How to Seal a Concrete Driveway

Sealing a concrete driveway is an easy and inexpensive process. People see the driveway first before they drive by your home. Hence, a concrete driveway should be clean and attractive at the same time. Sealing it will make it durable and protect the driveway for years to come from the harsh elements of nature.

A concrete driveway is always crowded with vehicles such as, cars entering and leaving and kids using it as a playground. Hence, the concrete driveway should have a sealer that can penetrate through the surface, instead of a surface sealer which is applied to the surface and does not penetrate. A surface sealer is damaged easily if used constantly. Every time a cars goes over it or a ball bounces on it, some amount of the sealer is eroded. Some surface sealers are dangerous, as they tend to make the driveway slick when it rains. In contrast, a siloxane sealer penetrates below the concrete surface thus making it resistant and tough and also helping in concrete waterproofing. They are referred to as siloxane water repellents as they are below the surface and also because they protect the surface of the concrete.

How to Seal a Concrete Driveway?

• The materials you will require to seal a concrete driveway are sprayer, brush, roller, broom, pressure washer, siloxane sealer and a soapy sponge or rag.
• Before you start with the actual procedure, measure the area you want to cover. Then, apply siloxane water at a rate of 100 square feet per galloon.
• Make sure that the concrete is clean. If there is loose debris or dirt, then dust it of. With a pressure washer or water based de-greaser, clean the stains of grease or oil if any. A pressure washer serves as concrete stain remover. After you have completed the cleaning, let the concrete dry for 24 hours prior to the application.
• The next step is to apply the penetrating silixane sealer with a brush, pump or a roller. You can also use a garden sprayer to apply the material in such a way, that enough of the color white is visible. Avoid over applying the solution. Spread the excess material immediately in an even manner.
• If there is excess spray present anywhere on the wood, metal or glass, wipe it off with a soapy sponge or a rag.
• Allow the driveway to dry for 24 hours before the traffic starts using it. Also prevent it from the rain water for at least 24 hours after sealing it.

Reason For Deterioration Of Concrete Driveways

Penetrating water causes most of the damage to a concrete driveway. Expanding of water due to freezing is one of the main reasons that causes damage. Water expands to 9% in volume after it freezes, which can at times physically break the bonds and can also be a reason for the flaking, pitting and cracking of the driveway surface. If you seal a concrete driveway, this will be reduced to a large extent as it reduces the water absorption.

De-icing of salts is also one of the reasons for the damage of concrete because the salts attack the surface layer and the steel present inside the concrete. After the de-icing, salts attack the surface again as water can enter the concrete and as the temperature drops, it can freeze.

Hence, the concrete should be sealed with a penetrating siloxane sealer, also referred to as a siloxane water repellent, as it reduces water and salt uptake. It also reduces the number of freezing thaw cycles the concrete has to go through.

There are many ways to seal a concrete driveway. But the procedure mentioned above on how to seal a concrete driveway is the easiest according to me. Also, the materials required in the procedure mentioned in the article are easily available. If you want, you can also go about resurfacing concrete driveways on your own, because it's not only the interiors of your house that matter but also the exterior.