There are several common questions that property owners often ask about their concrete driveways and other concrete surfaces, and some surround the long-term care of these areas. A frequent example: Should I seal my concrete driveway for durability and long-term protection?
At Asphalt Masters, we’re here to offer services from the very best concrete and asphalt contractors around Ogden, UT and nearby areas, including seal coating, repairs and several other vital services. Should you seal your concrete driveway? The answer is very often yes, and we’re here to explain why. Here are some basics on the benefits of driveway sealing, the fact that it has basically no real downsides, and some of the settings or situations in which sealing might be particularly beneficial for your driveway.
Numerous Benefits of Driveway Sealing
Driveway sealing almost certainly comes with a wider array of benefits than most readers had considered to this point. These include:
- Long-term protection: The most well-known benefit of concrete driveway sealing is the fact that it will protect your driveway long-term. A sealant layer over the top provides a barrier between your concrete and any chemicals or other elements that might cause damage, such as oils, UV rays, water and more.
- Extended lifespan: By effectively protecting your driveway from these various external forces, you extend its lifespan significantly. The result? You’ll be spending far less time and money on repairs to keep the surface functional.
- Maintenance reduction: In addition to repelling damaging substances, a sealant layer also makes it much easier for homeowners to clean their driveways regularly without dealing with tough stains or other lasting damage. This makes regular maintenance a much simpler prospect.
- Aesthetics: Another factor that often goes under-noticed but is quite valuable, sealant provides a layer of gloss and shine to your concrete driveway that will make it look great in all settings.
Few Downsides to Sealing
Now, the next question many readers might be asking: Are there any real downsides to sealing my concrete driveway? The answer is no – there are virtually no downsides at all. Sealant doesn’t significantly alter the appearance of concrete, nor does it require extensive upkeep or special treatments.
The only real “downside” of sealing is that it costs money, but even that comes with a major caveat: It may save you money in the long run by extending your driveway’s lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. So especially if you’ve had driveway cracking issues in the past, sealing is almost always worth the cost.
When to Seal Your Driveway
Here are a few scenarios in which it’s particularly beneficial to seal your driveway:
- When brand-new: If you’re having a new concrete driveway installed, consider sealing it right away. This will provide immediate protection and ensure you get maximum durability out of it. When sealing new driveways, we recommend re-sealing every 1-3 years.
- After repairs: If you’ve had any major repairs done on your driveway, a new sealant layer will help maintain the integrity of these repairs for longer. This is because sealant fills in any cracks or chips that may have occurred during the repair process.
- When visible damage is present: Anytime you notice visible damage such as discoloration, cracking, or chipping on your driveway surface, it’s a good idea to have it sealed. This will prevent further damage and preserve the appearance of your driveway.
- After power washing: If you need to power wash your driveway, consider sealing it afterward to restore its protective layer and maintain its appearance.
- Every few years: Finally, even if you don’t have any immediate reasons to seal your driveway, it’s a good idea to do so every few years as a preventative measure. This will ensure that your driveway remains in top condition for as long as possible.
Value of Professional Sealing
If you do decide to seal your concrete driveway, it’s important to hire a professional contractor for the job. While there are DIY options available, they are often not as effective and can lead to uneven application or other issues. A professional will have the proper equipment and expertise to ensure that your driveway is sealed correctly and effectively.
At Asphalt Masters, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality seal coating services for our clients in Ogden, UT and surrounding areas. Our team of experienced professionals knows how to properly apply sealant so that your driveway gets maximum protection and looks great at the same time. Trust us with all your asphalt and concrete needs – we’re here to help!