Do you need to seal your driveway? To seal a concrete floor is something most professional contractors highly recommend. Although it seems just like an additional thing to do, it is more important than you think. Concrete sealers protect your concrete from weather exposure, water, grease and oil stains, abrasion and deicing salts. They also help bring out the natural beauty of your concrete and make it easier to clean. But in order for a sealer to work, it must be applied properly. Each step will have an impact on the final outcome.
Most homeowners are having two minds about considering concrete sealers so here is a brief guide to why you should give it a go, especially on driveways:
Pros:
- A sealer, such as an epoxy flooring can help repel moisture and keep it on the surface. A driveway is exposed to a lot of moisture, whether it is from rain or an accidental spillage. Bare concrete is very porous and any amount of moisture gets easily absorbed, which could cause damage deep within the slab.
- A sealer is stain-resistant. Because it seals off the pores, nothing gets past the surface. This means anything that could cause stains won’t be able to leave any colored pigments behind and your driveway remains protected.
- Sealed floors last longer. When a concrete slab is resistant to most damaging elements, its lifespan is extended and zero to minimal repairs are necessary.
- Sealers enhance and maintain appearance. There are different types of concrete sealers. There are epoxy and polyaspartic sealers that create a seamless and appealing surface and there are clear ones that deepen colors and protect any design or pattern on the floor.
Cons:
- Sealers can be slippery. Most sealers dry with a shine and create a seamless layer. It can be pretty slippery especially when wet but there is a way to increase traction. Contractors recommend adding some sort of fine abrasives to the coating to create a non-skid surface on your driveway.
- A resealing is required every few years. It is quite unfortunate but sealers do fade, especially in high traffic areas. This is why it is recommended to have the sealer reapplied every two years to ensure that the driveway is protected at all times.
- Some sealers can be dangerous to humans, pets, and plants. Most sealers are solvent-based materials that contain harsh chemicals. These require safety gear to apply because it could be dangerous to touch or inhale. There are, however, safer types of sealers. It may cost a bit more but its environment-friendly feature is worth the investment.
- Concrete sealers cannot be used on new slabs. Just like most coatings and overlays, sealers can only be used on slabs that are a month old at the least. A concrete driveway that is still curing is very vulnerable to damage.
While many homeowners attempt to seal their own concrete, it can be trickier than you think. To ensure it is done properly, hire a concrete contractor near you. If you know who originally worked on your concrete, they may offer a maintenance package that includes sealing every few years.