Beautiful, sealed driveways not only attract all eyes but also allow you to enjoy the fruits of your hard work for a longer time. Applying a sealant improves the longevity and safety of your driveway apart from making it glossy and increasing the attractiveness of your premises’ exterior. It’s also called winterising the driveway, i.e. preparing the driveway before the onset of winter. But, people tend to make certain mistakes that are completely avoidable while sealing their concrete driveway in Melbourne.
Concrete driveways must be prepared in such a way that they would be your neighbours’ envy and you need to ensure that the mistakes mentioned below do not hamper the looks of your exterior.
1. Turning a Blind Eye to Dirt and Grime
This is the first and the most important step. The driveway needs to be completely clean before any application, as whatever is left behind on the driveway would be sealed and remain there, causing stains and discoloration. Debris also leads to the creation of veins, later forming into huge cracks.
WHAT TO DO – Give the driveway a power wash or scrub it thoroughly. Make use of a stiff bristle brush to remove all the oil stains and tough grime. Use a degreaser to remove the tough grease stains. Use patching material to repair and fill all the gaps and holes in the surface. Finally, sweep and vacuum the driveway to be sure and give it ample time to dry.
2. Improper Removal of Old Sealant
You need to remove the old layer of the sealant before applying the new one. All the dirt, grime, debris, and mould growth on the old sealant won’t allow the new sealant to set properly. Also, the new sealant won’t just stick there due to the presence of all the debris. The surface must be squeaky clean and dry before any new application. For some sturdy sealers, it takes a few extra pressure washes for their complete removal.
WHAT TO DO – Let the remover set properly everywhere before starting with the removal process. Thoroughly read and follow the instructions in the remover. Use a scraper, roller, or sandblasting method to remove the old layer evenly. Give the surface sufficient time to dry before the new application. Complete removal of the old sealant for a smoother finish is mandatory.
3. Not Giving Time For Concrete to Set
The concrete driveway must be completely dry before any new applications. The newly poured concrete is very weak as it has a lot of moisture that must evaporate during the curing process before starting any other applications. If you apply the sealant any sooner, it will prevent the evaporation of the excess moisture leading to weak concrete prone to cracks and breaking. It would even make the concrete uneven.
WHAT TO DO – Give a month or so for the concrete to dry completely and the moisture to evaporate, and then carry on with the sealant application. Make sure to choose the correct sealer for your driveway as per your area’s topography and temperature conditions. Sealing of concrete driveway in Melbourne begins after a proper check of the concrete base.
4. Sealing in the Wrong Weather
If you plan to apply the sealant on a cold or damp day, it would not only ruin the whole process but also make all your efforts and hard work go down the drain. Moisture-laden winds or cold winds do not allow the sealant to adhere to the concrete completely, making room for oils, salts, and other household chemicals to seep in.
WHAT TO DO – Ensure that the temperature is 50 degrees or above when you decide to undertake the process. Properly dried-up concrete protects the driveway from stains and discolouration. Also, the missed spots are easily visible after drying up and covering them becomes unchallenging.
5. Improper Self-Shielding
Concrete sealants have a load of hazardous chemicals that can wreak havoc on your skin, causing rashes and burns. They are also dangerous for your eyes if touched by mistake and equally dangerous for your lungs if inhaled unmindfully. Your lungs are at risk if exposed to these chemicals for extended periods.
WHAT TO DO – Cover your body with a protective suit along with safety equipment like gloves and goggles covering your eyes and hands. Also, make sure to cover your mouth with a mask to avoid gaseous inhalation. Remove all the safety gear and get rid of it properly, avoiding infecting others. It is mandatory for all the personnel undertaking the construction of concrete driveway in Melbourne, to wear proper body protection suits along with protective gear, ensuring each one’s safety.
6. Not Applying Enough Coats
If the sealant isn’t applied properly or in proper quantity, it may come off easily or won’t be able to do justice to its assigned task, i.e. protecting the concrete. Proper coats of sealant cover the concrete completely, saving it from cracks, stains, discolouration, and unnecessary seepage of grime.
WHAT TO DO – Apply a minimum of two coats of the sealant on the concrete surface one after the other, within a gap of three to four hours in between the applications. This would allow the sealant to dry properly and not form folds and cracks. The application can be through a spray or a paintbrush. Always apply in a straight line, and prefer spray application for even coats. You need to apply more coats in a driveway that is more in use due to heavy vehicles or has too much foot traffic. Two coats of sealing of the concrete driveways in Melbourne are done within a recommended minimum gap of 8-10 hours.
7. Applying a Thick Layer
Thick sealant application, thinking that it would give extra protection, is completely a farce. This also compromises its long-term durability. It doesn’t dry fast, looks tacky & uneven, and is prone to fail in the long run.
WHAT TO DO – Apply a thin and even layer of sealant. Let it dry, and then apply another coat for the best results. Inspect to spot any patches left out and cover them properly. Sealants have a limited life span and need a retouch every 2-3 years. A thick layer cannot be undone, but a thin and even application looks neat and attractive.
8. Choice of a Wrong Sealer
Saving money on the purchase of a sealant by buying a large bucket on a sale day would not do justice to your project. You need to assess what kind of finish you want, how long you want it to last, what needs to be repealed by it, etc.
WHAT TO DO – Choose a matt finish sealant for a concrete driveway as a shiny sealant would reflect light making it dangerous to drive on them. If you still are a fan of a glossy finish, then make sure to choose a sealant that uses a shielding layer to give a shiny finish.
9. Improper After-care and Maintenance
After the process, the driveway needs to be taken care of properly. The spill or debris of any kind eats through the sealant or stains the driveway. Do not power wash, as that can remove the sealant and damage the concrete over time. The concrete driveway in Melbourne is also not a good option as they need more care and maintenance as compared to concrete driveways.
WHAT TO DO – The dust, soil, leaves, and debris are to be regularly cleaned and washed away. Keeping it clean would keep the microorganisms stay afar and save the driveway from mould build-up.
FINALLY !!
Asphalt companies in Melbourne assure the clients of their sturdiness and long life but what needs to be seen is the cost. Asphalt driveways in Melbourne cost ten times more than a normal seal coating. So, for a cheaper and completely hassle-free experience, contact Roadseal Civil in Melbourne and enjoy a smooth ride for years to come.
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