Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sealant for a Concrete Driveway
Concrete sealants are available in a variety of kinds. You can use penetrating sealants that soak into the microscopic pores in the concrete and prevent moisture from getting in. Other topical sealants, such as acrylics, polyurethane and epoxies, cover the concrete with a protective coating. Before you select a sealant for your home's driveway, consider the following factors.
Safety
When it comes to choosing a sealant for a driveway, one of the most crucial considerations is safety. Smooth pavement can be made slippery by some high-gloss topical sealants. These products do, however, perform well on textured concrete, which has more grip. Stamped concrete and exposed aggregate, for example, have a textured surface that can benefit from topical sealants. Another alternative is a penetrating sealer, which soaks into the concrete rather than leaving a film on top, reducing the slip risk.
Aesthetics
You also need to consider how a sealant affects the look of your concrete driveway. You could select a glossy topical sealer that accentuates the colours of decorative concrete. Your contractor can recommend particular products. Gloss levels range from matte to a high gloss that gives the driveway a wet look. Alternatively, you could prefer more natural-looking concrete, especially if it's imitating organic stones like granite or travertine, which aren't glossy in their original form. If you want to protect the concrete without affecting its appearance, use a penetrating sealant, which is practically undetectable once applied.
Protective Powers
Crucially, you need to consider how effectively the sealant protects the driveway and how long the protection lasts. Penetrating sealants block rain and dirt from infiltrating the surface and thus lengthening the concrete's life. Penetrating sealants also allow vapours inside the paving to evaporate.
Topical sealants come in a variety of options for protecting concrete. Acrylics tend to wear out more quickly and don't last as long as other options. Though, solvent-based acrylics are typically more durable than water-based acrylics. Polyurethane coats the concrete in a thick layer that is extremely long-lasting. Epoxy also provides abrasion and water resistance, as well as a durable coating. A potential problem with topical sealants, in general, is that they can prevent moisture from evaporating from the concrete. Blocking vapours in this way can eventually cause a white haze to form on the sealant. Concreting experts can provide the best advice on which sealant is best for your driveway, whether it's a smooth slab or decorated with colours and textures. Contact a concreting service for more information.
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