Does sealing a driveway really help extend the lifetime of my concrete?
The answer is yes, it is necessary to seal your concrete to help protect it. The cost of installing new concrete is only going up. The cost of tearing out old concrete and replacing it with new is becoming almost unaffordable.
How often should I seal my concrete?
Sealing is most effective if applied every two to three years. By doing this it helps prevent discoloration, staining, and potential cracking on your concrete surfaces. If the sealer is applied correctly, the water will bead on the surface and not penetrate the concrete.
I live in a climate with changing seasons. When is the best time throughout the year to apply new sealant?
It is important to protect your investment by sealing the concrete in the spring/summer before freezing occurs. Concrete that is not sealed will experience freeze-thaw damage. That is when water has penetrated the surface and starts to expand and crack as it freezes.
What is the typical process for sealing a driveway?
To start you will want to make sure you have a two to three day window of good weather with no precipitation. After you gather your materials, you will want to clean the driveway. Remove all grease, rust, or oil stains using a degreaser. It is best to get to the stains while they are still fresh.
Next, wet your driveway down with a garden hose. Now you should pressure wash the entire driveway. Cleaning the surface will remove all dirt and grime which will let the sealing product have direct contact with the surface of the concrete. Let your driveway completely dry for 24 hours.
Now it is time to apply the sealant. There are multiple ways this can be handled. Make sure to check the instructions on the sealant so it is applied properly. Some products require two to three coats, and should be sprayed or rolled on.
Coating your driveway with the proper sealant is a smart investment. With the right planning and materials, you can have this project knocked out with a couple of hours of prep work and a couple of hours applying product. Lowe’s has a great article on their website that has references for products, steps for completing this DIY project, and more general tips for spring sealing. Make sure to seal your driveway this spring to save money in the future!
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