Hello, my name is Tony and this is my concrete installation and maintenance blog. I am not a professional concrete contractor but I am very passionate about DIY. My dad was a contractor and when I was growing up he taught me all kinds of neat tips and tricks. Once time, he took me out into the yard and made me inspect the concrete wall. The concrete was crumbling away, exposing the metal bars beneath. My father explained that this was concrete cancer and then demonstrated how to repair the damage. I hope you find my blog useful and entertaining.
Concrete has numerous beneficial properties such as high strength, durability, customisation options and cost efficiency. However, the material has one distinct disadvantage: porosity. Concrete driveways are prone to damage because of this characteristic. In general, the water penetrates through the holes in the surface and causes the structure to weaken. Over time, cracks, fractures and holes form, decreasing the appeal and functionality of the driveway.
If you are concerned about these issues, you should choose the right sealer to limit moisture penetration. Here are the most critical issues to consider when purchasing a concrete sealer for your driveway.
Level of Protection
You should choose a concrete sealing product which can provide the right level of protection for your driveway, depending on the surface exposure and your usage patterns. Typically, every concrete sealer will provide prolonged protection against moisture under ideal circumstances. However, the conditions of driveway usage are never perfect. The surface will be exposed to ultraviolet radiation, snow, tyres and foot traffic. If the sealer is not strong enough, it will wear away prematurely, and the surface will be left without protection. Therefore, when choosing your sealer, you should ensure that it can withstand these adversities without accelerated wear for optimal protection.
Slip Resistance
You should think about the safety of your driveway when choosing your sealer. If the surface is too slippery, there will be no traction for the vehicles. This issue can cause handling problems and loss of control of the automobile. Therefore, you should select a sealer which will provide significant slip resistance after application and curing. If you have a textured driveway, the slippage will not be an issue. However, if you have a smooth concrete surface, you should consider using a sealer mixed with aggregate. Alternatively, you can have concrete contractors apply a textured overlay on your driveway for more traction.
Sealer Gloss
The sealing products on the market have different gloss levels after application. It is essential to choose the right match for your concrete driveway to ensure optimal safety in your home. In general, sealers with a high gloss level or sheen are attractive because of the reflective properties of the coating. Moreover, the material can enhance the appeal of coloured or stained concrete. Unfortunately, the reflectivity can be a distraction for drivers. Low-gloss and matte sealers are not highly prominent in their appearance or aesthetics. However, their understated look prevents distractions. You should choose the ideal match depending on your preferences and driveway usage.
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