Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials with a wide range of applications and functions for it. It is in fact, the most utilised artificial resource coming second after water. That said, there are a few foundational characteristics that allow concrete to suffer damage over its life-time. When it comes to compression, for example, concrete is durable but is weak in tension. A crack can imply in these cases that the pavement could not bear the load tension. If you have a decorative concrete driveway, concrete sealers could help protect your concrete to keep it attractive and durable for long periods of time.
The three main types of sealers available are; topical, penetrating and integral. Topical sealers are a good choice for both indoor and outdoor applications and are placed on the surface of the concrete to form a protective layer. Penetrating sealers do exactly that and penetrate the concrete to form a chemical barrier and shield it against moisture. Integral sealers have the added benefit of sealing the material immediately as it is added to the concrete mix before it leaves the plant. You can also visit for stencil patterns for concrete.
Regardless of which type of concrete sealer you choose, these are the top 5 benefits of sealing your concrete driveway.
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Strengthens its Colour
Concrete can become discoloured when exposed to the elements over an extended period of time. Your concrete driveway can be made to look worn out or old. Topical and integral sealers, however, could help maintain the colour of your concrete. These sealers will protect your concrete from the elements, while keeping it looking clean and sharp for a longer period.
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Prolongs its Life
On average, a concrete driveway could last up to 25 to 30 years. If your driveway suffers from discolouration or cracking, you may need to get it replaced sooner than planned.
Concrete sealers can help to increase your concrete’s longevity and prolong the life of your concrete driveway. Sealing your concrete will increase its chances of lasting longer and reaching those 25 to 30 years.
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Prevents Mould Growth
Concrete is a porous material that absorbs moisture. Mould can occur if the moisture doesn’t dry, forming together with mildew on concrete that has been left wet, for extended periods of time. Mould and mildew can also cause green discolouration to appear on your concrete.
Sealing your concrete will not only help to protect your concrete, but also to prevent mould growth, helping it to looking better for a longer period of time.
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Increases its Durability
Common concrete problems such as cracking and scaling can occur when exterior concrete is exposed to the elements. Sealing your concrete will prevent damage and increase the durability of your concrete driveway. Using a concrete sealer for your driveway will ensure that your concrete looks great and works properly.
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Provides Protection
It’s important to protect your concrete as there’s a whole host of things that can damage your concrete. Sealer protects your concrete from oil spills and other stains, as well as the sun’s harmful UV rays. Concrete sealers lock out moisture, making freezing and thawing unable to damage it.
Sealing your concrete driveways can help protect it in various different ways and extend its life for years to come. Keep your concrete driveway visually appealing and protect it from weather-related damage, or various stains. If you’re looking to add more durability and strength to your concrete driveway, get in touch with your local professional driveway company with vast experience and knowledge, to help you transform your dream driveway into a reality.