FAQ: When To Seal Concrete Driveway?

When Should I seal my concrete driveway?

A driveway sealer should be applied after the freshly poured concrete has cured. Most contractors find success waiting 7 to 14 days, but the official time for curing is 28 days. If you are having a patio poured at the same time, it should also be sealed.

Is sealing concrete driveway necessary?

And concrete driveways should be sealed every four or five years to protect them from water penetration and to prolong their life. Many people believe that concrete driveways don’t need maintenance, so they may never apply a sealer. This is a good time of year for driveway work.

What happens if you seal concrete too soon?

Although concrete will harden soon after pouring, it’s still susceptible to damage from weight during the first four weeks. Wait at least 24 hours before allowing foot traffic, including pets, on a newly poured sidewalk or slab, and don’t drive a vehicle on a new driveway for at least 10 days.

You might be interested:  Often asked: How To Lay A Brick Walkway Over Concrete?

What happens if you seal concrete before 30 days?

If you were to seal the concrete any sooner, it would create a barrier and prevent the excess moisture from evaporating correctly. As a result, the newly poured concrete driveway would not be as strong as it should be. In addition, the concrete would be more prone to breaking and cracking.

Should I seal my concrete driveway after pressure washing?

One way to keep your concrete driveway, walkway or walls looking good is to wash them and seal them every 2 to 3 years. Sealer also helps prevent stains from setting in on the concrete. Sealing concrete after pressure washing is similar to painting walls in your house.

Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?

For large scale applications sprayers are faster and more efficient; whereas paint rollers are less expensive and are more readily available. If you are going to be applying a decorative acrylic sealer or an epoxy floor coating it is best to use a 1/4″ or 3/8 nap roller.

Can old concrete be sealed?

A: Yes! Old concrete can be sealed for the first time or resealed if it has been previously sealed with a concrete sealer. You want to make sure all mold, mildew, efflorescence, rust, grease and oil are removed from the concrete before sealing as you do not want to seal these elements into the concrete.

What if it rains after sealing driveway?

Explanation: Yes rain can wash the sealer off if it rains right after its put on. Normally we like to allow at least 24 hours before any rain but we use additives that can allow us to speed up the curing process. Explanation: A general guide is when the surface turns a flat black color, rain will not affect it.

You might be interested:  Often asked: How To Repair Concrete Expansion Joints?

Should I paint my concrete driveway?

In general, paint is not a great product choice for areas that will be walked on. While there are some products specifically meant for such areas, paint typically does not perform well enough for driveways, patios, and walkways. Getting the paint to stick to concrete may involve using a special masonry primer.

How long should concrete dry before sealing?

Let it dry for at least 24 hours before applying the new concrete floor sealer.

How do I prep my driveway for sealing?

Prep the driveway for sealing Start with a push broom and sweep away the heaviest debris. Then use a garden hose, or better yet, a pressure washer to rinse the surface clean of all loose dirt, sand, and grit. Start at the highest end of the driveway and work down and out toward the edges.

How long does concrete sealer last?

Epoxy and urethane systems last between 5-10 years, closer to 5 if the surface experiences heavy traffic. Reactive penetrating sealers are the longest lasting concrete sealers, wearing away only if the substrate surface itself wears away.

How long should you wait to drive on a sealed driveway?

Dry times for sealcoat depend greatly on the exposure to the sun and temperatures. In most cases, you can walk and drive on the driveway within 24 hours after sealcoating. If you have any questions, please call our office at 1-800- DRIVEWAY to avoid any issues.

How long after sealing concrete driveway can you drive on it?

Your new concrete is designed to reach 90% of its full strength potential after 7 days, so feel free to drive your personal vehicle on it then. It will take additional time before you can drive or park heavy equipment or machinery on your newly poured concrete, so make sure to wait at least 30 days.

You might be interested:  Often asked: What Type Of Ice Melt Is Safe For Concrete?

How long does it take for concrete sealer smell to go away?

It is not very predictable how long it will last, but it will go away depending on air movement. Therefore, to make it go away faster – don’t just ventilate for one day, then close up the building again. Let the ventilation go on until there is no more odor.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *