how often should i seal my exposed aggregate driveway

How often should a concrete driveway be sealed?

Mar 26, 2020 · How often should I seal my exposed aggregate driveway? Depending on weather and traffic, when using an acrylic sealer exposed aggregate concrete should be sealed every 12 to 36 months. Click to see full answer. Besides, how often should you seal aggregate driveway? Generally speaking, aggregate driveways need to be re-sealed once every two years.

How to stain a concrete driveway fast and easy?

Feb 09, 2020 · The question is, how often should an exposed aggregate driveway be sealed? The answer depends on what kind of sealer is used. While some sealers can last for ten years or more, others ensure results for only one to five years. A sealer that costs more may represent a better long-term investment since it will not need to be reapplied as quickly. And finally, even …

When can I seal a new concrete driveway?

Furthermore, how often should I seal my exposed aggregate driveway? You will need to seal your driveway every 1-10 years depending on the type of driveway sealer used. The most common types of driveway sealers for concrete , brick, aggregate , and paver driveways are: Silicate Concrete Sealers : Apply once and it lasts a lifetime.

How can I protect my concrete driveway?

Instead of penetrating a 1/2 inch into the concrete, the sealer sits on top on the surface. It helps hold the aggregate pebbles in place, reduces pitting and extends the life of exposed aggregate concrete. Depending on weather and traffic, when using an acrylic sealer exposed aggregate concrete should be sealed every 12 to 36 months.

Does Exposed aggregate concrete need to be sealed?

What happens if you dont seal exposed aggregate?

Can you reseal exposed aggregate?

How long will Exposed aggregate last?

Does Exposed aggregate require maintenance?

How do you maintain an aggregate driveway?

How long does it take for aggregate sealer to dry?

Will sealing concrete make it slippery?

How do I restore exposed aggregate?

Is sealed exposed aggregate slippery?

Is Exposed aggregate outdated?

Is Exposed aggregate better than concrete?

How long does a driveway last?

Proper sealing and resealing will ensure the driveway lasts not just a few years, but for decades. Even sealed aggregate is vulnerable to intense weather, UV rays, and freezing and thawing, so it may need to be resealed eventually.

How long does sealer last?

The answer depends on what kind of sealer is used. While some sealers can last for ten years or more, others ensure results for only one to five years. A sealer that costs more may represent a better long-term investment since it will not need to be reapplied as quickly.

What is the best sealer for driveways?

Silicate concrete sealers are the longest-lasting, with one application potentially lasting a lifetime. This sealer represents an excellent investment for long term driveway protection. Silicate is a penetrating, densifying sealer. It penetrates the pores of the concrete and effects a chemical change. Ultimately, the sealer strengthens the ...

Can you use siliconate sealer on dark surfaces?

If over-applied, siliconate sealer can turn the aggregate white. Due to the color issue, it cannot be applied to dark surfaces. Less long-lasting products include epoxy and urethane sealers. Epoxy and urethane coatings require reapplication every five to ten years.

How to tell if a sealer is still on concrete?

Sealer Testing: Simply pouring some fresh water onto the concrete surface will tell you if any sealer is still holding onto the concrete. With that gorgeous ocean in the background. it’s possible that over time the previous coating has disintegrated. Water beading up on the surface will tell you that a sealer is still present.

How many square feet per gallon of sealer?

It’s best to work in smaller 4-by-4-foot sections. You should apply the sealer at the manufacturer’s recommended spread rate. This is typically between 100 and 150 square feet per gallon.

What type of sealer is used on concrete?

When it comes to sealing exposed aggregate, there are two types of concrete sealers that are most common: penetrating and topical.

How does concrete sealer work?

They can extend the life of the concrete by protecting the surface from harsh winter freeze-thaw cycles and hot 90-degree summer days. Sealers also can block ultra-violet rays that cause fading and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

What is exposed aggregate concrete?

Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative concrete look that will enhance the curb appeal of driveways, pool decks, sidewalks and patios. It’s achieved when the top layer of concrete has been removed to expose the rocks underneath.

Can you use penetrating sealer on loose stones?

Penetrating sealers won’t secure loose stones or prevent stones from coming loose. If you need to secure loose stones, an acrylic sealer is a better choice. The second and most common choice is a topical acrylic concrete sealer which preserves the concrete and enhances it with a high-gloss finish often referred to as the “wet look.”. ...

Can you seal concrete?

