A Homeowner’s Guide to Sealcoating Your Driveway

Your Guide To Sealcoating Concrete Driveways

Concrete is a strong material, but it isn’t impervious to damage. The longer your concrete driveway is exposed to the elements, heavy traffic, and products such as ice melt, the more susceptible it is to developing chips, cracks and stains. Fortunately, concrete driveways can be sealed to help them last as long as possible.

If you like to do projects around the house by yourself, you may be wondering how to sealcoat your own driveway. This could potentially save you money, but it’s important to do it the right way. Here are a few things you should know about why and how to seal your driveway so it lasts as long as possible.

Why You Should Sealcoat Concrete Driveways

There are a variety of reasons to sealcoat your driveway. Whether you invest in a sealcoating sprayer or do the project by hand, here are some of the benefits you can experience.

• •Improved Curb Appeal: If you’re planning to sell your home anytime soon, you want to make sure the exterior is pleasant to look at (otherwise potential buyers might pass right on by). Sealcoating your driveway can not only preserve its current form, but also help make it look smoother and more attractive. In short, a good sealcoat can improve your curb appeal and make it easier to sell your home for the amount you want.
• Simple Maintenance: When a driveway is properly sealed, its surface becomes smooth. This makes it much easier to sweep or spray away any dirt or debris that collects on it over time. Unsealed driveways, on the other hand, can be difficult to clean because they have a variety of nooks, cracks and crannies that tend to collect dirt and grime in them.
• Driveway Protection: Perhaps the most enticing benefit of sealcoating concrete driveways is that the extra layer protects the driveways from damage. A sealcoat is water-resistant and can protect your driveway from the damaging effects of hail, oil, rain or snow. It also helps combat the fading effects of UV rays.

To continue enjoying the benefits of a sealcoat, you’ll need to reapply it every few years as necessary. While applying sealcoats won’t preserve your driveway indefinitely, it will certainly prolong its lifespan and help it look good as long as possible.

How To Sealcoat Your Driveway

When you’re ready to sealcoat one or more concrete driveways, follow these steps:

1. Purchase the sealcoat you want to use and make sure you have safety glass, old shoes and a pair of gloves for the project.
2. Clip the grass near your driveway and blow it away from your working surface.
3. Clean the driveway with a degreaser product and a pressure washer.
4.  Clean any paint spills and stains with paint stripper or a solvent (following the instructions on the container).
5. Rinse all cleaning products off the surface of your driveway with a pressure washer and clean water.
6. Allow the concrete to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.
7. To add the concrete sealer, use a roller and brush or a tank sprayer to apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the first coat in an even layer and allow it to dry.
8. When the first coat of sealer is fully dry, apply a second coat and let it cure.

If done correctly, these steps will result in an attractive and protective sealcoat. Sealcoating driveways can be a tricky process (especially if you have a sloped driveway). If you’re worried about getting the results you want, it may be worth hiring a professional to do it for you.

Contact RTS  Construction

Here at RTS Construction, we are general contractors specializing in concrete installations and applications. We know the ins and outs of sealing concrete driveways. To learn more about this process or to schedule your appointment, contact us.