Sealing is usually done with a solvent based acrylic resin. Given the condition of some of the roads around me, perhaps they should be sealed If a driveway is installed with the proper pitch ( 1 inch for every 5 feet) water should drain off … This means that your driveway will last a long time. Driveway Seal Coat Information, How to, and Pro's and Con's. The industry standard is 28 days but that depends on the climate and mix of concrete. These can last up to 25 years in some cases, but we recommend re-sealing concrete driveways every 5-10 years. A sealer will keep water from sinking into the driveway. Weather can have a harsh effect on asphalt driveways. This post was most recently updated on February 18th, 2021Update for 2021 – How to Seal Concrete Driveways In this updated article, we explain How to Seal Concrete Driveways. This will usually take 1-2 hours at 23 degrees … Or, if there’s too much damage and crumbling, you may need to weigh the pros and cons of concrete resurfacing vs. … And the answer is, the sooner you seal a new concrete driveway the better, but no sooner than at least 3 weeks after installation. It ensures your driveway … If a driveway is unsealed, moisture from rain and snow will work its way into the porous concrete or asphalt, pool up, and eventually weaken the material to the point of cracking. Before any driveway sealing project, the first thing you need to do is measure the square footage of your driveway. Buying the Right Materials. Such products will contain a label that reads “penetrating sealers,” and they’re an excellent choice for protecting surfaces against stains. A: Concrete needs to be sealed, concrete needs to be sealed, concrete needs to be sealed! How Do You Clean Unsealed Concrete Floors? How to Seal a Driveway. How do you know what sealer is right for your driveway? Since there are different types of acrylics, it’s worth noting that some perform better than others. Forming a permanent chemical bond with the substrate, they don’t wear away until the substrate itself wears away, lasting for years without maintenance. Acrylic resin-based sealers: Sealers that lay down a film of acrylic resin provide impressive performance for their inexpensive cost. Cleaning your substrate surface thoroughly is the first step to take. What is Encaustic Tile and How do you Apply it? Because both stain and paint have their advantages, choosing the right one for your concrete driveway can be challenging. A secondary benefit of sealant is that it stops stains from setting on your concrete driveway. Request your free consultation today. If you need expert technical advice, our trusted advisors at V-SEAL can walk you through product application, selection, and answer any questions you may have: 877-738-7325. Acrylic topical coatings have the shortest lifespan, needing re-applied every 1-3 years. While reactive penetrating sealers are typically clear providing no color enhancement or gloss, topical coating systems can add a decorative element, while offering additional protection from moisture stains, chemicals, grease, gas, and oils. If you are asking us we are adamant that all concrete should be sealed. The first step is addressing minor cracks using the best concrete driveway patch. So you want to make sure it's done right to prevent further damage to your concrete or asphalt. This is especially common in geographical areas that are prone to regular melt-freeze cycles, such as much of British Columbia. Freeze thaw damage can cause cracks or surface flaking and is caused by water penetrating the surface of the concrete and then expanding as it freezes. All The Answers You’re Looking For In Our Do-It-Yourself Guide To Sealing And Coating Your Driveway, As a homeowner, don’t you want to do everything in your power to protect your biggest investment? Sealing your driveway is especially beneficial if yours is stained or etched, or if you live in a region where winter road salt can deteriorate your concrete. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. It is ideally used as a curing agent for newly placed concrete, or a sealer for existing concrete, providing durable protection, superior color enhancement, wet-look to gloss appearance, dust/scaling/spalling reduction, and chloride/mildew/stain repellence. The walkways and driveways just beautify the entrances to your home. Our experts can handle all repairs, big or small. Seal Asphalt Driveway Podcast: Tim Carter received the following email from Russ not too long ago: "I read your column in the Chicago Tribune. Click to see full answer. A third reason why you should seal your driveway is that it will reduce the chance of freeze thaw damage. If you would like a quote to seal your concrete, contact Avante Concrete for a free estimate at 604-599-8825! You can blend this sealant with epoxy, silicone, or polyurethane to