How often should stamped concrete in Ottawa be resealed?

We found no published source that gives a resealing interval for stamped concrete in Ottawa, or for stamped concrete anywhere. The published intervals we found disagree with each other, and the right answer depends on the product used. Follow the sealer maker's instructions for the specific product applied to your surface.

What does affect how often a stamped concrete surface needs attention is worth understanding. The National Research Council's Canadian Building Digest 116 notes that horizontal concrete surfaces at or near ground level, subjected to both freeze-thaw cycling and de-icing salts, face the severest exposure conditions. The Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario, an industry association, advises avoiding de-icing chemicals on concrete, especially in the first winter, and using sand instead where possible. They also note that concrete should be allowed a minimum of 30 days to air dry before sealing is done at all.

We found no source that turns the look of a sealed surface into a resealing schedule, so ask the contractor what the sealer maker says.

On the contractor and licence side: the City of Ottawa's Hardscaping Contractor Licence page lists patios and steps among the hard landscaping features requiring a licence for installation or alteration. We found no City statement on whether resealing alone, without any alteration to the surface, requires a hardscaping licence. The Licensing By-law excludes the sealing or re-sealing only of driveways or parking areas, and "minor repairs or minor alterations", which it does not define; we found no statement on resealing a patio, so ask the City. If you are hiring someone to reseal, ask them directly whether they hold a current City of Ottawa hardscaping contractor licence, and check the City's published list of licensed contractors yourself.

When you are comparing two written quotes for stamped concrete work, put these side by side: the base preparation depth and material specified in writing, the concrete compressive strength (the 2024 Ontario Building Code sets 32 MPa as the standard for exterior flatwork), the finish details including pattern and any colour, and whether removal and disposal of existing concrete is included or priced separately.