create an outdoor living space from concrete

Posted on: 8 October 2015

If you have a concrete or asphalt driveway that's more than a few years old, then it might be time to apply a new layer of seal coat on top of it. More than likely, your driveway was sealed when it was first poured, but many sealants begin to break down after a few years. If your existing sealant has a white, chalky appearance in some areas, this is a sign that it's time to re-seal. Before you hire a contractor for the job, however, there are some questions worth asking.

Do You Thin Out Your Sealant?

Start by asking the contractor outright if they thin out their sealant before it's applied. This involves adding water to the sealant to lower costs. Any contractor who partakes in this practice should be avoided. Even if they claim the thinning doesn't affect the performance of the product, it does. Always confirm with your contractor that he or she will apply the sealant according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

How Will You Apply the Sealant?

There are many ways to apply a sealant to a driveway, but not all are equally effective. For example, some contractors will use a paint sprayer to apply the sealant, which is much faster than other methods but also tends to result in uneven application. Ideally, you'll want to find a contractor who will use a brush to hand-paint the sealant onto your driveway. This will take a bit longer (so you might spend more on labor), but the results will likely be worth it.

How Long Will the Sealant Last?

Try to get an idea of how long the sealant should last before it'll need to be re-applied. You should be aiming for a lifespan of a few years. Consider asking your contractor if he or she offers any kid of guarantee. For example, if the sealant begins to peel after a year, will he or she come out and re-apply it to the affected area at no additional cost to you? Be sure to get these things in writing.

Will You Repair Cracks Before Sealing?

Finally, make sure that your contractor has included the cost of repairing any cracks or other damage to your driveway in your quote. Sealing over damaged concrete or asphalt isn't going to do a whole lot to protect it from future crumbling and cracking, so it's important to have necessary repairs done first.

For more information, contact Home Outdoor or a similar company.