How to Seal a Concrete Driveway
While rugged and capable of giving many years of lasting service, due to their porous surface, concrete driveways are vulnerable to unsightly deterioration. This is particularly true in climates subject to freezing, where ice forms and penetrates the surface causing it to expand and crack. Sealing is a cost-effective means of controlling this problem.
- Choose a penetrating sealer containing siloxane rather than a silicone-based surface sealer. The latter merely forms a film over the concrete surface, which rapidly wears down and offers almost no protection for the long haul. Siloxane sealer actually bonds with rather than simply covers the concrete, while also permitting the pores to breathe.
- Check the weather. The sealer requires a full day to penetrate and dry, so take care not to apply it when rain is expected. Also, avoid application on a windy day.
- Clean the driveway thoroughly, removing any dirt, small bits of debris or oil and grease stains that might interfere with adhesion. This step is critical for proper penetration and adherence. A pressure washer usually works well for this job.
- With a paint roller or hand pump garden sprayer, apply a thin, yet saturated, coat of the sealer. Overlap the edges and cover the pavement a section at a time rather than in long thing strips. Level out any puddling that might occur.
- The sealer will dry in a couple of hours, but keep all foot traffic off the surface for a full day to allow for the best penetration.
- Repeat the process every four to five years to ensure a long life and attractive appearance for your driveway.