A properly applied sealer will keep this finish in pristine condition so the concrete doesn’t crumble or blemish over time. You can apply sealers to new or existing surfaces and they aren’t just pleasant to the eye. They can extend the life of the concrete by protecting the surface from harsh winter freeze-thaw cycles and hot 90-degree summer days. Sealers also can block ultra-violet rays that cause fading and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

How long does a driveway sealer last?

A well-cared-for driveway can last decades. Plus, a fresh coat of sealant every few years can give your home a little facelift.

How much does it cost to seal a concrete driveway?

Rates for sealing asphaltare cheaper at $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot, while one con of a concrete drivewayis that sealing it is costlier at $0.85 to $2.15 per square foot.

What happens if my driveway gets wet?

After the driveway gets wet from rain or a hose, observe how it dries. If it dries unevenly, that means moisture is soaking into some spots more than others and could use a new coating of sealant.

How much does it cost to seal a broom?

Additional costs may include a pressure washer, oil spot cleaners/primers, a sealcoating broom, and a mixing paddle. The average cost for just the materials is $440, including the sealant.

What is the most common driveway material?

Asphalt and concrete are two of the most commonly used driveway materials but each has its pros, cons, and other factors to consider

What is the purpose of sealing concrete?

Proper sealing is an essential component of exposed aggregate concrete maintenance. A quality sealer will greatly enhance the beauty of your concrete patio or deck. More importantly, the right sealer will also protect the porous surface from stains and weather-related damage.

Can you seal concrete that has dried?

If your exposed aggregate concrete has just dried, you may be able to skip the cleaning and go right to sealing, depending on the recommendations of your contractor or concrete supplier. However, if your concrete has gone unsealed for any length of time, you need to clean the entire surface thoroughly, as well as remove any unsightly stains.

Can you use a gloss finish on a concrete pool deck?

While a glossy “wet-look” finish is desirable for many applications, it should be avoided when sealing an exposed aggregate concrete pool deck. A gloss finish will become slippery when wet, creating a potential poolside hazard.

Does concrete need sealer?

Sealer application depends on the type of sealer used and the type of aggregate in the concrete. Material differences create huge variations in any sealer’s covering power. For example, an aggregate that's slightly more porous can double the quantity of sealer needed for the first coat. The good news is that once the surface has been sealed properly, subsequent applications will require much less sealer to maintain the finish.

Can you use sealer on crushed glass?

The matter is complicated by the extensive variety of aggregates on the market. A particular sealer may take on entirely different surface qualities when applied to crushed glass aggregate than it would when applied to granite chip aggregate. Test your sealer on a small area of concrete, and take it back for a refund if you don’t get the advertised finish.

Does sealer need to dry?

No matter the brand or the composition, your sealer should dry to a thick film, resist yellowing, accept additional coats in the future, and resist anticipated stains such as motor oil, food, and pool chemicals. Once these conditions are met, consider the type of finish that will be most appropriate.

Do you seal concrete first time?

Do it right the first time. Do it right the first time. Proper sealing is an essential component of exposed aggregate concrete maintenance. A quality sealer will greatly enhance the beauty of your concrete patio or deck. More importantly, the right sealer will also protect the porous surface from stains and weather-related damage.

How long does it take for concrete to dry before sealing?

When water is used, allow surface to dry 72 hours before sealing.

What is the purpose of sealing concrete?

Proper sealing is an essential component of exposed aggregate concrete maintenance. A quality sealer will greatly enhance the beauty of your concrete patio or deck. More importantly, the right sealer will also protect the porous surface from stains and weather-related damage.

How to reintegrate paint sealant?

Stir the sealant gently with a paint stirrer, just enough to reintegrate it thoroughly.

What is the difference between polished concrete and exposed aggregate?

The main differences are that exposed aggregate is used outside, and consists of a rough and uneven finish, for slip resistance in wet conditions, while polished concrete is used inside, and is ground flat to provide a more finished look, and to ease maintenance.

What is exposed aggregate?

Exposed aggregate is a finish for exterior concrete that has been around for a long time but has seen a significant resurgence in popularity over the past five years. Although technically not considered "decorative concrete", it's a nice look whose appeal resides in the use and exposure of fine aggregate, like sand and quartz, and medium aggregate, particularly round "pea gravel", of varying colors, at the surface of the concrete. This "natural stone" look is enhanced upon application of clear sealer to protect the concrete, which deepens the color tones, and provides a "wet look".

What is the best sealer for concrete?

