Driveway Cleaning and Re-sealing
Cleaning and resealing your driveway and patio should be done at least every three to five years. This will reduce the frequency of scheduled maintenance and repair, increasing the cost-effectiveness of your driveway. The precise frequency to have your driveway cleaned and re-sealed will depend on the usage and exposure to adverse weather conditions.
Re-sealing a Concrete Driveway
When the pattern imprinted concrete is initially installed, the slab is coloured and hardened. It should then be sealed with a solvent based acrylic sealant. Water-based acrylic sealants should not be used on pattern imprinted concrete at all, whether it is at the initial stage or part of a refurbishment project. The resin rich solvent based acrylic sealant acts as a protective layer on the concrete; it is basically the sacrificial layer. It is a thin layer, as it begins to wear out, the concrete will begin to appear dirty, dull and discoloured.
How do you re-seal a driveway?
Drive Clean Ltd are experienced in sealing all types of driveways and patios. First, the surface of the driveway or patio should be clean thoroughly- we have the specialist equipment to ensure that all surface dirt is removed and thoroughly rinsed with clean water. If there are any oil stains, they should be removed with a degreasing agent.
The new sealant should then be applied using a brush or by spraying it. Ensure that the driveway or patio is completely dry prior to applying the sealant. When applying the sealant, apply several thin layers at different intervals. Avoid applying one thick layer at a go so that it can bind to the original sealer.
Similar to the original installation, the shiny surface onto which the sealant has been applied will be slippery. This can pose a significant challenge for driveways that are on a sloped area. To temporarily avoid skidding after resealing, small particles of micro-polythene, which is a type of plastic, are introduced into the sealant to provide an additional grip.
Is it necessary to seal a driveway?
It may seem an excessive task to seal a driveway, especially if it's not a brand new installation. The process of cleaning and resealing a driveway is simple as long as the original work was done to perfection and the highest standards.
Cleaning and sealing a driveway helps to prolong it's lifespan and protect the surface from becoming discoloured and worn due to usage. A driveway is a hefty investment, and sealling will help to protect that investment. Sealing your driveway will also strengthen the bond between materials and protect it from weed growth. Drive Clean Ltd have recently started using a new type of sealing sand which enables water to drain through the pointing as well as eliminating any wild weeds. If you would like to know more about this new exciting product, please contact us via 01740 238355 or use the form below.
Driveway Cleaning Services Near Me
Other than pressure washing driveways and patios in County Durham, we also provide protective sealing services to hard surfaces which are listed above. We use the highest quality of sealant which will provide long-lasting protection to your patio and driveway. We can clean a range of driveway and patio surfaces such as block paving, natural stone and pattern imprinted concrete.