Although hardscaping offers easy maintenance, true longevity can only be attained with ongoing resealing. As experts in concrete driveways in Melbourne, our professional team are available for all your concrete needs including resealing and repairing those unsightly cracks. From stripping the previous sealer on your concrete patio to selecting the right protective product for the aggregated concrete of your garden path, A Better Driveway is here to help your concrete shine.
If you decide to maintain your concrete driveway yourself, your driveway’s coating should be replaced every few years. Before visiting Bunnings and picking up the first sealer you spot, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the essentials about sealing your concrete driveway. For more expert tips, read through our list of common mistakes when resealing concrete driveways in Melbourne.
The important role of concrete sealant
Sealant is the finishing layer applied to the concrete to protect it from sun and weather damage, risk of cracks and any harmful chemicals. This top layer also makes the concrete surface of your patio, path, coping or driveway easier to clean and heightens the concrete’s colour and shine. Typically, the protective sealant will need to be replaced every few years, so it’s important to choose the right product for your driveway and install it correctly.
Conducting a water test is a quick way to check if your concrete has this top layer or if it’s performing correctly. Simply pour water on your concrete and observe if it is absorbed by the surface or not. If the water rolls then the concrete has been sealed, but if the liquid is immediately absorbed no sealant work has been done and you risk damaging or staining your concrete. If you’re uncertain if the sealant has never been replaced or you suspect there is no protective coating at all, contact the concrete experts at A Better Driveway for advice.
1. Not cleaning the driveway first
The first step to applying sealant is to properly prepare the concrete area. This involves treating stains with a scrubber, treating small hairline cracks, and thoroughly brushing away any dirt or debris with a broom. This could range from hiring a pressure washer to clean the surface and allowing it time to dry or performing the arduous task of removing old sealant with sealant remover and a scraper tool.
Unfortunately, if the issues are not resolved or there is dust on the surface, this will be permanently sealed into the concrete when the sealer coating is applied. A visible mistake that will lessen the look of your home’s coloured concrete.
2. No patch test
There are many kinds of sealants on the market, so choosing the right sealant for your project is a crucial step. The incorrect sealant can completely change the finish of your concrete or not adequately protect the surface. This could be as simple as choosing a sealant that specialises in water protection for the pool’s concrete surrounds, or a glossy sealant for your coloured concrete’s dark tones. To avoid making a costly mistake, conduct a patch test of the product in a discrete corner of the concrete. Wait for it to dry and decide if it’s the finish you’d like before continuing with your resealing project.
Alternatively, by contacting professional concrete contractors like the team at A Better Driveway, you can ensure that you have chosen the most suited, high-quality sealant for your concrete driveway or path.
3. Uneven sealant application
Before undertaking this project, you should investigate the different methods of spreading sealant and make sure you have the right equipment. Sealant can be applied through painting, rolling or spraying, which will determine the tools needed. Regardless, you will be using harsh chemicals during this process so personal protective equipment like gloves, eyewear and masks are always recommended.
To avoid the look of uneven sealant, carefully follow the directions of the manufacturer and be extra attentive in areas where the concrete driveway meets structures or landscaping to avoid splashes.
4. Not considering the weather (and drying time)
Choosing when you conduct the sealant application is also crucial to the project’s success. Sealants can take up to 24 hours to dry and be ready for use, so it’s important that you choose a sunny day when it is least likely to rain. During the drying and curing process, it’s also important your driveway or concrete patio remains unused. Wet sealant cannot be walked upon so you will have to make other parking arrangements.
In need of some concrete care?
As trusted experts in concrete driveways in Melbourne, the team at A Better Driveway is here to offer you their premium concrete services. Our professional team has all the expert knowledge and high-quality products to help you realise your backyard renovation or concrete vision. As trusted experts in concrete sealing and resealing, all of our perfect installations come with a 5-year guarantee!
To add value and street appeal with concrete driveways, patios and paths, contact us today by filling out our online enquiry form or calling on 0412 537 776.