prolong its durability. After you seal your asphalt driveway, click here for 13 creative driveway landscaping ideas. You should contact a driveway contractor or a V-SEAL expert to be sure. One way to keep your concrete driveway, walkway or walls looking good is to wash them and seal them every 2 to 3 years. What Products Should I Use to Seal My Concrete Driveway? After the concrete has dried for at least 24 hours, you can effectively apply a concrete sealer. Concrete sealers are not substances you want to have in contact with your eyes or skin, so wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and eye protection when applying them. Four Main Types of Reactive Penetrating Sealers. Posted on June 15th, 2015 We get asked this question all the time. V-SEAL 102, also known as WINTER GUARD, is another Siliconate penetrating sealer ideal for curing new broom finished concrete and sealing existing broom finished concrete and porous block. For most concrete driveway projects, we’ll recommend the DIY-friendly acrylic topical coatings, like INDUSTRA-GLOSS SB. Hard Rock Concrete Coatings is Utah’s premier concrete coating expert. You can apply your sealant with a roller or sprayer, depending on your product. We take the time to make each job unique so it will be something that we and the customer can be proud of. But this work is a big investment; the cost for sealing a driveway ranges from $200 to $400 per 1,000 square feet. Once the concrete is properly prepared you can then go about sealing the concrete. If you live in a climate that undergoes frequent and major freeze/thaw cycles, not sealing your concrete driveway is a bad idea. These sealers are made of specialty resins, such as siloxanes, silanes, and silicones. Concrete sealer helps prevent water from creeping into the small pores and imperfections that lead to cracks and crumbling. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Whether you want to make something more functional, Most of us don’t regularly clean unsealed concrete floors, like those in unfinished basements, because we don’t consider them a main area. Ultimately, longevity depends on the specific sealer you choose, the climate, the surface type, and the amount of pressure the surface experiences over time. If you have encountered any issues and have any suggestions or have any questions, please comment below. Your concrete driveway will perform adequately if you never seal it, but if you apply a high-quality sealant every few years, it can extend its life and keep it looking fresh. When it comes to protecting your concrete driveway… What to Do About Cracks in a Concrete Driveway Use the size and position of the cracks in your driveway to diagnose its problems and figure out if you'll be able to DIY a fix. We specialize in everything from acid staining, waterproof decking, epoxy coatings, concrete sealing, repair, and the most unique concrete countertops in the state. Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. Sealing will help you in maintaining the pavers. If you want to resurface your concrete driveway, many consider that the “middle-ground” of caring for your driveway. When choosing a concrete sealer determine the type of protection you are looking for before choosing a product. This prevents damage. If you’re looking to get crafty this winter, homemade concrete offers plenty of possibilities for DIY fun. Penetrating sealers: These sealers are made of specialty resins, such as siloxanes, silanes, and silicones. PHASE II (Repellent Enhancer and Hardener/Densifier), Industra-Seal 117 PLS (Professional Strength Lithium Silicate), Industra-Coat Epoxy & Urethane Complete Kit-Gloss, Industra-Coat Epoxy & Urethane Complete Kit - Satin/Matte, Industra-Coat 3322 Low VOC Urethane Topcoat, Industra-Coat 3520 Water Based Low Gloss Urethane Topcoat, CounterTek 6 NanoCoat (formerly TK6 NanoCoat), CounterTek CTS Pro - for Concrete, Terazzo, & Stone (formerly StoneLok MLT Plus), CounterTek Countertop Kits (formerly Stonelok™ E3/2K2), V-SCRUB HD (Heavy Duty Concentrated Alkaline Cleaner), V-SCRUB ETCH (Acidic Cleaner for Reacted Stains & Etching), Super Color (UV Stable Semi-Transparent Concrete Stain), Super Dye (Acetone Dye Concentrate for Interior Concrete). What are the Benefits of Concrete Driveway Sealing? Hard Rock Concrete Coatings specializes in repairing concrete mishaps, dings, and damages. If over-applied, penetrating sealers may leave a white residue and topical coatings will result in a flaky, bubbled appearance. When properly sealed and/or resealed, the service life of concrete is greatly extended. We service the Salt Lake County area. Though concrete is a strong material, extreme weather conditions will crack and put holes in the concrete driveway; this leads the driveway vulnerable to further damage. Many homeowners do not consider seal coating their driveway