Should you seal an aggregate driveway?
Does exposed aggregate need to be sealed? Yes. These sealers—typically film-forming acrylic resins—can help protect against spalling, dusting, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage, stains, deicing salts, and abrasion. A sealer will also enhance the color of the aggregate, accentuating its depth and richness.
How do you clean and seal an aggregate driveway?
Pressure wash the dirt and grime off the surface, use rust remover to remove rust and a cleaner/degreaser to tackle tough oil spills. After cleaning the concrete, allow a day to dry. Once the concrete is dry, begin the sealing process. Using a ½-inch roller and a pump-up sprayer, start applying the sealer.
Can I put driveway sealer on concrete?
After the concrete has dried for at least 24 hours, you can effectively apply a concrete sealer. A sealer helps prevent future stains and potential damage from products like ice salts. Some sealers leave the surface with a shiny finish while others have a matte finish.
How soon can you seal exposed aggregate?
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 happens if you dont seal exposed aggregate?
What happens if I don’t seal my concrete? Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. Oil, salt, fertilizer, and other household chemicals can discolor and damage unsealed concrete.
Can you pressure wash exposed aggregate?
Further clean the exposed aggregate with water using a garden hose or, if available, a high-pressure cleaner. Be very careful when choosing to use a high-pressure cleaner on exposed aggregate as if your pressure is too high, you can cause damage to the cement and the loosen the stones from your driveway.
How much does it cost to seal an aggregate driveway?
Professional driveway seal coating: $0.10 to $0.25 per sq. ft., with an average of $0.17 Do It Yourself If you decide to seal your own driveway you need to purchase a few items to ensure you complete the sealing properly. First, you need to clean the driveway of oil stains and other blemishes.
Does driveway sealer really work?
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. Many people believe that concrete driveways don’t need maintenance, so they may never apply a sealer.
How to resurface an aggregate driveway?
How to Resurface an Aggregate Driveway. Remove grime and grease stains with a power washer and a scrub brush. Fill any cracks and holes created by dislodged aggregate with vinyl concrete patching compound using a putty knife and trowel. Use a roller brush to apply a coat of bonding adhesive over the entire driveway.
What is the best asphalt sealer for a driveway?
Our Reviews of Driveway Sealers