SECTION 559 - PROTECTIVE COATINGS FOR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE (Last Revised January, 2022)
559-1 DESCRIPTION. The work in this section shall include work required for protective coatings of
concrete.
559-1.01 Scope. Apply a protective sealer to concrete surfaces to slow down/reduce the ingress of water
and chlorides into the concrete at locations indicated on the plans or as directed by the Engineer.
559-1.02 Definitions
A.Penetrating Type Protective Sealers – A Penetrating Sealer is a type of sealer that is applied to a concrete surface and has the ability to penetrate the surface and chemically bond to the concrete. These are used on both new and existing concrete bridge decks and traffic bearing surfaces to include, but not limited to: approach slabs, bridge deck overlays, and sidewalks. Penetrating Sealers are also used on new structural concrete and precast concrete elements that are subject to water and/or chloride exposure and require long term protection.
B.Coating Type Protective Sealers – A Coating Sealer is a type of sealer that is applied to the surface of existing concrete when a uniform appearance is required. These are two part systems which consist of a primer coat followed by a top coat. Coating Sealers are used on new and existing concrete surfaces when an aesthetic appearance is desired, as they can hide stained or underlying repair areas while providing protection to the concrete.
559-2 Materials
559-2.01 Protective Sealing of Structural Concrete
The protective sealers to be used on concrete surfaces shall be on the Approved List and meet the requirements of one of the following subsections: §717-03 Penetrating Type Protective Sealers §717-04 Coating Type Protective Sealers The protective sealer required for use on all traffic and/or pedestrian bearing surfaces shall be a Penetrating Type Protective Sealer which has a 100% solids content as noted on the Approved List. Penetrating Type Protective Sealer manufactured after April 1, 2022 shall be tinted with a fugitive dye such that the sealer is readily distinguishable upon the concrete surface for at least 4 hours after application but shall become inconspicuous within 7 days after application.
559-3 Construction Details
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NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2
559-3.01 Protective Sealing of Structural Concrete
A.General. Provide the Engineer with the Sealer Manufacturer's written instructions for application and the proposed method of surface preparation and sealer application at least 7 days prior to the start of work. Only one brand and specific type of sealer off the Approved List will be allowed for use on each individual element of a project (i.e., each pier, bridge deck, abutment, etc.). Follow all sealer manufacturer’s written instructions except as modified herein.
B.Surface Preparation. For both new and existing concrete applications, care shall be taken while preparing and cleaning the surfaces to be sealed to ensure that all contaminants are satisfactorily removed without undue damage to the concrete surface or exposure of coarse aggregate. Contaminants may include but not be limited to grime, dirt, laitance, efflorescence, curing compounds, standing water, oil, paint, or other foreign particles which may prevent penetration or adhesion of the sealer. Prepare the surface for sealing by utilizing a procedure with appropriate equipment that will satisfactorily complete this work, in accordance with the sealer manufacturer’s written instructions and subject to the approval of the Engineer. Surface preparation methods usually consist of either: sand, shot, or water blasting with a minimum water blast pressure of 7,000 psi. Upon completion of the cleaning process, the concrete surface shall be free of any remaining residue. All surface preparation work shall be completed and approved by the Engineer, prior to sealer application.
1.New Bridge Decks and Bridge Deck Overlays. All required surface texturing, saw cut grooving, diamond grinding, and construction of barriers, parapets, and walks shall be completed prior to the surface being prepared for sealing. All new concrete bridge decks and bridge deck overlays to be sealed shall air dry for a minimum of 72 hours after completion of the required curing period. If the concrete is subjected to rain or moisture from other operations, the drying period shall be extended 24 hours from the time that the concrete has stopped being wetted. After the drying period has ended, the concrete surface shall be lightly cleaned in accordance with the sealer manufacturer’s written instructions followed by vacuum cleaning to prepare the surface and remove any contaminants or loose particles. If water blasting is utilized, the surface shall be air dried upon completion for a minimum of 24 hours or as specified in the sealer manufacturer's written instructions, whichever is longer, before the sealer can be applied. The deck shall be clean and free of all debris prior to sealer application. If a new bridge deck or bridge deck overlay is subjected to traffic for 21 days or more prior to sealing, the concrete surface shall be thoroughly cleaned in accordance with the sealer manufacturer's written instructions before sealer can be applied.
