How Do You Seal a Concrete Driveway?
Your driveway plays an important role on your Richmond, VA property. It welcomes visitors whenever they come by, and it also bids you farewell every time you leave. Chances are, you use your driveway each and every day! This is why it’s so important to keep your driveway in good condition. With driveway sealing, you’ll be able to do exactly that. So, how do you seal a concrete driveway?
In this blog, you’ll discover how to seal a driveway, as well as the many benefits of doing so. We are Brite Exterior Solutions, your local driveway sealing experts, and we’re happy to be your guide on this journey!
Why Should You Seal a Driveway?
How do you seal a concrete driveway? Before we discuss that, we have to answer another question—why should you seal a driveway? To illustrate this, let’s take a look at what happens when you don’t seal your driveway. At first, the effects will be minimal. However, as more time passes, it will become clear that your driveway is becoming damaged. This damage comes from multiple sources. For example, particles of debris may grind against your driveway and erode it. Additionally, your driveway will fall victim to moisture damage because of rain, hail, and snow.
By sealing your driveway, you’ll establish a protective barrier around it, shielding it from damage. This will maintain your driveway’s beauty and help it last longer. That way, you don’t have to spend as much money on expensive driveway repairs.
Preparing Your Driveway
Before you can seal your driveway, you’ll need to get it ready for the work. Of course, you won’t be able to seal your driveway if all your vehicles are parked on it. So, be sure to find a place where you can temporarily relocate them. Curb-parking is an option, or perhaps you could leave your cars on the lawn if you are comfortable with that.
Additionally, you should consider pressure washing your driveway before sealing it. That’s because, more likely than not, it is covered with various forms of debris. Common culprits include dirt, mud, moss, mold, and algae. If you seal your driveway while it’s still dirty, all this filth will be sealed in with it. So consider pressure washing your driveway ahead of time. You can either do this work on your own or schedule an appointment with us.
What Equipment Do I Need For Driveway Sealing?
So, you’ve decided to seal your own driveway. By doing this work on your own, you won’t have to schedule an appointment with a professional team. This means you’ll save money. However, don’t get too excited because you’ll need to spend some of this cash on equipment. What exactly will you need for the work? We’ve made a bulleted list for your convenience below.
- Liquid Sealer. Before sealer becomes a solid barrier on your driveway, it is a liquid stored inside a bucket. You can find it at your preferred hardware store. Remember, it’s better to have more sealer than you need than not enough.
- Paintbrushes and Trays. To apply sealer onto your driveway, you’ll need to pour it into a paint tray and brush it onto the driveway. We recommend using a roller brush. Use a smaller brush for detailing the edges.
- Drop Cloths or Tarps. You won’t want to get liquid sealer on the surfaces right next to your driveway. Fortunately, you can protect them using drop cloths or tarps. Simply cover them before you begin your project.
Sealing Your Driveway
Now that you’ve made all the correct preparations, how do you seal a concrete driveway? First, pour a generous amount of liquid sealer into your paint tray. Then, wet your brush, but don’t soak it to the point of dripping. Finally, put a thin layer of sealer on the driveway’s surface. Make sure sealer is evenly applied across the entire structure because an uneven layer is more likely to crack, chip, or otherwise become damaged in the long run.
Once your driveway is sealed, all you have to do is wait for the sealer to dry. Be warned—this typically takes as long as two days. Be sure to avoid using the driveway until then. The last thing you’ll want to do is interfere with the drying process.
Do Driveways Need to Be Resealed?
Your newly sealed driveway will serve you well for years to come—but how many exactly? We find that a layer of sealer typically lasts three to five years. During that time, your sealer will protect your driveway from damage, but the price is that the sealer takes damage instead. Be sure to keep an eye on your driveway as the years go by. Is the sealer beginning to visibly peel, flake, or crack? If so, it may be time to consider driveway resealing.
The first step in successful resealing is removing the original layer of sealer. This is accomplished with a special sealer stripping chemical. Apply a thin layer of this substance to the driveway; then, wait a few minutes for it to break down the sealer. Next, pressure wash the area to restore your driveway to its original state. At this point, it can be re-sealed using the same steps we detailed earlier in this blog.
Need Professional Driveway Sealing?
If you want to seal your driveway but don’t want to do the work on your own, what should you do? Instead of forcing yourself into a difficult DIY project, you can always reach out to us. At Brite Exterior Solutions, we are always proud to serve our community, so expect quality results from us whether your driveway is big, small, or anywhere in between. That way, your driveway can last longer, and you can avoid costly repair bills in the long run. To schedule your appointment, contact us online and let us know how we can serve you. We’ll even give you a free cost estimate for your convenience.
