Frequently Asked Questions

In Utah's unique climate, professional concrete sealing typically lasts 3-5 years, though this varies based on several factors. High-altitude areas like Park City experience intense UV exposure and dramatic temperature swings that can accelerate wear. Heavy traffic patterns, snow removal practices, and de-icing salt usage also impact longevity.

Mountain West Surface uses commercial-grade penetrating sealers specifically formulated for Utah's harsh mountain climate. We've seen our sealers protect driveways for 5+ years in Summit County when properly maintained. Annual inspections help maximize your sealer's lifespan, and we recommend reapplication when water no longer beads on the surface.

Late spring through early fall (May through September) offers ideal conditions for concrete sealing in Utah. You need consistent temperatures above 50°F for at least 24 hours after application, with no rain in the forecast for 48 hours. Park City's unpredictable spring weather makes June-August the most reliable window.

For new concrete, wait at least 28-30 days after pouring to allow complete curing - rushing this can trap moisture and cause sealer failure. Fall sealing (September) is particularly smart in Utah, as it protects concrete before winter's freeze-thaw cycles begin. Mountain West Surface monitors weather patterns closely and will reschedule if conditions aren't optimal for proper curing.

Concrete sealing costs in Utah typically range from $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot, depending on surface condition, sealer type, and project size. A standard 500 sq ft driveway runs $300-$600, while larger 1,000 sq ft driveways cost $600-$1,200.

Factors affecting price include surface preparation needs (pressure washing, crack repair), sealer quality (penetrating vs. topical), accessibility, and location. Mountain West Surface offers volume discounts for property managers sealing multiple units. While DIY sealer costs $30-$60 per gallon at hardware stores, professional application ensures proper surface prep, even coverage, and longer-lasting results. We provide free estimates and detailed breakdowns so you know exactly what you're paying for before we start.

While not legally required, sealing your concrete driveway is highly recommended in Utah and practically essential in mountain communities. Utah's climate is particularly harsh on unsealed concrete - winter freeze-thaw cycles cause water to expand in cracks, leading to spalling and surface deterioration. Road salt and de-icing chemicals penetrate unsealed concrete, accelerating breakdown. UV exposure at high altitudes fades and weakens the surface.

Sealing creates a protective barrier against moisture, chemicals, staining, and UV damage, typically extending concrete life by 10-15 years. For Park City driveways exposed to heavy snow removal and salt application, sealing isn't just recommended - it's the difference between a 15-year lifespan and a 30-year lifespan.

Penetrating sealers absorb into concrete, forming a chemical barrier within the surface. They don't change appearance, resist UV damage, and allow moisture vapor to escape - critical in Utah's climate to prevent freeze-thaw damage. They last 3-5 years and work best on exterior surfaces.

Topical sealers sit on the surface, creating a visible protective film. They enhance color, provide a glossy or matte finish, and offer better stain resistance but can be slippery when wet and may yellow under UV exposure. They typically last 1-3 years and require more frequent reapplication.

Mountain West Surface primarily uses penetrating sealers for Utah driveways and patios because they handle our temperature extremes better and don't create slippery surfaces dangerous during winter months. We'll recommend topical sealers only for decorative concrete where appearance is the priority.

Sealing a standard residential driveway takes 4-8 hours from start to finish, though the full process spans 2-3 days when including prep work and curing time. Day 1 involves pressure washing and allowing the surface to dry completely (24 hours minimum). Day 2 is the actual sealing application, which takes 2-4 hours for most driveways depending on size and complexity. After application, you'll need to stay off the surface for 24-48 hours for proper curing.

Mountain West Surface typically schedules projects across multiple days to ensure optimal results. Park City's lower humidity helps sealers cure faster than in many regions, but we prioritize quality over speed. We'll coordinate with your schedule to minimize disruption, and we can often work around vehicles if you need access during the curing period.

While DIY concrete sealing is possible, professional application offers significantly better results, especially in Utah's challenging climate. Common DIY mistakes include inadequate surface preparation, applying sealer in wrong weather conditions, using incorrect sealer types, creating uneven coverage with visible lap marks, and rushing the process. DIY supplies cost $100-$300, but redoing failed applications costs more than hiring professionals initially.

Mountain West Surface brings commercial-grade equipment, professional-grade sealers unavailable to consumers, 12+ years of experience with Utah's specific conditions, proper surface preparation techniques, and warranty protection. For small patios, DIY might work, but for driveways and large areas in mountain climates, professional application ensures your investment lasts the full 3-5 years. We've repaired dozens of failed DIY sealing jobs - the most expensive option is doing it twice.

Park City concrete should be resealed every 3-4 years due to the area's particularly harsh conditions. High altitude means intense UV exposure that breaks down sealers faster. Extreme temperature fluctuations (summer highs of 80°F to winter lows of -10°F) accelerate wear. Heavy snowfall and aggressive snow removal with metal plows damage surfaces. Frequent de-icing salt application penetrates and degrades concrete.

The simple test: if water no longer beads on the surface, it's time to reseal. Mountain West Surface recommends annual inspections for Park City properties. High-traffic areas like main driveways may need resealing every 2-3 years, while protected patios can go 4-5 years. We keep service records and proactively contact property management clients when resealing is due, ensuring your concrete stays protected before damage occurs.

