Sealing the driveway every year can cause unsightly cracks and peels. And concrete entrances must be sealed every four to five years to protect them from water penetration and extend their lifespan. Many experts agree that concrete floors should be sealed every 2 to 5 years, in order to preserve and protect your floor. Of course, the amount of time between applying the sealant can depend on many different circumstances.
Only you know how much your floor can withstand between applications. You can generally expect to seal a driveway approximately every three years. Some homeowners choose to seal asphalt entrances annually, but don't do the same with concrete. Sealing concrete every year can cause more fine cracks, so if you have a concrete driveway, you should consider re-sealing it every five years.
In fact, concrete is durable enough to last quite a long time without being sealed. That said, concrete sealant helps extend the life of concrete by preventing it from cracking and discoloring. And, if the appearance of your concrete driveway or patio is a concern, sealant can improve the appearance by adding a glossy shine to the surface while protecting it from unsightly stains. Whether or not you should seal your concrete entrance depends on several factors.
While sealing a concrete driveway can extend the life of concrete by preventing it from cracking and discoloring, it can also be difficult to install. Before you decide to seal your concrete driveway, it's good to first know what you're getting into to determine if it's the right choice for your driveway or not. Later on, we'll review the pros and cons of sealing an entry. All types of materials can fall on a driveway or patio, from greasy food to tannins of organic material that fall from surrounding trees.
These substances can stain concrete and leave unsightly marks that can be very difficult, if not impossible, to remove. All of these stains are the result of liquids being able to penetrate the pores of the concrete. When sealing concrete, these substances can no longer penetrate it, which prevents it from becoming stained. Sealants not only create a protective layer on concrete, but they can also improve its appearance by adding a glossy coating that turns monotonous concrete into a more attractive surface.
In addition to adding shine, sealants often deepen colors, giving the patio or driveway a richer look. If you decide to use a sealant, consider buying one that includes an abrasive additive that creates a non-slip surface. The smoothest concrete sealants are solvent-based, which is what produces a high gloss. There are water-based sealants that are less slippery and less shiny and penetrating sealants that do not produce a slippery and shiny finish.
Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that sealing an entrance or patio is a one-time project. Most sealants only last a few years before they start to wear out, requiring a new application. Before you run out and buy the cheaper option, keep in mind that more expensive products can last longer, increasing the time between resealing efforts. Five gallons of sealant is almost enough to cover 500 square feet of the entrance; however, if the inlet is very porous, you may only get about half of that coverage.
Remember that while high-gloss sealants can be beautiful, they can also create a slippery surface. Make sure the sealer you choose for your patio has a non-slip surface. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves to be creative while inspiring creativity in others. He's passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and carpentry.
Generally speaking, it is normal to seal a concrete inlet every 2 or 3 years. However, there are several factors that can vary that approach. Acrylic topical coatings have the shortest shelf life and must be reapplied every 1-3 years. Epoxy and urethane systems last between 5 and 10 years, about 5 if the surface has a lot of traffic.
Reactive penetrant sealants are the most durable concrete sealants and only wear out if the surface of the substrate itself wears out. These can last up to 25 years in some cases, but we recommend re-sealing concrete entrances every 5 to 10 years. With these factors in mind, you might be wondering if sealing your patio or driveway is the right choice. Whether you have stamped concrete, decorative concrete, or a simple concrete floor in your garage, basement, or patio, sealing your floor is the best and safest way to prevent degradation and maintain a flawless appearance for years to come.
Concrete works quite well if it's never sealed, but applying a good quality sealant every few years will extend its lifespan and maintain its good appearance. Consider these advantages and disadvantages of sealing a concrete driveway when determining what is best for your home driveway or patio. For cracks larger than a quarter of an inch, you should consider filling in the crack and then re-sealing it. Whether you're a do-it-yourself homeowner looking for a driveway sealant or garage floor covering, or a commercial contractor looking to seal a bridge roof or warehouse, Foundation Armor has a product for your application.
It's crucial that you wait for the concrete to fully cure; otherwise, you could end up sealing moisture in the new concrete, preventing it from drying out to its maximum hardness. Before starting, read the instructions on the label for special precautions, including suggested weather conditions and optimal temperatures for sealing. For most concrete entry projects, we recommend DIY acrylic topical coatings, such as INDUSTRA-GLOSS SB. How often you need to re-seal your driveway depends on factors such as pavement material, weather conditions, exposure to the elements, and the amount of traffic your entrance receives.
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