical reaction inside the substrate (concrete, etc.) when it’s applied. That creates a new internal structure that acts like a shield to reduce water from coming in. Topical sealers work from the outside in because they sit on the surface and prevent water from penetrating, whereas SealantPro creates an interior shield to protect the concrete.
SealantPro has a very high solid content compared to other sealants (in some cases, up to 33% more), which means that a higher concentration is left in the concrete once other solvents and carriers evaporate, enhancing coverage and durability. It is also water-based rather than solvent-based, resulting in minimal volatile organic compounds (VOC) and no significant biproducts that are dangerous or damaging to the environment.
It requires just a single application and penetrates up to 1/4-inch – preventing a slippery surface. Once cured, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and never needs to be reapplied."
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What are the advantages of SealantPro?
- Permanently protects concrete from water penetration with just one application
- Protects and adds value to the home by extending the life of driveways, pool decks and other concrete structures
- Penetrates concrete and permanently bonds with it on a molecular level
- Cures in just 6 hours, so concrete can be trafficked within the same day
- Can be applied to new concrete
- Costs less over time because it does not need to be reapplied
- High pH level greatly reduces mold and mildew growth
- UV resistant and won’t discolor over time
- Limits materials from penetrating the concrete’s pores, allowing for more productive stain
removal - Dries clear and matte; won’t impact curb appeal or create a slippery, shiny surface
- Formulation is environmentally friendly
- Can be used as a primer prior to painting, topical sealant or flooring installation"
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