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water (2,000-4,000 PSI) to blast away dirt, grime, mold, and stains from durable surfaces like concrete, brick, and stone. It's ideal for driveways, sidewalks, and heavily soiled areas.

Soft washing uses low-pressure water (under 1,000 PSI) combined with specialized cleaning solutions to gently remove organic growth, stains, and buildup from delicate surfaces. It's perfect for roofs, siding, painted surfaces, and wood decks where high pressure could cause damage.

Mountain West Surface uses both techniques depending on the surface. We pressure wash concrete driveways and patios to prepare them for sealing, removing years of embedded dirt. We soft wash vinyl siding, roofs, and painted surfaces to clean without damaging. Many Utah properties need both services - pressure washing for hardscapes and soft washing for the home exterior.

No, pressure washing can damage delicate surfaces if used improperly. Safe for pressure washing: concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, brick pavers, stone walls, concrete block, and metal surfaces. Unsafe or risky: asphalt shingles (can remove protective granules), vinyl siding (water can get behind panels), painted wood (strips paint), stained or sealed wood decks (damages finish), windows (can break seals), and electrical fixtures.

Mountain West Surface adjusts pressure and nozzle types for each surface. We use wide-angle nozzles and lower pressure for sensitive areas, and high-pressure zero-degree nozzles for tough concrete stains. Our technicians are trained to identify surface types and select appropriate techniques. For vulnerable surfaces in Park City homes, we'll recommend soft washing as a safer alternative that still delivers excellent cleaning results without damage risks.

Utah homes should be pressure washed every 1-2 years to maintain curb appeal and prevent damage. Annual pressure washing is recommended for homes in Park City and mountain communities due to higher moisture levels promoting mold and mildew growth, pine pollen and organic debris accumulation, road dust and dirt from nearby construction, and snow mold that develops under snowpack.

Concrete surfaces should be cleaned before sealing and then annually to remove dirt, oil, and salt buildup. Homes with significant tree cover need more frequent cleaning due to organic staining. Mountain West Surface recommends spring cleaning (April-May) to remove winter grime and prepare for summer, and fall cleaning (September-October) to clear debris before winter. Regular pressure washing prevents stains from becoming permanent, removes organic growth before it causes damage, and maintains property value.

Yes, Mountain West Surface provides completely free, no-obligation estimates for all concrete sealing and pressure washing projects. We'll visit your property to assess surface conditions, measure the area, identify any preparation needs like crack repair, explain our process and timeline, and provide a detailed written quote. Most estimates take 15-30 minutes, and we can often provide same-day quotes for straightforward projects.

We serve Park City, Summit County, Heber City, and Wasatch County properties, and we're happy to provide estimates for commercial properties, residential homes, and multi-unit property management portfolios. Contact us at (435) 709-6999 or mwsurfaceco@gmail.com to schedule your free estimate. We're also available to answer questions about concrete sealing and pressure washing before you commit to an estimate visit.

Mountain West Surface primarily serves Park City, Summit County, Heber City, and Wasatch County. Our core service area includes Park City, Deer Valley, Silver Springs, Jeremy Ranch, Summit Park, Kamas, Oakley, Heber City, Midway, Charleston, and surrounding mountain communities throughout Summit and Wasatch Counties. We specialize in high-altitude properties and understand the unique challenges of mountain climate concrete protection.

For larger commercial projects, we're available throughout Northern Utah including Salt Lake County and Utah County. We focus on mountain communities because Utah's high-altitude conditions require specialized knowledge - the concrete sealing techniques that work in the valley don't always perform well at 7,000+ feet elevation. Contact us at (435) 709-6999 to confirm service availability for your specific location. We're always happy to discuss project feasibility, even for areas slightly outside our standard service zone.

Yes, Mountain West Surface LLC is fully business licensed and fully insured to operate in Utah. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance to protect your property during our work, and workers' compensation insurance for all our employees. Our licensing and insurance mean you're protected if any accidents or damage occur during service, we meet all Utah state requirements for professional contractors, and property managers can confidently add us to their approved vendor lists.

We're happy to provide proof of insurance and licensing documentation upon request, which is often required by property management companies and HOAs. Many homeowners don't realize that hiring uninsured contractors puts their property at risk - if an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could be held liable. Our insurance and licensing give you peace of mind that you're working with legitimate professionals who take our business seriously.

Mountain West Surface accepts multiple payment methods for your convenience: cash, check, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), Venmo, and Zelle. For larger projects over $1,000, we can arrange payment plans with 50% due upon project start and 50% due upon completion. Property management companies can set up monthly billing for ongoing maintenance contracts.

We provide detailed invoices for all work, and we never require full payment upfront - you pay when you're satisfied with the results. For commercial projects and property management portfolios, we offer NET-30 payment terms to established clients. Payment is due upon project completion unless other arrangements have been made. We'll discuss payment terms during your free estimate so there are no surprises. Our goal is to make professional concrete sealing accessible and affordable for all Utah property owners.