Australians are spending more on maintaining and renovating their homes. From simple interior projects that expand the appeal of bathrooms or kitchens, to creating a dedicated, stress-free space with a range of backyard additions. What most homeowners overlook though is the condition of the driveway. Regardless if yours is standard, stamped or exposed aggregated concrete, the driveway will need regular sealing to keep it looking good for longer. This is an easy job if you know which concrete driveway sealer to use.
Using sealers, coatings, and protective layers in freshly poured or existing driveways means complying with State and Federal guidelines and regulations. These set out the legal framework for contractors and also provide useful data on material properties, how and when sealing should take place, and the equipment involved.
Sealing in Merino. Photo credit: Oak & Orange, The Palm Co
Why Seal Your Concrete Driveway?
Sealing is a simple procedure that protects the concrete from weathering, staining, cracks and other damage. It also makes for easier cleaning and helps with aesthetics. While no driveway is the same, different sealers can help extend longevity, revive appearances, and prevent water buildup. Sealing is required every few years, and largely dependent on how much use the driveway sees, the effect of weather, unresolved issues during initial installation, and a range of other factors. Here are the main reasons why a concrete driveway sealer can help:
- Prevent and limit damage – different things can cause considerable damage. Inconsistencies in pouring, shrinking and high impact can lead to cracks, flaking and deforming. Sealers not only strengthen the surface, but some also penetrate deeper to resist further damage. They also help against unforgiving weather conditions, such as prolonged exposure to the sun and damaging UV rays, heavy downpours and hail and dust buildup. Sealers also deal a decisive blow against common household and garden chemicals that can eat away at the driveway from within. And protect from mud, grease and oil from cars.
- Resist moisture – as a porous material, it is water that causes the most detriment to concrete. Prolonged exposure to rain, humidity, or moisture will lead to mildew and mould, recognisable by the green overgrowth. This not only spoils the look of the driveway but also leads to cracks and fissures.
- Durability – by limiting external factors, sealers help the driveway keep its good condition for longer. You’ll be saving money in the long run with fewer repairs, and easier and quicker cleaning.
- Improve looks and safety – you can choose a range of sealers to bring back the good look and conceal staining or visible damage. Sealers can deepen colours, bring out details, and add a gloss or matte finish. Some also provide better slip resistance, good if you have kids.
Which Driveway Sealers to Choose?
A bit of prior knowledge of the different types helps you choose what’s right. Sealers come in two basic types, those that add a protective layer to the driveway surface, or topic sealers, and those that get deeper in the pores, or penetrating driveway sealers. They differ in how they work, how long they last, and the level of protection they provide. Price is another consideration.
Topic Sealers
Photo credit: JM Ballarat Concreters
These add a surface layer or ‘film’ to your driveway. The three major types in the category are acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane types. Acrylic variants are solvent-based, so easier and quicker to apply, dry faster and can be optioned for different looks, from matte to high gloss. They’re also widely available and are some of the cheapest. Ideal uses are in stamped or coloured driveways and those made of exposed aggregate. The only downside worth mentioning is the average lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
Epoxy sealers cost considerably more than acrylics, largely due to the better protection they provide. They are thicker and deal better with abrasion and impact, so ideal for driveways with high traffic. It is chosen largely for the gloss look it leaves after application, and the various colours to suit multiple types of driveways. Major downsides are that it can be slippery, and doesn’t cope well with sun exposure, resulting in yellowing.
Go with a polyurethane concrete driveway sealer to get the best of both worlds. These topic sealers offer a durable finish, aided by moderate thickness, and very high resistance to chemicals, water and UV rays. They are also comparable to epoxies in terms of impact and abrasion resistance. A plus is that different sheens are available, with clear polyurethanes upping driveway looks with a polished finish.
Penetrating Types
If you want more out of the driveway or it’s seen substantial damage, then penetrating sealers can help you avoid the high costs of resurfacing your driveway. These are made of special resins (siloxanes, silicones, silanes) that go deeper into the concrete slab and chemically bond with it. These products don’t change the look of the driveway but do better at resisting exposure to chemicals, water and other contaminants. They come as both water and solvent-based. Choose water-based silanes for wetter and humid climates, siloxanes for repairing major damage, and silicones to prevent yellowing. All also last much longer than topical sealers, averaging 10 years or more.
When choosing penetrating sealers, keep in mind that some may also contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These can be a variety of chemicals that may carry serious health and environmental risks if present in larger quantities.
If you’re still wondering what works best for your driveway, then contact your nearest hardware store stocking a range of driveway sealing products. They will be able to advise you on products that comply with Government regulations. Here you also learn about the needed quantities, which sealers contain volatile substances, and the necessary tools and PPE gear when doing the job yourself.