How to seal concrete driveway?

[pash81]

Hi,

I have a big driveway, approx 200m2 of plain concrete. I have noticed that there is a lot of fine dust/sand on this concrete. No matter howucj I blow away still it comes back. With the bare foot I can feel as if the sand/dust is coming off from the concrete itself.

Is there a way to make it better? Will sealing the concrete help?

I have pressure washed the concrete 3 days ago and it looks quite clean with no stains, dirt etc. All dry now. 

Is it ok to just blow and seal it or do I have to do any more cleaning?

Any recommendations for a good non slip penetrating sealer?

Thanks.

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @pash81,

It sounds like the surface of the concrete is deteriorating, releasing fine particles of sand or cement due to various factors, including insufficient cement content in the mix, improper curing, or environmental conditions. It can compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the concrete surface.

Unfortunately, the sealers I know of do not recommend their application over a deteriorated surface, and you'd likely need a product specifically designed for resolving this situation if one is available. You could try a standard penetrative sealer at your own risk, but there wouldn't be any warranty if it failed. Bastion 15L Matte Concrete Sealer is suitable for concrete driveways with slopes less than 1/8. You need to ensure the concrete is thoroughly dry before application. If it has been wet within the last week, it's best to tape some plastic from a bag down to the concrete. Wait 30 minutes while the sun is shining on it and remove it. Check to see whether a moist patch has been created or if there is condensation on the underside of the plastic. If so, allow longer to dry and try again. If damp concrete is coated, the coating will have a milky finish.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[pash81]

Hi Mitchell, thanks for the reply. The concrete is totally dry now.

Is there any other way to fix this?

Is there any harm in trying the  penetrating sealer on this concrete, what can go wrong?

If I do want to use the sealer, should I just blow away any dust and just apply the sealer? 1 coat or two coats? Should it be done in sun or in the evening?

[MitchellMc]

Apart from attempting to use a sealer, you'd likely need to have a driveway specialist assess why the concrete is deteriorating @pash81. Perhaps having it ground back to a stable surface could be an option, and then sealing.

If the concrete continues to disintegrate under the sealer, the sealer will start to peel away. This will likely start in only some sections before progressing, so you'll have a patchy area. Having sealer on some areas could lead to issues in the future if it all needs to be stripped off as the sealer coat has failed.

The product provides full preparation and application steps, which should be followed. The area will need to be cleaned of dust or debris. Two coats would be the minimum. It should be applied in the morning or afternoon, not in the heat of the day.

Mitchell