2.New Structural Concrete. All new structural concrete that is to be sealed shall air dry for 14 days after completion of the required curing period or for the length of time specified in the sealer manufacturer's written instructions, whichever is longer. If the concrete is subjected to rain or moisture from other project operations, the drying period shall be extended 24 hours for every day the concrete is subjected to water. After the drying period has ended, the concrete surface shall be lightly cleaned in accordance with the sealer manufacturer's written instructions followed by vacuum cleaning, to prepare the surface and remove any contaminants or loose particles. If water blasting is utilized, the surface shall be air dried upon completion for a minimum of 24 hours or as specified in the sealer manufacturer's written instructions, whichever is longer, before the sealer can be applied. The concrete surface shall be clean and free of all debris prior to sealer application.
3.Existing Structural Concrete and Existing Bridge Decks. Existing concrete surfaces to be sealed shall be thoroughly cleaned with light sand or shot blasting, in accordance with the sealer
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NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2 manufacturer's written instructions followed by vacuum cleaning, to prepare the surface and remove any contaminants or loose particles. Where the use of sand or shot blasting is prohibitive, water blasting may be allowed, provided the Contractor can demonstrate the ability to provide a clean, porous surface in accordance with the requirements of the sealer manufacturer’s written instructions. If the concrete is subjected to rain or moisture from other operations such as water blasting, upon completion the surface shall be air dried for a minimum of 24 hours or as specified in the sealer manufacturer's written instructions, whichever is longer, before the sealer can be applied. Surface preparation of any concrete or bridge deck surfaces with existing coatings known to be asbestos containing shall be performed subsequent to coating removal and completed in accordance with Section 210 of the Standard Specifications.
C.Sealer Application
1.Weather Limitations. Sealer materials shall not be applied during wet weather conditions or when adverse weather conditions are anticipated within 12 hours of the completion of sealer application or as specified in the sealer manufacturer's written instructions, whichever is longer. Ambient and surface temperatures shall be a minimum of 40°F and rising during application until the sealed concrete is dry to the touch. Application by spray methods will not be permitted during windy conditions if unsatisfactory coverage will result.
2.Yield Check. If penetrating sealer is to be applied in a single coat to a traffic bearing surface, the Contractor shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Engineer that the proposed equipment and procedure will result in uniform coverage at the application rate specified on the Approved List before sealer can be applied.
3.Application. The protective sealer shall be used as supplied by the manufacturer without thinning or alteration with exception of the fugitive dye. Equipment for sealer application shall be compatible with sealer manufacturer requirements, in good working order, clean of foreign materials and approved for use by the Engineer. The quantity of sealer material delivered to the project shall be demonstrated by direct measurement in the presence of the Engineer prior to commencement of sealing application. Assumptions of volumes of unopened containers will not be permitted. The sealer shall be applied by brushing, spraying, or rolling, as recommended by the sealer manufacturer. The direct measurement shall be repeated in the presence of the Engineer when sealer application work is complete to verify the quantity of sealer applied.
a.For Penetrating Type Protective Sealers – Apply sealer in one or more coats in accordance with the sealer manufacturer’s written instructions. The total quantity of sealer applied by all coats shall be equal to the quantity required at the application rate specified on the Approved List. The application rate for all traffic and pedestrian bearing surfaces shall be 200 ft2/gal. Additional coats shall be applied perpendicular to the previous coat. Care shall be taken when applying each coat, such that running or pooling does not occur. The final coat shall be allowed to dry according to the sealer manufacturer's written instructions before opening to traffic. On sloping and vertical concrete surfaces, sealer application shall progress from bottom to top. Care shall be taken to ensure that the entire surface of the concrete is covered, and all pores filled. A 1-pint sample of sealer is required to be taken at a random time during sealer application from the point of application (i.e., from the nozzle of sprayer or spray bar or from the sealer container where sprayers, brushes or rollers are loaded) for quality assurance purposes. This sample shall be submitted to the Department’s Central Testing Laboratory (CTL), to the attention of the Chemistry Lab for evaluation. Additional samples may be requested by the Department at any time.
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NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2
b.For Coating Type Protective Sealers – Apply in accordance with the Contract Plans and the sealer manufacturer's written instructions.
559-4 Method of Measurement
The quantity to be measured for payment will be in the number of square feet of concrete sealed measured to the nearest whole square foot.
559-5 Basis of Payment
The unit price bid shall include the cost of furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to satisfactorily complete the work. Payment will be made under: Item No. Item Pay Unit 559.01 Protective Sealing of Structural Concrete on New Bridge Square Foot Decks and Bridge Deck Overlays 559.02 Protective Sealing of New Structural Concrete Square Foot 559.03 Protective Sealing of Existing Structural Concrete and Existing Bridge Decks Square Foot 559.04 Protective Sealing of Concrete with Coating Type Protective Sealer SquareFoot
Referenced in this section
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Source: Standard Specifications (US Customary Units), 2026 (Jan) Edition. Pages 527–530 of 1,489. View official source ↗