Driveway Maintenance: Three Central Precautions for Resealing the Concrete

If the sealer on your concrete driveway is worn out, you should plan for immediate resealing. Sealing this type of surface is essential because the building material is porous. If the concrete is bare, it will absorb water. The moisture will freeze and thaw in the cured concrete, and the stress of this cycle will cause cracking over time. Proper resealing will also protect the driveway from damage due to exposure to grease, de-icing chemicals and abrasion. If you are interested in maintaining your concrete surface without professional help, use these basic tips to promote good results.

Remove the Old Sealer

Resealing the concrete surface without eliminating the old coating might be tempting. However, if you do this in an effort to reduce costs and shorten the timeline, you will suffer losses in the future. In simple terms, the new coat will not adhere well due to the residues left by the old sealer. Consequently, the appearance of the surface will be compromised, and the lifespan of the new protective coating will be considerably reduced.

There are two approaches for removing the residues of the old sealer: mechanical and chemical. As implied, the mechanical method involves the use of physical force to eliminate the coat. Common techniques include grinding, abrasive blasting and sanding. On the other hand, chemical removal uses corrosive strippers to degrade the sealer. This method is more favourable for individuals who are not familiar with grinders and sandblasters.

Wash Your Driveway

Concrete surfaces must be cleaned before sealing. This is an indispensable process because dirt will prevent the complete adhesion of the fresh coating. The best cleaning technique will depend on the general state of your driveway. However, in most cases, a power washer will work well. The pressurised water will dislodge dirt, and the process will be fast. If there are stained patches on your concrete, you will need to treat them. For instance, detergents or a degreaser will be required for managing grease stains. If the entire surface has stubborn dirt, consider acid etching.

Test the Chosen Sealer

When the cleaned surface dries, you can proceed with the sealing work. Never seal a wet driveway because the coating will not be appealing and harmful moisture will be trapped in the concrete structure. It is also advisable to test your chosen sealer on a small area before spreading it over the entire surface. This will help you determine whether the coating is right for your needs. Moreover, it might be worthwhile to practice on a localised zone first.

For more information about concrete resealing, contact a local resealing service.

Share