Wash and Seal

Your concrete driveway, patio, and walkways represent a massive investment in your LaSalle property. Yet, most homeowners leave this investment completely exposed to its greatest enemies: the brutal Illinois weather and corrosive road salts. Unprotected concrete is like a sponge, absorbing water that freezes, expands, and breaks it apart from the inside. At R&R Concrete Solutions, we offer the most essential preventative maintenance service for your property: a professional concrete wash and seal. Think of it as an insurance policy for your concrete, protecting it from damage and keeping it looking great for years to come. To schedule this vital service, call our LaSalle team at 815-830-9470.

A professional wash and seal is far more than a simple “cleaning.” It is a two-part restoration and protection process designed to extend the life of your concrete and enhance your home’s curb appeal. We remove deep-seated dirt and stains and then apply a high-performance penetrating sealer that shields your concrete from within. This proactive service is the single most effective way to prevent costly repairs and preserve the value of your property.

More Than a Cleaning: What is a Professional Wash and Seal?

Our service is a comprehensive treatment that addresses both the appearance and the structural integrity of your concrete. It involves two critical phases:

Phase 1: Professional Deep Cleaning

We begin by using professional-grade pressure washing equipment and specialized surface cleaners to remove years of accumulated grime. This process lifts away dirt, mildew, algae, efflorescence (white, chalky stains), and other discolorations that a garden hose can’t touch. This deep cleaning not only restores the look of your concrete but also prepares it to properly accept the protective sealer.

Phase 2: Application of Penetrating Sealer

This is the most crucial step. After the concrete is clean and dry, we apply a high-quality, penetrating sealer. Unlike cheap, topical sealers that just form a film on the surface, our professional-grade products soak deep into the pores of the concrete. They create an invisible, hydrophobic barrier that repels water and salts without changing the texture or appearance of the surface. This internal protection is the key to preventing long-term damage.

Why Sealing is Essential for Concrete in LaSalle

In the Illinois Valley, unsealed concrete is in a constant battle for survival. Our professional sealing service gives it the defense it needs to win.

Defeating the Freeze-Thaw Cycle

When water soaks into concrete and freezes, it expands by about 9%, exerting immense internal pressure. This repeated cycle, known as freeze-thaw damage, causes the surface to flake, pit, and spall. Our penetrating sealer stops water absorption, effectively neutralizing the freeze-thaw cycle and preserving your concrete’s strength.

A Shield Against Corrosive Salts and Chemicals

The salts used on LaSalle roads in winter are highly corrosive to concrete. They chemically attack the cement paste and can accelerate the rusting of internal rebar. A sealed surface prevents these corrosive chemicals from penetrating the concrete, stopping the damage before it starts.

Preserving Your Investment and Curb Appeal

A professional wash and seal keeps your driveway and patio looking clean and new. It prevents oil stains from penetrating, makes the surface easier to clean, and protects the beauty of decorative surfaces like our Concrete Wood installations. It is a small investment that protects a much larger one.

Our Professional Concrete Wash and Seal Process

We follow a meticulous process to ensure maximum effectiveness and long-lasting protection for every surface we treat.

1. Thorough Surface Inspection: We begin by inspecting your concrete for any underlying issues. If we notice significant sinking or instability, we may recommend our slabjacking service first to ensure the concrete is level and secure before sealing.
2. Professional Power Washing: We use precisely calibrated pressure and effective cleaning agents to deep clean the entire surface without causing damage.
3. Proper Drying: We allow the concrete to dry completely. Applying sealer to a damp surface traps moisture and is ineffective, a mistake amateurs often make.
4. Expert Sealer Application: We apply the penetrating sealer using professional equipment, ensuring even, complete coverage for a flawless, protected finish.

Understanding the science of why this is so important can be helpful. As explained by industry authorities like the Portland Cement Association, controlling moisture is key to concrete’s longevity. Our service is designed to do exactly that.

Why R&R’s Sealing Service is the Superior Choice

The difference between a DIY job and a professional wash and seal is immense. R&R Concrete Solutions uses professional-grade, silane/siloxane penetrating sealers that provide much deeper protection and last significantly longer than the acrylic sealers sold at big-box stores. We are not a simple power washing company; we are concrete experts.

As a local LaSalle business, we know exactly what your concrete is up against each season. We have the right equipment and expertise to do the job safely and effectively, providing lasting protection that saves you money on future repairs. Whether you are protecting a brand new driveway or seeking to preserve a high-end finish like a garage floor coating, our service is the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing and Sealing

How often should I have my concrete sealed in the LaSalle area?

Due to our harsh winters, we recommend having your concrete professionally washed and sealed every 2 to 4 years. This frequency provides optimal protection against salt and freeze-thaw damage, keeping your concrete in excellent condition.

What is the difference between your sealer and one I can buy myself?

The primary difference is the chemistry. Most store-bought sealers are topical acrylics that form a thin film on the surface, which can wear away quickly and trap moisture. We use professional-grade penetrating sealers that chemically react inside the concrete to form a long-lasting, water-repellent barrier.

Will the sealer make my concrete slippery?

No. Because our high-quality sealers penetrate into the concrete rather than forming a glossy film on top, they do not alter the natural texture or slip resistance of your concrete surface.