Concrete is like a sponge, it absorbs water and holds it. When winter comes the absorbed water expands under freezing temperatures. This can destroy the surface of the concrete. Installing a sealer not only limits water absorption, it also limits staining from oils and salts.
Concrete sealers can extend the life of your driveway as well as keep it looking great for years. However, it is important to pick the right product and ensure its installed correctly.
This week we are reviewing different types of sealers.
The most common types of film-forming driveway sealers are acrylic-resin based. Acrylic sealers provide the best performance characteristics for the cost, and they often are blended with epoxies, polyurethanes or silicones to improve performance, durability and water resistance. Acrylics, themselves, are also available in different forms, with some types delivering better performance than others. Styrene acrylic, for example, is a lower-performance acrylic resin that may yellow and degrade when exposed to direct sunlight. The best type of acrylic is a virgin or pure acrylic resin. These sealers will last longer than styrene acrylics, with no yellowing.
Buying tips
Before buying any driveway sealer, read the technical data sheet as well as the product label. Most suppliers will have technical data available on their websites, and it can tell you a lot about what you're getting. Keywords or phrases to look for are non-yellowing, waterproofing, dust proofing, breathability and resistance to oil, grease, and acids. The product should have detailed instructions on how to apply it as well as recommendations for maintenance and re-application.
Also ask the people behind the counter at the concrete products supply store for their recommendations. Which concrete driveway sealer do they sell the most of and have the fewest number of complaints or call backs about? It's always better to spend a few extra dollars on a concrete sealer with proven performance than to go with a cheaper product that may fail early and require stripping and removal.
This project can easily be tackled by a homeowner however, Behncke Construction does provide a professional sealing service at an affordable cost.
(Information was taken from www.ConcreteNetwork.com)