probably because they are too busy or that they do not … The new concrete driveway needs to be sealed immediately after the concrete is … It is one of the first things that people’s eyes fall on when they visit your home. In other regions, concrete should be sealed for specific purposes such as stain repellence, dust reduction, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance or to maintain an attractive appearance. Sealing a concrete driveway often makes the driveway look good and also helps in extending the life of the concrete driveway. Penetrating sealers may be applied to slightly damp surfaces, but topical sealers require very dry, clean substrates. Let’s dig into the two main categories of sealer for concrete: reactive penetrating sealers and topical coatings. If you want them to look flawless and shining, then yes! A driveway sealer should be applied after the freshly poured concrete has cured. Driveway concrete sealer helps to protect and preserve the appearance of your new driveway by reducing the risk of small and large cracks. Penetrating sealers usually don’t require a second coat and topical coatings will have a re-coat time ranging from 2-24 hours, depending on the product. Apply three thin coats of sealant to your driveway, allowing each coat to dry between applications. A sealer is stain-resistant. Use powerwashing to remove the toughest of stains from the … This type of proper driveway maintenance saves you money in the long run and in most cases, it’s a fairly simple do-it-yourself project. Even for those who live in areas where it never gets below freezing, sealing and coating your concrete driveway will help better protect it from discoloration, staining, and damage from oil, salt, and other household chemicals. With our experience and top of the line products we can guarantee satisfaction. Stain and paint can work very differently on your driveway and should be chosen with care. If you are looking to seal a driveway from road salts, use a penetrating salt repellent sealer. This chemically reactive deep penetrating sealer is ideal for residential driveways, as well as ponds, fountains, statues, and other structures. If left unsealed concrete is at high risk of decay, cracking, crumbling, rust, spalling, pitting and the list goes on a on. Learn more about the sealing process in today’s blog. … A sealer helps prevent future stains and potential damage from products like ice salts. Many homeowners today are looking for ways to increase the longevity of their property and exterior surfaces. Much of the work involved in sealing concrete driveways is preparation—both for the concrete area and you. And the answer is, the sooner you seal a new concrete driveway the better, but no sooner than at least 3 weeks after installation. A sealer, such as an epoxy flooring can help repel moisture and keep it on the surface. Why You Should I Sealcoat My Driveway . UV rays. Is it Necessary to Seal a New Concrete Driveway? Most of the work involved in sealing concrete driveways is preparation. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Try to stick to virgin or pure acrylic resin, which can last longer and won’t turn yellow. Is sealing your driveway worth the time, effort and expense. One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is, "When should I seal my concrete driveway?" Once the concrete is properly prepared you can then go about sealing the concrete. Depending on weather and traffic, when using an acrylic sealer exposed aggregate concrete should be sealed every 12 to 36 months. (Photo courtesy of Julie D.) Get quotes from up to 3 pros! This post was most recently updated on January 19th, 2021Update for 2021: Why Seal Concrete Driveways In this updated article, we talk about Why Seal Concrete Driveways? Sealing expansion and control joints in your concrete driveway. Each driveway is different, but as a general rule of thumb, homeowners should seal their driveways once … These coatings provide the highest resistance to surface stains and vary greatly in appearance and longevity depending on which type you choose. If you decide to seal a blacktop driveway, you open up a Pandora’s box of problems, in my opinion. Liquid will get in the cracks and expand rapidly. They can penetrate the concrete and create a chemical barrier to oil, water, and other infamous contaminants. If you live in a climate that undergoes frequent and major freeze/thaw cycles, not Some people who own asphalt driveways may seal theirs too frequently, whereas owners of concrete driveways may not seal theirs at all. It’s essential to clear all loose debris so your sealer can make proper contact with the substrate. Boring Concrete? You’ll want to apply this sealer carefully, as too much of it can make your driveway slippery and make it difficult for your concrete to breathe moisture out. With