I have a 12 year old concrete patio. The concrete is structurally sound but has some stains and ground in dirt. The concrete patio has a salt finish and to my knowledge has never been sealed.

I am planning to build a wood deck on top of the patio. The deck will be attached to 2x4 sleepers that are directly attached to concrete.

I live in central AZ where is it is very dry, less than 9 inches average rainfall per year. Since the concrete will be covered, appearance is not a concern.

I was thinking about sealing the concrete before permanently covering it with a wood deck, but given how dry it is out here, I am not sure how much benefit I would gain from the expense of sealing. I know you are in the business of selling sealer, so maybe your answer is should be viewed with some skepticism, but I would value an honest assessment of the need to seal the concrete.

I wouldn't bother with a traditional sealer since it will last only 2 years or so. The Creto DPS may be of interest though. This will internally densify your cement creating structural stability.

For of all, thank you for your reply and frankness.

Can you tell me more about Creto DPS what is the active ingredient in the product. I can't seem to find a product description/specification on the web site. Also I didn't see a MSDS for the product.

Are the any independent test results you can point to that verify the claimed benefits i.e. what does "internally densify your cement creating structural stability" really mean in terms of extending the life of the patio.

Thanks!
Bob

From Website of Creto.net
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What is Creto DPS?
Creto DPS is a PERMANENT, ONE TIME application sealant that completely waterproofs, strengthens, cures, dustproofs, and preserves most masonry and cement-type surfaces. By penetrating deep and reacting with the free lime and alkali present in concrete, Creto DPS solidifies the masonry into a solid, non-porous mass. This creates a permanent internal seal that BECOMES PART OF THE MASONRY – not just a surface coating. Creto DPS protects without changing the color or texture of the surface.

Creto DPS is not a surface sealer. Creto DPS effectively starts working as a sealer about 2 to 3 mm below the surface. However, Creto DPS is much more than just a sealer.

Creto DPS contains a proprietary catalyst which causes a chain reaction to start:

It allows DPS to penetrate below the surface of the concrete or alkali bearing substrate where it “pursues moisture” down through the substrate.
Upon contact with the “free” alkali (lime) and calcium hydroxides (in that moisture) it reacts instantly to form a silica gel membrane on the (moist) surfaces of all the voids and particulate, (sand, aggregate and cement) immediately waterproofing the substrate.
Over time, this silica gel membrane hydrates and hardens into a solid, yet, breathing, glass impregnated mass which provides a permanent seal and moisture barrier, as well as increased surface hardness/dusting resistance and compressive and flexural strengths.