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It’s widely debated whether concrete sealing driveways and other concrete surfaces is required and, if so, how frequently it should be done.
Perhaps aggressive marketing by manufacturers of sealing products is to blame for the widespread perception that a sealer needs to be applied annually.
Your driveway is as important as any other part of your house. Sealing your concrete driveway will help it last much longer and save you time and hassle when doing maintenance. Therefore, it is very important to invest in the maintenance of your driveway and follow these simple steps to seal coat it.
Before you can seal coat your concrete driveway, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. One of those things is to get a suitable sealer for the job. These days you can find a variety of sealers that will work for different purposes. Make sure to choose a concrete driveway sealer, as asphalt ones can damage your concrete and affect the way it looks over time.
Try to invest in a high-quality sealer, and make sure to read the instructions carefully. Applying sealer is not as easy as it seems, so you want to be sure that you do everything correctly in order to get the best results.
Here are the steps to seal coat a concrete driveway:
First, Sweep the Driveway to Remove Dirt, Leaves, And Other Debris.
The first step is to remove all the items from your driveway. This will remove all the leaves and debris from your driveway. The leaves and debris are going to create problems later on when you are applying the sealer on your driveway, so make sure you get rid of them in the first step. Put them in a bag and throw them away; otherwise, the wind may cause them to get back on your driveway.
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Hose It Down
After you have swept your driveway, use a hose to give it a good cleaning and remove any stubborn dirt particles. Next, rinse off all the soap and make sure there is no debris left on the surface of the concrete before continuing with this process. You can also use a pressure washer for this process, but it is not mandatory to use a pressure washer.
Protect All the Glass and Metal and Other Un-Washable Surfaces Near Your Driveway
You don’t want your sealing efforts to damage other parts of the house. For example, if you have any metal or glass surfaces near your driveway, such as the garage door, it is important to protect them before starting the seal coating process. You can use plastic sheeting to cover these areas and make sure they are not exposed to the sealer.
Apply the Sealer
Now that your driveway is clean and free of debris, it is time to apply the sealer. The sealer can be bought from a hardware store, or you can get it from a professional contractor. Apply the sealer evenly throughout the driveway for the best results. You can find different devices that can help you apply the sealer evenly throughout the driveway.
Wait for It to Dry
After you have applied the sealer, wait for it to dry completely. The drying time may vary depending on the weather conditions and the sealer you have used. A few hours after the sealer has been applied, you can walk on it but cannot park your car or use water on it. You might have to wait from somewhere around 8 hours to 2-3 days before you can start using your driveway once again.
Once the driveway is dry, it will be ready to use. You can park your car on it and drive on it without any problems.
Hire a Professional to Sealcoat Your Concrete Driveway
If you want to save some time and effort, it is best to hire a professional contractor. They will know exactly how the sealer should be applied on your driveway for optimal results. The process takes around a few hours but can vary depending on weather conditions.
How to Find the Best Company to Sealcoat Your Concrete Driveway
Let’s take a look at some tips that can help you hire the best services to seal coat your concrete driveway.
Ask Around
The best way to find good company is by asking your friends, family, and neighbors. They might have hired a contractor in the past and can recommend someone who did a good job. You can also search online for reviews of different companies before making your final decision.
Check the License and Insurance
Before hiring any company, make sure to check their license and insurance. You do not want to hire someone without a valid license because they might be working illegally. Also, look for any complaints filed against the contractor with your local or state board before hiring them.
Check the Reviews and Testimonials
Another good way to find out about different companies is by checking testimonials on their website or online. You can also find reviews of different companies on sites like Google and Yelp. This will give you a good idea about the quality of work they provide and if their customers were happy with the results.
Get a Free Estimate
Most companies offer a free estimate so you can get an idea about how much it is going to cost. You can also compare the prices of different contractors and pick one that fits your budget best.
Ask Them About Their Process
It is a good idea to ask the contractor about their process and how they plan on going about it. You can also ask them if they will be using any equipment during the sealing process because you don’t want your driveway damaged. Make sure to get all these details in writing, so there are no misunderstandings further down the road.
Thousand Oaks Concrete is one of the best contractors you can hire for this job. The company has been in the business of driveway sealing and restoration for years now and is fully equipped to handle all kinds of projects related to your concrete driveways.
