QA

Quick Answer: When To Seal A New Concrete Driveway

A driveway sealer should be applied after the freshly poured concrete has cured. Most contractors find success waiting 7 to 14 days, but the official time for curing is 28 days. If you are having a patio poured at the same time, it should also be sealed.

Does a new concrete driveway need to be sealed?

Sealing the driveway yearly can lead to unsightly hairline cracks and peeling. And concrete driveways should be sealed every four or five years to protect them from water penetration and to prolong their life. Materials to fill minor cracks in concrete come in liquids that sell for a few dollars per gallon.

How long should you wait to seal a new concrete driveway?

If your concrete is new, you’ll need to let it cure; wait at least one month before applying sealer. Before you apply it, check the weather. Sealer needs to be applied in dry conditions because it won’t adhere to damp concrete.

What temperature should it be to seal a concrete driveway?

As a general rule, 50 degrees F is the minimum ambient air and surface temperature needed when applying most concrete sealers and coatings.

How do you seal a new concrete driveway?

Seal the Concrete Step 1: Apply Concrete Sealer With a Garden Sprayer or Roller. Garden/Tank Sprayer: Add the sealer to the sprayer’s tank. Thoroughly cover the concrete with overlapping strokes. Step 2: Apply a Second Coat of Sealer. Check the sealer instructions before starting your second coat.

How much does it cost to seal a concrete driveway?

To have your driveway sealed by a professional contractor, the cost averages between $1 and $2 per square foot. To seal it yourself, you can expect materials to cost $. 50 to $. 75 per square foot.

Should I seal my new driveway?

For starters, never seal a new asphalt driveway. Asphalt needs a minimum of six months for the oils in it to evaporate. The less oil, the harder the driveway, which is the goal.

How long do you have to stay off concrete after sealing?

Typically, it can take anywhere from 10-12 hours to dry before being able to be walked on, but they will continue to harden for up to 48 hours after being applied. Concrete sealed with a urethane coating should not be walked on (with the exception of a recoat), driven on, or wet for at least 36-48 hours.

Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?

Slow-evaporating solvents are better for rolling. If the product is sprayed, I like to back-roll on the primer (first) application. This works the material into the surface and improves the adhesion.”“Most decorative contractors, when doing a large area, prefer the spray/back-roll method,” Platt says.

Should you seal old concrete?

A: Yes! Old concrete can be sealed for the first time or resealed if it has been previously sealed with a concrete sealer. You want to make sure all mold, mildew, efflorescence, rust, grease and oil are removed from the concrete before sealing as you do not want to seal these elements into the concrete.

What time of year is best to seal concrete?

The best time of the day to apply a concrete sealer is in the late afternoon or evening when the air temperatures are declining, the sun is fading, and the concrete surface has had time to cool from exposure to UV rays.

Should you wash concrete before sealing?

In order to properly seal your concrete, then, you must clean the surface of the substrate before applying a concrete sealer of any variety. A product like that will help remove all dirt from the surface pores of your concrete, nicely preparing it for the application of a concrete sealer.

What happens if it rains on my concrete sealer?

The sealer can take several hours to dry, and if it rains before the sealer has dried, it could lead to an undesirable cloudy look instead of a glossy finish.

What are the pros and cons of sealing a concrete driveway?

Sealed floors last longer. When a concrete slab is resistant to most damaging elements, its lifespan is extended and zero to minimal repairs are necessary.Cons Sealers can be slippery. A resealing is required every few years. Some sealers can be dangerous to humans, pets, and plants.

Should I seal my concrete driveway after pressure washing?

Oil leaks, blood, and sticky residues can absorb and result in stubborn stains. However, using a driveway sealant after pressure washing can help prevent these stains from becoming permanent features in your driveway.

How often should you seal your driveway?

Typically, sealcoating is recommended every 3 years to provide adequate pavement protection as well as attractive curb appeal for your commercial property or home. Your SealMaster pavement professional can provide the best possible pavement maintenance plan for your unique situation.

Is concrete sealing worth it?

You do not have to use a cure and seal, but it is important to seal your concrete. Sealing your concrete will protect it against damage and deterioration against water absorption and surface abrasion. Sealed concrete is more resistant to: Cracking, spalling, and pitting.

How much does a 5 gallon bucket of driveway sealer cover?

Average Asphalt Sealer Prices Note: The typical 5-gallon sealcoat container can cover between 250-500 square feet depending on the material’s condition and texture. For simplicity’s sake, these examples use five gallons that cover the maximum 500 square feet.

What is a good driveway sealer?

The Best Driveway Sealers of 2022 Foundation Armor Penetrating Solvent Based Sealer. Best Overall. Foundation Armor Penetrating Concrete Sealer. Best Budget. MasonryDefender Concrete Sealer De-Icing Protection. Best for Cracked Asphalt. Best Fast-Drying. Best for Fresh Concrete. Best Mold-Inhibiting. Best for a Wet Look.