Without a doubt, concrete is able to withstand the elements on its own—after all, it’s been used to build skyscrapers, interstate bridges, and even ancient Roman temples that still stand today! However, outdoor concrete surfaces—especially those used for pedestrian or vehicle traffic—can be stained or damaged by everyday use. In areas that regularly experience cold and wet winters, the freeze-thaw cycle can widen cracks and create areas of spalling.
If your facility has an outdoor concrete surface that you’d like to keep attractive and pedestrian-safe, you’ll find several options for protective coatings. Below we’ve overviewed several of the most common options, ranked from the least to most protection.