Probably the majority of American homes possess concrete driveways. These appear to be durable and long lasting, and they can be. In order to avoid de-laminating and spalling though, which are two common pitfalls that can potentially ruin concrete, the home owner will want to seal the concrete driveway. This safe guards it from both a de-icing salt attack, as well as the penetration of water. This article goes through the step by step directions for properly sealing up concrete.
Contents
Materials and Items Necessary for the Project:
– A Broom
– A Sprayer, roller, or brush
– A pressure washer, if possible
– A Soapy rag or sponge
– A Penetrating form of silane or siloxane sealer
Prep Work
This turns out to be an easy project for most home improvement enthusiasts. The first thing that you will have to do is to measure the area of the driveway which is to be covered. Water repellents made from silane or siloxane will be put down at the rate of a hundred square feet for every gallon. These sealers of silane or siloxane are effective since they penetrate into the surface and even below it. They can not be seen by the naked eye. The beauty of the original concrete lasts, along with the original traction of the surface.
Cleaning the Concrete Driveway
You have to make certain that the concrete itself is clean before you begin. Any loose materials like leaves or dirt should be effectively brushed off. If you encounter any forms of stains, like oil or grease, these will need to be taken off, as well. Such stains can be eliminated in utilizing a de-greaser which is water based, along with a pressure washer. Once this has been accomplished, you must permit your concrete to dry for minimally twenty-four hours before you begin to apply the sealant. On top of this, the concrete itself ought to be cured for a full twenty-one days in advance of applying the sealer.
Putting down the Sealer
Now you are ready to apply the siloxane sealer. Put down this penetrating sealer utilizing either a brush, a pump up variety of garden sprayer, or a roller. Only put down a sufficient quantity of the material so that you are able to observe a lighter white color. Ponding the concrete sealer in an over application is not suggested nor helpful. Any extra sealer material ought to be spread out right away.
Finishing Up the Project
You will need to effectively wipe away any over spraying of the sealer which accidentally found its way on to metal, wood, or glass. To do this, utilize a soapy rag or sponge straight away. Once the application of the sealer has been completed, you must permit the product to dry undisturbed for a full twenty-four hours in advance of allowing any foot or car traffic to utilize the driveway again. Rain must not be permitted to touch the driveway for the full twenty-four hour period, either. The siloxane sealer will then cure, but require a few good days to achieve optimal levels of protection.
Helpful Suggestions and Cautions
The easiest means of effectively applying the sealer made of silane or siloxane lies in utilizing a good garden sprayer. This form of sealer must never be applied to a colored concrete surface. Remember that the concrete itself must be properly cured for a full twenty-one days. Do not ever put down sealer if there is any chance of rain predicted in the following twenty-four hours.
Related Resources:
WikiHow: Seal Concrete Floors
Concrete Network: How To Seal Plain Concrete
