Concrete Driveway Sealer

Sealing a concrete driveway requires a better sealant than with flagstones or asphalt. A concrete driveway sealer needs to actually penetrate into the surface of the drive. This is because cracks often occur. These cracks or flakes on the surface happen when water gets inside the concrete. Once inside the water freezes on cold days and then expands. This ruptures the concrete and ruins the surface.       

Paved flagstone slab surfaces don't have this problem because they are small and stronger. A concrete driveway sealant must be able to penetrate inside, rather than just coating the outer layer. This means that the drive will be protected from within.

These penetrating sealers are called siloxane water repellent's or penetrating siloxane concrete sealers. They protect from within to ensure no water or de-icing salts can penetrate the surface. They create a hydrophobic barrier which is how they differ from other types. They will also change the look of the drive less because they work from within.

To apply a sealer to a concrete driveway you can just use a normal outdoor brush, softer ones are better as they will help spread the liquid in any ridges. On very flat surfaces you may find it easier to use a roller. These can be found in the painting section of hardware stores, be sure to get one with a long handle so that the work can be done standing. There are also spray driveway sealers. A spray is the easiest method but be sure to apply the solution evenly as you don't want the application to be patchy.

These products come in varying strength. A good quality brand will only require one application which will last years. It is better to buy a quality concrete driveway sealer so that the surface is protected well. There is no point trying to buy a cheap or discount product for this as a damaged surface will cost far more than pay a little extra for a quality brand.

Most home improvement stores will have a variety of products but there are also many different ones available online too. If your store doesn't stock a specialist concrete sealant that penetrates into the surface, then buying online is the best idea. Buying products like this online is usually a little cheaper but look out for shipping charges which can sometimes make heavy items more expensive.

Once the sealer has been applied most products recommend waiting for a day. This gives the solution time to dry before a car goes over it. They should only be applied when the surface is bone dry, it will also be best when there is no rain forecast for that day too. Always clean the surface thoroughly before applying. Cleaning a driveway can be done by just sweeping a new surface, or a pressure washer can be used for dirt which has accumulated over time.