Concrete Driveway Sealing
Concrete is a very porous material, and sealers help to repel moisture. This helps to reduce the risk of stains and cracks and extends the lifespan of the slab.
It’s recommended that a concrete driveway be resealed every year. However, it’s important to choose a quality product to ensure safety and maximum durability. Learn more by clicking here.
Prevents Water Damage
Concrete can be damaged by a number of things, from soil erosion to freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete sealers prevent these issues by filling in the concrete’s natural pores, preventing water from seeping into them and then freezing and expanding. This minimizes damage to the surface of the concrete, extending its lifespan and preserving its appearance.
Additionally, concrete sealers help make it much easier to clean your driveway. With a sealer in place, your concrete becomes self-cleaning every time it rains, as water “sweeps” dirt away from the surface. Even tougher grime build-up can be easily swept or sprayed away with a pressure washer.
Finally, concrete sealers protect against UV rays that break down the polymers and bonds of the concrete, causing it to deteriorate over time. By using a UV-blocking concrete sealer, you can extend the life of your concrete and ensure it maintains its color for as long as possible. A professional can recommend the right type of sealer for your specific needs.
Prevents Stains
Concrete is a very porous material, and without a sealer, your driveway may easily become stained from oil spills, automotive fluids or even just settling of the concrete. A concrete sealer will prevent these liquids from penetrating into the surface of your driveway, and make it easy to clean up any stains that do occur.
If you are planning on using a stain-resistant sealer for your concrete, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface of your concrete before starting. For most stains, a thorough scrub with a high-pressure power washer and a cleaning solution that is human and pet-safe will suffice. After scrubbing, it is important to allow the concrete to dry completely.
There are several types of concrete sealers on the market including epoxy, polyurethane, and penetrating resins. The type you choose will depend on your budget and the desired finish for the concrete surface. Penetrating sealers are made from specialty resins that penetrate into the pores of the concrete and chemically react to create a barrier against water, oil, and other contaminants.
Prevents Slipperiness
Concrete sealants have a tendency to create a slick surface. This can be a problem on driveways that get a lot of traffic from vehicles. In order to reduce this slipperiness, some contractors add a non-slip additive or anti-skid to the sealants they use on new driveways.
The most durable concrete sealants provide resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. They can also protect the concrete from staining caused by oil and other liquids. These penetrating concrete sealers can be applied using a sprayer and typically only require 1 coat.
Concrete sealants are available in a variety of sheen levels, including no-gloss and matte finishes. It is important to note that sealants need to be reapplied every few years. To prolong their life, you should sweep the driveway regularly and hose it down occasionally. Also, you should avoid parking on the driveway until it dries completely, which takes 24 hours or more. This will ensure that the sealant is able to properly bond with the concrete.
Enhances Aesthetics
Concrete is rough, grey, and dull, but it can be made to look quite beautiful with the application of a concrete sealer. This not only prevents ugly stains from oil, grease, and other fluids but can also protect the color of dyed or pigmented concrete. It can also help revive old dingy concrete and make it shiny, depending on the type of sealer used.
Concrete sealers are available in a variety of colors, tints, and gloss levels so that homeowners can find the best option for their aesthetic goals. There are also penetrating concrete sealers for older concrete that are already in place that help provide enhanced protection from moisture, staining, and other environmental factors.
It is important to keep in mind that although a sealer provides added protection to concrete, it must be resealed regularly. It can also be a time-consuming task, and it is best to hire professionals to perform the work rather than doing it yourself. Next blog post.