What Is The Best Concrete Sealer For Your Driveway

Want to keep your driveway looking new for a long time? Then it’s time that you coat it with a concrete sealer.

Most people notice the first thing about your home is your driveway. But unfortunately, the driveway can become damaged due to extensive usage or extremes of weather. So, it would help to protect your concrete driveway with a good sealer!

Now that may raise the question - what is the best concrete driveway sealer for your driveway? That is why we have prepared a short guide so that you can select the best option. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get to it!

Concrete Sealers Types

Before buying suitable concrete driveway sealers, you should know that there are different types of them with their pros and cons, so it’s best to do your research first.

When sealing concrete driveways, the four most common concrete sealers are acrylic resins, polyurethane, epoxies and penetrating sealants.

1. Acrylic Sealers

A solvent-based acrylic sealer adds a thin layer of protective film over the concrete surface. Acrylic concrete sealers can provide a glossy sheen, enhancing its visual appearance.

Besides, these concrete sealers are relatively affordable and easy to apply to various concrete surfaces. However, an acrylic sealer has a relatively lower quality than the other types and a limited lifespan, providing the lowest protection level.

2. Epoxies And Polyurethanes

Epoxies and polyurethanes comprise one or more constituent chemicals that must be mixed before application. Epoxy sealers are available in various sheens that highlight decorative features in concrete. An epoxy sealer is generally pigmented and is more challenging to apply than others. On the other hand, a polyurethane sealer provides excellent protection against chemicals and abrasive materials. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements usually are waterproofed with these sealers.

However, both types of sealers are better than acrylic resin in terms of durability and quality. They also provide a more prominent sheen to your driveway but are relatively expensive, which is a significant trade-off. Coloured, exposed aggregate, concrete pavers, and stamped concrete can be enhanced and protected with polyurethane sealers.

3. Penetrating Sealers

These sealers comprise silanes, silicates and siloxanes, all of which can penetrate the concrete surface and chemically react to make it more durable. They are relatively cheaper than epoxies and polyurethanes, making them more cost-effective.

On the flip side, using a penetrating concrete sealer does not change the driveway’s appearance. So, this may not be the right choice if you prefer to make your driveway have that high gloss finish or be more visually appealing.

Film-forming sealers, also known as surface-coating or topical sealers, can be used in place of a penetrating sealer to coat the entire surface. Upon application, the film-forming sealer adheres to the pores of the concrete and forms a protective layer. Because of their excellent moisture and spill resistance on exterior concrete surfaces, durability, and ease of maintenance and reapplication, film-forming sealers can be excellent choices.

Other Considerations

Concrete is a pretty tough substance that can withstand most conditions. However, even with its durability, it can show signs of wear after some time. We recommend sealing decorative concrete or plain concrete with a high-quality driveway sealer to keep it looking new for a long time.

That’s why it’s best if you coat it with a concrete sealant. It will make your driveway more resilient to extreme conditions and provide an excellent finish.

But as we’ve already said, there are different factors for you to consider before buying a sealant. Some of the most important factors have been described below:

1. Performance

Before you spend all your hard-earned money on a concrete sealant, it is necessary to determine its performance first. And by performance, we mean the durability and effectiveness of the sealer to keep your driveway as good as new.

We admit that sealers won’t last forever on concrete driveways. But at the bare minimum, they should last at least a couple of years to provide decent value for your money. So, before buying, ensure the sealer can last at least 2 to 3 years.

You should also ensure that it is made from high-quality materials to withstand most weather conditions without any issues.

2. Appearance

The appearance of your driveway matters as it is a prominent exterior feature of your home. Thus, it is a crucial factor you need to consider before purchasing a concrete sealant.

Typically, the appearance of concrete sealers is limited to the type of finish they provide to the surface. So, you can choose between glossy, matte or no-gloss textures.

Most solvent-based and water-based sealers are available in gloss, semi-gloss or matte-type finishes, while penetrating sealants are no-gloss.

3. Ease of Application

Another significant factor you will need to consider while looking for a good quality concrete sealer for your driveway is the ease of application. If the product you buy does not have proper instructions or is challenging to apply, it can cause inconvenience.

In this regard, acrylic resins and penetrating sealers are typically easier to apply than epoxies and polyurethanes. Regardless of the type, ensure that it comes with detailed instructions for the entire process, including maintenance and curing, so you don’t run into any issues later.

4. Safety

Concrete sealers are often composed of several toxic chemicals for the human body. Therefore, your safety is of paramount importance during application. Ensure that the one you have purchased meets the safety and quality standards to avoid accidents.

The safety of your driveway after application needs to be kept in mind. High gloss sealers can make your driveway slippery. So when it gets wet, it may cause accidents when not dried right away. Therefore, look into what type of substances your concrete sealer is made of so that you don’t fall and get injured.

Choose The Best Concrete Sealer

That’s all we have to say about the top sealers available on the market. So, if you have a new or damaged driveway that needs some work, you can take help from this brief guide to get you started.

This guide included the different types of sealers you can choose per your tastes. It also included a few pointers to help you look for the most suitable sealer for your driveway. And now that we have arrived at its end, we hope this article helped.

Talk to the team at Top Coat Concrete for reliable and professional concrete sealing services in Sydney. We offer an efficient, premium concrete finishing service for residential and commercial projects.