What should I use to seal a concrete driveway? Concrete is one of the most popular materials to use on a driveway. Concrete is durable, strong and can last a lot longer than asphalt. Although it is more expensive than asphalt it is easier to maintain and does not have to be resealed as frequently if you choose the right concrete driveway sealer.
Concrete is a mixture of water, Portland cement and aggregate. Once mixed the concrete resembles a slurry and poured into forms with rebar or steel reinforcement. Additives and retarders may be added at the time of the pour to increase the strength or slow the drying time. Tools are used to float the concrete and make it smooth. Most concrete driveway are broom finished which means a broom is used to float the wet concrete.
As the concrete cures it hardens. Concrete does not dry out on its own but undergoes a slow chemical process that hardens it. If concrete is not properly cured it can lead to a number of problems including, cracking and dusting. A cure and seal can be used by a concrete contractor to speed up the curing process; keeping the concrete hydrated and protected.
Choosing a concrete sealer
About 30 days after a concrete driveway is poured the most important step is to seal it with a concrete sealer. The type of sealer you use will depend on the level of protection you are looking for, how often you are looking to reseal and your budget. A good concrete sealer will protect the concrete driveway from road salts, cracking, spalling and pitting. The best time to apply a concrete sealer is in the fall right before the winter season.
The average cost of a concrete driveway is about $6 per square foot. The average cost of a concrete driveway sealer is about $0.50 per square foot. Concrete driveway sealers are applied every few years and concrete driveways can last for 50 years.
Concrete sealer recommendations
Siloxa-Tek 8500: one of the best concrete driveway sealers we have reviewed. It is extremely DIY friendly and is easily applied. Click here for our in depth review.
Okon S-40: an affordable concrete driveway sealer from a trusted manufacturer. Click here for our in depth review.
