HOW TO SEAL A CONCRETE DRIVEWAY?
Concrete is considered to be one of the strongest materials, but despite its durability, it is susceptible to a variety of environmental hazards. For this reason, many homeowners decide to apply a concrete sealer to their driveways to guarantee both structural reliability and aesthetic appeal are maintained. Deep cleaning the concrete and applying your preferred sealer are both steps in the procedure.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SEAL COATING YOUR DRIVEWAY
Sealing your driveway extends the life of the concrete and makes it easier to clean while enhancing its visual appeal. Driveway sealing also has multiple benefits, which include:
EXTENDING CONCRETE LIFE
Concrete normally lasts for around 20–30 years, but the damage may force you to replace it sooner. Driveway sealer helps the durability of your concrete, which will protect it for 20–30 years or potentially even longer.
IMPROVING AESTHETICS
While serving a practical purpose, driveway sealing will also enhance the appearance of your driveway. Concrete's color and sheen may be improved with sealing, increasing its attractiveness and curb appeal.
PREVENTING CRACKS
Since concrete is a porous material, many things can seep in and cause cracks. A sealant will fill these holes, making it much less likely for cracks to form in your driveway.
PREVENTING STAINS
A properly sealed driveway will deter things like oil, grease, and dirt from staining your concrete. The coating guards prevent chemicals from settling into the surface.
REPELLING MOISTURE AND MOLD
If exposed to constant moisture, concrete can become damaged from the inside or can even grow mold or moss. A concrete sealer will prevent both issues from occurring.
TYPES OF CONCRETE DRIVEWAY SEALERS
Now that you know the benefits of concrete sealers, you can learn more about the distinct types to determine which one best fits your project.
PENETRATING SEALERS
These sealers penetrate the concrete and react chemically within the internal structure. They are normally used for concrete surfaces where corrosion and freeze-thaw damage are crucial issues. These will leave a natural matte finish.
ACRYLICS
Acrylics create a protective film on top of the concrete surface. These sealants' primary purpose is to enhance the aesthetics of concrete. They are easy to apply and normally dry within an hour. They provide decent protection from water but wear faster than other sealants.
POLYURETHANES
Polyurethane also creates a protective film on top of the concrete surface. They are used in high-traffic areas and protect against stains and scuffs. These are twice as thick as acrylic sealers and are resistant to chemicals and abrasions.
EPOXIES
Epoxies typically consist of two distinct parts that are combined before use and then applied to the concrete. These are best suited for interior applications, as they might become yellow with UV exposure. They provide a durable, abrasion-resistant finish and are effective in repelling water.
STEPS FOR SEAL COATING CONCRETE DRIVEWAY
Sealing a concrete driveway entails a lengthy process, and each step requires close attention to ensure an effective seal.
Comments
Post a Comment