Concrete driveways are always exposed to elements, such as snow, sun, and rain. So why do you need to seal them? The fact that they are designed to withstand abuse doesn’t mean you ignore the need for another layer of protection.
A good concrete sealer will do two things to your driveway:
- It will restore the existing dry and old-looking surface.
- It will extend the lifespan of your driveway for many years.
Think of concrete sealers as similar to applying sunscreen or waxing your vehicle. That blanket of protection will keep your driveway looking new as the colors won’t fade for many years.
Applying a concrete sealer on your driveway should be added to your maintenance routine. You can also choose a slip-resistant coating, especially if your driveway is on an incline. It will add another layer of safety, as it allows the tires to cling to the surface even if the driveway is wet.
Snow is the enemy of most driveways. If your concrete is not amply protected, it’s vulnerable to freeze-thaw damage, which can be expensive to repair.
Types of Sealers
There are two types of concrete sealers to choose from:
- Topical sealers — Under this category, you have acrylic or polyurethane. Epoxy polymers are also included in this category. Topical sealers work by coating the surface of the driveway. The material doesn’t impregnate the pores and cracks. It blankets the surface with a protective film so it can also be easily removed.
- Penetrating sealer — This concrete sealer gives invisible protection to your driveway. It’s also complicated to apply and requires a long preparation for your driveway. Installers use rollers to apply the penetrating sealer. On the plus side, you don’t need to spend extra money to reapply this sealer.
You can wait another ten years to reapply a penetrating sealer and be optimistic that your driveway remains spic and span during that duration. On the negative side, because they go straight to the concrete’s pores, your driveway can get slippery when wet. Also, if you have very dense concrete, this type of sealer will be a waste of money.
How Often Should You Reapply the Sealer?
It will be tempting to do it every year. But it can be bad for your driveway. If you do it every year, it will result in peeling and cracking, which can be an eyesore. The recommended application is once every couple of years or once every three years.
However, if your stamped concrete is built around a pool deck, you need to reapply the sealer much more frequently. The chemicals used in the water will break down the protective layer.
Meanwhile, if you have an asphalt driveway, you must understand that the sealing process can only cover about ⅛ of an inch. If you have larger cracks and holes, they need to be plugged first before applying the sealer.
If you are looking for a trusted distributor of concrete sealers, you can visit the showroom of Contractor Source along Lea Road, Morris, IL. You may also call their toll-free number at 1-888-263-5895 should you have any inquiries. If you call now, you can get a free quote from their friendly customer staff.