That's why we use one of the best sealers available for sealing, and resealing, outdoor exposed aggregate concrete: Gem-Seal, a solvent-based acrylic lacquer from the decorative concrete manufacturer, Brickform. We also use a high quality pump up sprayer with solvent-resistant gaskets, rings and seals, equipped with a special 120-degree fan tip, to apply the Gem-Seal sealer so that it goes on lightly and uniformly, dries quickly, doesn't bubble in hot temperatures, and doesn't build up so excessively that it turns white when it gets wet, or gradually flakes off due to harsh outdoor weather conditions.

Can you seal exposed aggregate concrete?

The last five years has seen a significant resurgence in exposed aggregate concrete for driveways, porches, patios and pool decks.  The problem is sealing and resealing exposed aggregate concrete is tricky.  It requires not only a high quality sealer, but experience, attention, and

Can you reseal a stamped concrete driveway?

With Spring here, and weather conditions improving, we know that many homeowners are thinking about resealing their exposed aggregate, or stamped, concrete driveway, porch, patio or pool deck. The best advice we can give, for the outcome to look great and last longer before the next reseal, is to hire someone that specializes in applying sealers, like a Brickform contractor. Premier Veneers specializes in sealers, and other high performance coatings, and we are a Brickform contractor. You can see our Brickform contractor listing at MyConcreteContractor.com.

Can you reseal a concrete driveway without stripping?

If you just reseal over this, without stripping first, it won't go away.

Can you seal an exposed concrete patio?

One of our recent customers with an exposed aggregate patio, even told us how he gave up all hope of getting his patio sealed the way he wants, stripped and power-washed all of the sealer off, and plans to leave his patio completely unsealed from now on. This doesn't have to be the case. Exposed aggregate concrete can look good in the beginning, and it can be maintained that way indefinitely - as long as sealing, and resealing is done properly, and with a high quality clear concrete sealer.

What is an exposed aggregate surface?

An exposed aggregate surface is rugged, nonskid and resistant to heavy traffic and weather extremes. Little maintenance is required, other than occasional cleaning (see procedures for plain concrete) and resealing.

Can you recoat concrete?

Is recoatable. When applying the sealer to fresh concrete, make sure all cement paste residue from the exposure process has been thoroughly removed to avoid sealing the milky-looking white paste on the surface. On existing exposed-aggregate concrete, thoroughly clean the surface from oil, grease, dirt, and stains before applying a sealer.

Can you use acrylic resin on concrete?

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. Find concrete contractors near me.

Can you use concrete sealer on exposed aggregate?

Whichever brand of concrete sealer you use, be sure to follow the specific instructions for the product, both for surface preparation and application, and make sure the sealer is recommended for use on exposed-aggregate concrete. This link provides a list of concrete sealer manufacturers.

What to know about driveway sealer?

What to Know About Driveway Sealing. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. There is considerable debate about if it is necessary to apply a sealer to concrete driveways and other concrete surfaces, and if so, how often it should be done.

What is the best level of gloss for a concrete driveway?

Solvent-based sealers: Gloss level of 80 to 100; produces a gloss to high-gloss finish.

What is the best way to seal concrete?

Depending on the sealer you use, concrete sealers only require minimal equipment for application, such as a roller, sprayer, or brush. Refer to the manufacturer's label instructions for the recommended method. Generally speaking, solvent-based (oil-based) sealers are best applied by spraying, while water-based sealers are better applied with a roller.

What to use to seal concrete slab?

Before sealing concrete, make sure the surface is clean and dry. If necessary, use soap or degreaser to thoroughly clean the slab. Any patching that is required should be completed before sealing. Clean, dry surfaces are critical for the sealer to properly adhere to the concrete.

What happens if you don't breathe concrete?

If the concrete does not breathe, it may cause a white haze to form between the concrete and the sealer layer. Penetrating sealers: These products are made of specialty resins (silicones, siloxanes, and silanes) that penetrate the concrete and form a chemical barrier to water, oil, and other common contaminants.

What is wet look sealer?

Those marketed as "wet-look" sealers have a higher ratio of solids in the liquid. While some people like the look of wet-look sealers, others find them unnatural looking, especially on stamped, colored, or textured concrete surfaces like those used on patios and pool decks.

How many square feet per gallon of sealer?

With either method, strive for complete coverage. Most products are rated to cover 250 to 300 square feet per gallon. It is best to apply two or even three thin coats, allowing each coat to dry between applications. This will prevent puddling that can create uneven coverage. Overlap the areas as you apply the sealer to ensure full coverage.