What to Know About Sealing Concrete Driveways and Patios

There is considerable debate about whether it is necessary to apply a sealer to concrete driveways and other concrete surfaces, and if so, how often it should be done. Aggressive marketing by the companies selling sealing products may be the reason for the common belief that a sealer must be applied every year, but even skeptics agree that periodic sealing will help prolong the life of any concrete slab, whether it is a driveway, patio, pool deck, or sidewalk.

Concrete performs quite adequately if it is never sealed at all, but applying a good quality sealer every few years will extend its life and keep it looking good. This is especially true if you have a stained or etched concrete driveway or patio. Driveway sealing can also be considered if you live in an area where winter road salt can eat away at the concrete. 

Applying a concrete sealer can be an easy project for a DIYer, and it will keep your concrete slabs looking good and potentially lasting longer.

Types of Concrete Sealers

Before you begin, be aware that there are different types of concrete sealers. It helps to know the difference between an acrylic resin-based sealer, an epoxy or polyurethane sealer, and a penetrating sealer. 

• Acrylic resin-based sealers: Sealers that lay down a film of acrylic resin provide excellent performance for their cost. They may be blended with epoxy, polyurethane, or silicone to enhance the durability of the product, so read labels carefully. There are different types of acrylics, too, and some are better than others. Styrene acrylic is a lower-performance product that may turn yellow under direct sunlight. A better choice is known as virgin or pure acrylic resin, which will last longer and will not turn yellow.
• Epoxy or polyurethane sealers: These cost considerably more than acrylics, but the high costs do not necessarily mean they are superior. They lay a thicker layer, so can be slippery, especially when coated onto a patio or walkway. These products also prevent the concrete from "breathing" moisture out, which is a problem. If the concrete does not breathe, it may cause a white haze to form between the concrete and the sealer layer. 
• Penetrating sealers: These products are made of specialty resins (silicones, siloxanes, and silanes) that penetrate the concrete and form a chemical barrier to water, oil, and other common contaminants. Such products will be clearly labeled as "penetrating" sealers and are a good choice where you want to protect surfaces against stains, such as in a garage or on a driveway. 

The very best products will be available at professional concrete supply retailers. The inexpensive products offered at hardware stores and home centers tend to be intermediate-level sealers that provide adequate performance but will likely have a shorter lifespan than more expensive professional-grade sealers. 

Gloss Levels

Like paints, concrete sealers are available in different gloss or shine levels. You can choose from no-gloss, matte, satin, semi-gloss, gloss, and high-gloss options. Manufacturers categorize glosses on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 representing the highest level of gloss. 

There's no standard gloss level for a concrete driveway or patio. But if you prefer a higher gloss sealer, and depending on where the concrete is located, you may need to consider a non-slip additive topcoat for wet weather.

• Solvent-based sealers: Gloss level of 80 to 100; produces a gloss to high-gloss finish
• Water-based sealers: Gloss level of 50 to 80; produces a matte or semi-gloss finish
• Penetrating sealers: Gloss rating of 0; produces a no-gloss finish

Be aware that solvent-based sealers tend to darken the surface of the concrete more than water-based sealers. Those marketed as "wet-look" sealers have a higher ratio of solids in the liquid. While some people like the look of wet-look sealers, others find them unnatural looking, especially on stamped, colored, or textured concrete surfaces like those used on patios and pool decks. However, some wet-look sealers also include coloring agents that can be used to stain a slab as well as seal it. 

How to Apply Driveway Sealer

Much of the work involved in sealing concrete driveways is preparation—both for the concrete area and you. Before sealing concrete, make sure the surface is clean and dry. If necessary, use soap or degreaser to thoroughly clean the slab. Any patching that is required should be completed before sealing. Clean, dry surfaces are critical for the sealer to properly adhere to the concrete.

Preparation

Sealers are not substances you want to have in contact with your skin or eyes, so make sure to wear gloves, long sleeves and trousers, and eye protection when applying the sealer. Before beginning, read label directions for any special precautions, including suggested optimal weather and temperatures for sealing.

Equipment

Depending on the sealer you use, concrete sealers only require minimal equipment for application, such as a roller, sprayer, or brush. Refer to the manufacturer's label instructions for the recommended method. Generally speaking, solvent-based (oil-based) sealers are best applied by spraying, while water-based sealers are better applied with a roller. 

Coverage

With either method, strive for complete coverage. Most products are rated to cover 250 to 300 square feet per gallon. It is best to apply two or even three thin coats, allowing each coat to dry between applications. This will prevent puddling that can create uneven coverage. Overlap the areas as you apply the sealer to ensure full coverage. 

Drying

It is best to work on one small square section at a time, no more than about 25 square feet (a 5-square-foot section) rather than working in narrow strips. Drying time is about two hours, but this can vary depending on weather conditions. Humid summer conditions may require a drying time of five or more hours. The entire surface should be dry to the touch without any sticky feel before you apply the next coat.

If you have a new or large driveway, it may be advisable to have a professional do the work. A professional sealer will charge you based on the square footage of your driveway.

Maintenance

Once your concrete area is sealed, regular maintenance will keep the sealer coat doing its job. Simple cleaning every few months with soap and water is a part of this routine. If you notice areas that have worn thin, a light reapplication after washing is a good idea. 

Pressure Washing

Using a pressure washer is fine to clean surface dirt from a sealed concrete driveway. But it's highly advisable to use the right tip, or the surface could become damaged. Use a fan nozzle (which slows water down) or rotary nozzle about 12 inches away from the surface. Test a discreet spot of your concrete driveway or patio to see how it responds before committing to cleaning the entire surface with a pressure washer. Paying a professional to pressure wash your sealed driveway or patio will run on average at least $100 to $200, depending on the size.

Resealing

Opinions vary regarding how often a concrete driveway should be resealed. This depends partly on the product used as well as on the weather and level of wear and tear on the slab. The quality of resins in the sealer will greatly influence the lifespan of the seal coat. According to concrete trade organizations such as Concrete Network, plan on resealing every one to three years.