Construction Equipment Preparation: Things You Should Know

When you invest in a concrete pavement surface on your property, you want it to last as long as possible and look great while it does so. However, weather and other adverse forces are constantly wearing away at your concrete slab from the top of its surface and below the slab in the soil, so you should take the necessary steps to keep it protected against damage and premature wear and cracking. Here are some recommendations to help you improve the appearance and protection of your concrete driveway with concrete sealant.

Always Clean Thoroughly

The surface of your concrete is going to get dirty and dingy from sand, soil, insect and animal droppings and stains, vehicle fluids, and other types of residue it is going to come into contact with. Your concrete's surface is outside, so it is going to need some good cleaning before you try to apply any type of sealant onto its surface. 

If there is any oil or grease on your concrete, apply an absorbent sand or cat litter to pull up any surface fluids, then look for a heavy-duty concrete cleaner to remove other types of stains. You can find a concrete cleaner or use trisodium phosphate to clean the surface, which are both going to be helpful in cleaning and restoring the surface of the concrete, especially when it is stained with any type of oil-based products. 

Use a pressure washer to clean off the surface of your concrete, removing staining through the surface pores of your concrete. Also remove any debris and vegetation growth from around the edges of the concrete and through any seams.

Seal to Protect

A sealant application on your concrete is going to seal the concrete against intrusion of staining materials and dirt to keep the concrete looking cleaner. The older your concrete is, the more porous and roughened your concrete can become, so a sealant will be even more of a benefit to keep your concrete attractive and protected.

Sealing your concrete is also going to prevent moisture saturation into the pores and cracks in your concrete, which helps with winter damage when the moisture repeatedly freezes and thaws each day and night. As a great prevention, the sealant will protect your concrete and give your concrete a smooth, finished appearance.

If you plan to apply your concrete's sealant yourself, be sure to complete the project all at one time so the sealant will cure altogether without forming any edges that can separate from one another. Follow the sealant's recommendations for application so you have the right amount of product for you to finish the project at one time.

Just be sure to reapply the sealant every few years. Consult with your concrete professional to help you seal your concrete properly and to recommend a good treatment reapplication schedule. Contact a company that provides concrete driveway sealing services to learn more.