You might be thinking of sprucing up your concrete driveway by having it sealed that is why you purposely clicked on this article. Or maybe you’re just casually surfing the internet, looking for some good reads. Either way, we are here to provide you with the 411 why sealing your concrete driveway can be a good idea and why it is not.
Concrete sealers vary depending on their effectiveness, longevity, and, of course, price—there are acrylic resin-based, epoxy, and penetrating sealers. They may be a bit different from one another, but they all are used for the same reasons.
People who decide to use these are aiming for a more pleasant-looking and durable driveway. So, is the use of sealer help in achieving that? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of having your concrete driveway St Louis sealed.
Advantages
1. It improves the appearance of the concrete driveway.
The use of sealers provides the concrete with a little gloss, giving it an elegant and finished look. If you want to improve further your curb appeal, sealing your driveway can be a good idea, especially if it currently looks worn-out.
2. It’s easy to DIY.
Unlike other home projects, sealing your concrete driveway won’t require to ask a professional’s assistance. With all the right materials and knowledge, this is achievable to do on your own.
3. It improves the concrete’s stain-resistance.
Sealers provide a coating on the concrete that helps in preventing stains from causing discolouration on your driveway.
4. It protects it from sunlight and moisture.
Aside from improving the stain-resistance, sealing your driveaway can also protect your concrete from being subjected to the high exposure of sunlight. The direct radiation on the pavement can cause it to get damaged – same with too much moisture. Sealers are a great help in preventing the concrete from cracking.
5. It extends the life of the concrete.
Since sealing helps in repelling harsh environmental stressors, it can eventually extend the lifespan of your driveway.
6. Sealed concretes are easy to maintain.
Sealed concrete driveways are easy to clean, causing more long-lasting convenience to you. It helps in cutting your energy, and time in cleaning the driveway in half.
Disadvantages
1. It makes the concrete slippery.
If you finally decide to seal your driveway, you should go with the type of sealers that has polymer grit additives. Regular sealers can cause the surface to get slippery.
2. You get exposed to harsh chemicals.
Sealers contain chemicals that can be harmful to people and animals once inhaled or exposed. You should examine first its ingredients before purchasing since there are now safer options in the market.
3. It requires regular reapplication.
Since your driveway is always subjected to pressure and friction, the seal could quickly fade, especially during cold weather. To continually achieve the gloss and protection that you want, you should reapply the sealers every 2-5 years.
4. It isn’t a cheap project.
There are cheap sealers in the market; however, the best sealers that can provide the most significant quality come with a price.
The chemicals that the sealers contain can also be toxic to the environment. The fumes emitted in the atmosphere has volatile organic compounds or VOCs, which are gaseous pollutants.
5. It shouldn’t be applied to fresh concrete.
You might need to wait a month or so to have the concrete completely dried up before sealing your driveway.
Related article: Seal or Not? Pros and Cons of Sealing Concrete Driveway
