6 Pros And 5 Cons Of Sealing Your Concrete Driveway

If you want to know the pros and cons of sealing a concrete driveway, you’ve landed on the right page. Many homeowners don’t know the benefits of sealing a concrete driveway or are concerned about the cost, cure time, etc. Once you’ve finished this article, you’ll have everything you need before you call your local concrete driveway sealing company.

What Is Concrete Driveway Sealing?

Driveway sealing protects the pores in your concrete, preventing moisture, UV rays, accidental spills, and other outside elements from damaging your surface over time. If your concrete driveway is unsealed, moisture can seep into the pores and expand when the weather freezes, cracking the concrete.

Concrete driveways are durable enough to last a long time without being sealed, but sealers increase their total lifespan. Sealers also enhance the look of your driveway since they usually leave a glossy shine. Most driveway sealers are made from acrylic, epoxy, or polyurethane and must be reapplied within a few years. So, even though it’s an effective solution, it’s temporary.

6 Pros Of Sealing A Concrete Driveway

Here are six pros of sealing a concrete driveway.

1. Repels moisture – Because of how it’s made, cured concrete is a very porous material. Since most driveways are uncovered, they are constantly exposed to rain and snow. If moisture seeps into the pores, it can lead to cracks, mold, and moss, eventually breaking down the concrete. Driveway sealers create a thin layer of protection over the concrete, preventing these issues from occurring.
2. Blocks UV rays – Ultraviolet rays can break down the polymers and bonds in concrete, turning it into a fine powder over time. Many sealants have additives that can block UV rays and prevent them from slowly deteriorating your concrete driveway.
3. Can prevent cracks – As we mentioned, sealers protect the pores in concrete, preventing moisture from seeping into the driveway. If moisture does get into the pores, they can expand when the weather freezes, which can crack and even lift the concrete.
4. Resists stains – Just like wood, if a stain is allowed to sit and seep into your concrete driveway, it’s going to be hard to remove. If you spill something on your driveway or your car leaks oil, a sealer will keep those liquids above the surface, making it easy to clean or wipe them off.
5. Enhances color – Concrete stains and colored concrete driveways are becoming more common than ever before. A topical sealer can enhance stains, dyes, and pigments, making them more vibrant. The sealer will also protect the stains/colors from fading while adding an optional shine or gloss to the driveway.
6. Revives old driveways – Older driveways in decent shape can be revived with a good sealer and shine. Always ask your concrete coating professional about the current state of your driveway to see if a sealer can help. Otherwise, they might advise replacing the damaged concrete before adding a sealer.

5 Cons Of Sealing Your Concrete Driveway

Here are five downsides to sealing a concrete driveway.

1. Requires maintenance – Like all things, maintenance is required to keep sealed concrete driveways at their maximum efficiency. Most professionals suggest regularly pressure washing your driveway whenever possible to keep stains and dirt from building up.
2. Resealing – Concrete driveway sealers typically must be reapplied every two years for topical sealers and 10 years for penetrating based on how much use and abuse they receive, especially because driveways are driven over daily. If you want to seal your driveway yourself, you’ll need to buy a new sealer for each reapplication. If you want a solution that lasts much longer than typical sealers, ask about waterproof epoxy or polyaspartic coatings.
3. Cost upkeep – Because you will need to buy more sealer in the near future, the total cost of keeping your driveway sealed can add up over time. This is why most professionals suggest a stronger, more durable concrete coating solution.
4. Not usually environmentally friendly – Typical solvent-based concrete driveway sealers contain harsh chemicals. There are safer sealers out there, but they usually cost a little more. We say the environment is worth the investment.
5. Can be slippery – Some topical sealers can become slippery when wet, especially after heavy rains. Since most driveways see regular vehicle and foot traffic, most professionals recommend adding a slip-resistant topcoat.

Who Offers Concrete Driveway Sealing Near Me?

If you live in the Salt Lake City area, call Complete Concrete Coatings if your concrete driveway isn’t sealed. An unsealed driveway exposes one of the most used parts of your home to the outside elements. If you want to protect your investment, ask us about our concrete driveway sealers and other coating options.