Concrete Sealer

[schmoe147]

I've heard there is concrete sealer out there that will not allow salt to eat away your concrete. Is this stuff available to the public or contractors. Can I myself roll or spray it on or does it take a proffesional. I havent heard of this stuff before but would be very interested in some info. Thanks

[boatfixer]

You should be able to buy it from most redimix producers. You can either spray it or roll it. Contrary to what most believe, salt does not eat concrete. Concrete is porous and the salt melts ice/snow which can penetrate the top layer of the 'crete. It then refreezes; expands and pops the surface loose. This is called spalling. There are other factors that also are detrimental to the performance such as little or no air-entrainment, high water to cement ratio, poor aggregate, improper finishing techniques, etc. This is all another reason to make sure the contractor you choose is a reputable and educated contractor.

[pureinsanity]

If you use a sealer, Put some sand in it or something. Ice, snow, water all make it very slippery. In fact my friends father sealed his drive way, 5 weeks later after a snow he ended up slipping falling and landing on a large landscape rock breaking his ribs.

If I were you, id just invest in a good shovel, and a good scraper and constantly keep your driveway clear.

If it snows, don't drive on your driveway until after its cleared. this will avoid anything packing down and making you use salt.

Salt deteriorates concrete no matter if there is a sealer or not. sealers wear off over time.

[WallEYES]

Euclid chemical company....Diamond clear will do the job

[BoxMN]

If you use a sealer, Put some sand in it or something. Ice, snow, water all make it very slippery. In fact my friends father sealed his drive way, 5 weeks later after a snow he ended up slipping falling and landing on a large landscape rock breaking his ribs.

If I were you, id just invest in a good shovel, and a good scraper and constantly keep your driveway clear.

If it snows, don't drive on your driveway until after its cleared. this will avoid anything packing down and making you use salt.

Salt deteriorates concrete no matter if there is a sealer or not. sealers wear off over time.

When I got my sealer (can't recall name, but got it from Shoring Services or something off 35E near St. Paul, it was about $135 for 5 gallons plus the "sand") they had me get a can of silica stuff called "Sure Step". Very fine, but it has a nice grip without feeling like big sand pieces. Can't see it, but it really grips. Its the stuff they use in big commercial buildings, etc.

We use it on garage slabs (new and afterwards, several years) and also on my Mom's stamped sidewalks and driveways. Makes it look new again, gives it grip, lasts about 4 years, maybe 5, definitely want it by 6 years of outside. Good luck.