that said, there’s plenty of general advice to offer when it comes to sealing your driveway. Erosion from wind and rain can cause small cracks on the surface of the driveway, which can quickly lead to larger cracks. As such, this will keep the driveway cleaner for longer. It is a good idea to seal your concrete driveway. On Aug. 18, 2016, you wrote that "Sealing a blacktop driveway is unnecessary." For most projects, we recommend a Siliconate penetrating sealer, like V-SEAL 101. Most contractors find success waiting 7 to 14 days, but the official time for curing is 28 days. Sealer should be applied at least once a year. Driveway sealer is available in various grades and price ranges, from as little as $15 per 5-gallon pail to about $35 per pail for a premium product. The main purpose of sealing pavers is to protect them. Here's the important information you should know about concrete sealer for driveways: WHY YOU SHOULD USE A SEALER ON YOUR DRIVEWAY. If you have encountered any issues and have any suggestions or have any questions, please comment below. When properly applied, the product should create a wet surface sheen and absorb within one minute without puddles. Sealers that lay down a film of acrylic resin provide impressive performance for their inexpensive cost. If a cure and seal is not being used, then you should allow the concrete to cure for 2-4 weeks. A driveway sealer should be applied after the freshly poured concrete has cured anywhere from 7-28 days. Sealing a concrete driveway is a sensible way to protect and extend the lifespan of the material. The purpose of the sealing is to : 1. Some sealers leave the surface with a shiny finish while others have a matte finish. Many people are asking the question- should i ‘seal’ my block paving? I have found that the ice does not stick to the concrete as well and seems to reduce any spalling. They can look great when they are first laid, but they soon attract weeds and dirt. Those are both reasonable concerns, which we’ll address in this guide. This post was most recently updated on January 19th, 2021Update for 2021: Why Seal Concrete Driveways In this updated article, we talk about Why Seal Concrete Driveways? You can blend this sealant with epoxy, silicone, or polyurethane to prolong its durability. When choosing a concrete sealer determine the type of protection you are looking for before choosing a product. Any patching that is required should be completed before sealing. Additionally, INDUSTRA-GLOSS WB provides all the same benefits, but gives off a lower odor, making it ideal for enclosed spaces. Then you can determine the amount of sealer you need based on its coverage rate and your surface type. 2. Sealer also helps prevent stains from setting in on the concrete. Protect and preserve the concrete blocks. If you notice even the slightest cracking in your driveway, you’ll generally want to seal immediately. Some homeowners decide to seal driveway asphalt or concrete themselves. Many homeowners … V-SEAL is a national distributor with over 10,000 commercial and residential clients worldwide, offering over 1,000 different sealer products from more than 65 leading U.S. manufacturers. How often should I seal my exposed aggregate driveway? Solved! After all, the stain can certainly bring out the best in a concrete driveway whi Many homeowners wonder whether or not it’s worth it to get a seal coat (also called sealcoating, sealcoat or sealant) for their asphalt and concrete driveways. One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is, "When should I seal my concrete driveway?" Here are a few of them: Epoxy or polyurethane sealers: If your concrete slabs are thick, an epoxy sealer may be ideal for your driveway. V-Seal® Concrete Sealers & Specialty Coating, Columbus OH, Silane: the longest lasting (10-25 years), most expensive, and deepest penetrating sealer, Silicate: also long lasting (10-25 years) and best for polished concrete, Siliconate: long lasting (10-25 years) and perfect for blocking moisture and/or curing new concrete, Siloxane: has the shortest lifespan (3-5 years) and is the least penetrating, Acrylic: it must be re-applied every 1-3 years, but it’s the most cost-effective and easiest to apply, Epoxy: the most chemically resistant coating is typically re-applied every 5-10 years, Urethane: offers the highest abrasion resistance, usually requires an epoxy primer, and is re-applied every 5-10 years, Blended/Hybrid: coatings that combine two or more of the above resins to achieve higher resistance, easier application, or lower price, V-SEAL 101: 300-600 square feet per gallon for machine trowel/dense, INDUSTRA-GLOSS SB: 100 square feet per gallon for exposed aggregate and concrete pavers, INDUSTRA-GLOSS SB: 300 square feet per gallon for smooth troweled concrete. 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