Are you wondering why you should seal your concrete driveway? Are you contemplating whether it’s worth investing the time and money involved in sealing it?
While concrete driveways are the most durable of their kind, they aren’t invincible. Years of wear and tear from heavy tyre tread, constant foot traffic and exposure to the elements can take its toll on the surface of your driveway.
That’s where concrete sealer comes in. There’s a wide range of sealers on the market that can enhance, protect, and strengthen your driveway. But overall, their main job is to prolong the lifetime of your driveway, ensuring that you’ll always have a beautiful, reliable entry point to your home.
The best part is that, for the most part, concrete sealing is a relatively cost-friendly process. There are options to cater to a range of budgets, whether you’re embarking on a DIY project or looking to leave it to the professionals, sealing your driveway will save you a bunch of time and money in driveway maintenance in the long run.
Still unconvinced? Let’s run through some of the pros and cons of sealing a concrete driveway.
Counteract Elemental Damage
Outdoor concrete sealer is the best way to maximise the durability of your driveway. It will ensure your concrete will last for decades to come. Being a porous substance, concrete can be quite susceptible to water damage. If the driveway is unsealed, water can penetrate the concrete and cause it to crack under the pressure of the expansion. If you live near the coast, this could be worsened by sea salt. Sea salt can also wreak havoc by corroding the steel reinforcement.
Applying a penetrating concrete sealer to your driveway is a simple way to reduce cracking, spalling, and pitting caused by water absorption, while being super easy to apply and maintain. These are the best concrete sealers for prolonging the lifetime of your driveway, as they can last up to 10 years.
You’ll be able to see these sealers work their magic as water beads on the surface rather than absorbing into the concrete. When this beading stops happening, it’s a good indication that your driveway could be due for another top-up of sealer.
Protect its Visual Amenity
If you’re still thinking: ‘should I seal my concrete driveway?’ Then perhaps consider the visual benefits of treating your concrete driveway to a little TLC with a dose of sealer.
Over time the Australian elements can wear away at the surface of your concrete. Discolouration from UV rays, harsh winds and torrential rains can be avoided with surface coating sealer. It can even protect against mould, mildew, and algae growth. These issues are common on surfaces regularly exposed to rainfall.
Sealing your driveway can also prevent pesky oil and petrol stains. These types of stains have a nasty habit of spoiling carports and concrete garage floors. By forming a barrier across your concrete driveway’s surface, the concrete sealer ensures the stains don’t penetrate the concrete. This way, stains can be easily removed with a good pressure hose. Removing just about any blemish or mildew build up is remarkably easier after use of a good concrete sealer.
Enhancing its Appearance
Got a coloured or patterned driveway? Then concrete sealant is about to become your best mate. Solvent based acrylics are an incredible combination of protection and enhancement for your driveway. They’ll keep it intact while enriching the colour and texture of your driveway design. They’re perfect for keeping your concrete in stunning condition all year round – even through those blistering summer days.
There’s a selection of concrete sealers on the market that can add an extra touch of consideration to your driveway. From non-slip sealers, to high gloss and tinted coats, sealing your driveway can be as indulgent or simple as you desire.
It’s never too late to start treating your driveway to a little loving with a concrete sealer. Just keep in mind that it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each type of concrete sealer. You should also think about what purpose you want your concrete sealer to fulfil. If you’re ready to have a crack at sealing your own driveway then check out our handy guide to using concrete sealer which contains a comprehensive guide to types of sealers.
Or, if you want to ensure the job is done perfectly the first time round get in touch with our friendly Everlast Services team to discuss how our experts can ensure your driveway receives the quality care and treatment it deserves. After all, the reasons for why you should seal your concrete driveway are crystal clear.
