Replacing driveway because 488 is too low - Ideas?

My driveway is dyed & stamped concrete (to look like slate tiles) and I seal mine - is pretty easy to do and looks NICE.

For the minimal effort I think you'll like the look.

Kevin

 

I had brand new concrete that I did not seal and within 2 years the bastard was pitting from salt

 

Do it yourself… it’s pretty easy, fun and satisfying


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Asked a friend who is in the business here in SC. As an aside, I have not sealed mine. I think it’ll crack regardless. It’s concrete. Here’s his feedback:

Why:
Lesson chances of the concrete cracking, let dust get into the pores, build up mildew.

Wait 30 days post pour before applying sealant.
Two options:
Sealer for 2-3 years and seal again after. (In this case probably 2 years due to salt).
Roughly a $1 per sq ft.

Or permanent sealer 5-6 years or more depends on weather conditions.
Roughly $4 per sq ft


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The contractor who built my previous house probably used the lowest bidder or something. At least that's my hope because I was also dumbfounded it went that quickly. I know the winters by me are bad, but give me a break.

 

The first options seems like a far better value. "Permanent" sealer every 5 years for 4 times the price of the normal sealer which can be done every 2 years. Eric can do it himself without question if its anything like blacktop sealer

 

Definitely do it. Also stops stains from oil when your poorer friends visit and park their cars on your driveway

 

The only thing that leaks out of my Kia Soul is p**sy juice

 

Or their Harleys...

If you associate with that kind of crowd!

Kevin

 

As a resin chemist and God knows how much I have sold in my life time I WOULD NEVER SEAL concrete with anything other than a 2 pac epoxy.

Any single pac is most likely a thermoplastic resin and WILL FAIL and make a big mess.

BTW the epoxy will probably cost more than the cost of the concrete if done properly..

 

Go get a 5 gal bucket of concrete sealer (Lowes, Menards, Home Depot) basically a silicone sealant, and a backpack garden sprayer from harbor freight and do it yourself. Do a section at a time. I did this on a much larger driveway after a power wash and it still looks as clean as it did when I sealed it. Re-apply every 2 years. I don't salt the driveway as it is level, so can't speak about how salt affects it after this type of seal. Keeps oil and grease stains from soaking in and no mildew or mold discoloration. Protect your investment.

 

How many square feet you got?

It's going to take "extra" the first time...

Kevin

 

Well, you're at that uncomfortable spot where I bet it takes more than 5 gallons but less than 10...

I seal my driveway once a year - and this stuff actually keeps very well in a well-sealed can for a year (imagine how long it sits on the shelf at Home Depot) - so buy 10 gallons and it's no problem to use the rest later (mixed in with the fresh stuff).

Kevin

 

Probably 2, but you can measure the approximate square footage area and calculate roughly how many gallons you'll need. The sealant is also available in gallon cans.probably will have to wait until spring or summer until completely dry and apply on a warm day.

 

I hope this doesnt become a part 2 thread

Sealed my new concrete driveway because 488 is too low - Now it looks absolutely crap. Ideas?

 

tough crowd

 

Well…This is an educational thread

 

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