Do Sealers for Concrete Driveways Work?

Benefits

• Applying sealer adds an extra step to the installation process, but the benefits significantly outweigh the added expense and labor. Concrete is a strong but porous surface. Coating a driveway with penetrating sealant fills the porous material, increasing its strength and reducing chips and cracks. Sealer also makes a driveway easier to clean by repelling grease and oil stains. For decorative driveways stamped with a textured pattern or stained with color, sealers keep debris from building up and slow fading.

Considerations

• While applying sealer is within the capabilities of both experienced and novice do-it-yourselfers, you must choose the right type of sealer for your region. Driveway sealer must allow air and moisture to escape from the surface, or it will take on a hazed, foggy look. Depending on the weather and traffic the driveway endures, the surface will need to be re-sealed every few years.

Application

• Driveway sealer is typically applied with either a roller brush or a sprayer. Water-based sealers go on best with rollers while sprayers make getting an even application with solvent-based sealers easier. Plan to apply two thin coats instead of one thick coat so you don’t risk peeling or puddles. Measure the site before purchasing the product, and note that one gallon covers 250 to 300 square feet.

Types of Sealers

• The types of concrete driveway sealers range from acrylic and water based, to a mix of epoxies, polyurethanes and penetrating resins. Acrylic and water-based sealers are more affordable but tend to vary in quality. For instance, styrene acrylic sealers degrade under the sun and cause yellowing. Higher-priced sealers last longer, but they’re more slippery. Virgin acrylic resin sealers do not cause yellowing, and they repel moisture from the surface.