$8000 to $10,000 is the average cost to replace a concrete driveway. By using a concrete sealer on the driveway at time of installation you are essentially ensuring that you will not have to replace your concrete driveway after years of harsh deicing salt chemical usage, chlorides and freeze-thaw damage. When looking for a concrete driveway sealer the sealer you choose will depend on a variety of factors including concrete type, geographical location, and desired finish.

Concrete Type:

Stamped concrete – If you are looking to seal stamped concrete you are typically looking to enhance the colors and textures with a matte, satin or glossy finish. For this we would recommend looking for an acrylic based sealer or a silicone based sealer. Acrylics are available in either solvent based or water based varieties; water based acrylic sealers typically leave a satin finish whereas solvent based acrylic sealers typically leave a gloss finish.

Concrete – If you are looking to seal a concrete driveway you are really going to want to take into account your geographical location. If you are located in an area where deicing salts are used you are going to want to use a silane or silane/siloxane blend. If you are in a warmer climate where there are no freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts are not used on the roadways you have a few more options. Silane/siloxane sealers are always excellent choices but are more expensive than other siliconate and acrylic based products. If you are looking for an economical options look for a concentrated silicate/siliconate blend and if you are looking for a decorative finish use an acrylic based product.

Pavers – Depending on the type of finish you are interested in you can use a silane/siloxane, acrylic or silicate/siliconate blend. If you are looking for a natural finish and/or if you are looking for deicing salt protection use a silane/siloxane product, if you are looking for a satin or high gloss finish use a water based or solvent based acrylic, and if you are looking for a natural finish and the most economical option use a silicate/siliconate blend.

Brick – Brick driveways are best sealed using a silane/siloxane blend. Because of the breathability of these sealers they will protect the bricks without any yellowing, flaking or peeling and the sealer will protect the bricks from efflorescence attacks.