[?] Subscribe To This Site

CONCRETE DRIVEWAY SEALER

What are the best concrete driveway sealers you can use to protect the concrete from freeze/thaw damage, deicing salts, water penetration, and other harmful chemical spills?

I like to use penetrating driveway sealers for concrete driveways. A penetrating sealer will actually penetrate down into the pores of the concrete and harden. Unlike a film forming driveway sealant that forms a skin on the surface of the concrete that will last for a while then wear off.

A penetrating sealer reacts chemically with the concrete filling all the microscopic voids and solidifying the entire substrate into one solid mass.

This keeps moisture, deicing salts, oil, and chemical spills from being absorbed into the concrete and eventually causing damage. When water gets absorbed into concrete and freezes it then expands.

If the concrete doesn't have air-entrainment or wasn't properly poured the expanded/frozen water can pop the surface layer of cement off the underlying aggregate.

Applying a penetrating cement driveway sealer will keep the water and other harmful materials on the surface so they can run off the edges.

concrete driveway sealer

Because the concrete driveway sealant penetrates into the concrete and doesn't form a skin on the surface it isn't slippery when the driveway gets wet. It's also UV resistant and allows moisture vapor transmission.

Some film-forming driveway sealers don't allow moisture to escape the concrete which leads to sealer blisters and bubbles.

Once you apply a penetrating concrete driveway sealer it will be good for about 10 years. Film-forming sealers should be applied every 2 - 3 years to remain effective.

HOW TO APPLY DRIVEWAY SEALERS

The two most common methods of applying sealers to driveway surfaces are by roller or sprayer. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommended application guidelines. As a general guide, solvent-based sealers are best spray applied while water-based sealers are best applied by roller.

Whether you are rolling or spray applying a sealer, always strive for maximum coverage. The typical coverage rate is 250 to 300 square feet per gallon. It's best to apply two thin coats, making sure the sealer doesn't puddle or form uneven, thick areas.

Once you seal your driveway, you are still committed to some regular maintenance. This usually consists of nothing more than a good soap and water cleaning, followed by a light re-application of the same sealer if needed.

If you apply a penetrating driveway sealer it will be good for about 10 years. Film-forming sealers should be applied every 2 - 3 years to remain effective.

DRIVEWAY SEALANT BUYING TIPS

Before buying any driveway sealer, read the technical data sheet as well as the product label. Most suppliers will have technical data available on their websites, and it can tell you a lot about what you're getting. Key words or phrases to look for are non-yellowing, waterproofing, dust proofing, breathability and resistance to oil, grease, and acids. The product should have detailed instructions on how to apply it as well as recommendations for maintenance and re-application.

If you have a colored and stamped concrete driveway click on STAMPED CONCRETE SEALERS for more information about sealing a decorative concrete driveway.

There are many manufactures who sell penetrating sealers for concrete driveways. Click on the links below for two of them.

Endur-O-Seal USA, Inc
SealGreen

Return from Concrete Driveway Sealer to Concrete Sealer

Return from Concrete Driveway Sealer to Everything About Concrete Home Page