The driveway is often at the bottom of the priority list when it comes to home improvement, and yet it is the first thing everyone sees from the street. It is therefore wise to maintain, improve, and upgrade your driveway first, not only to boost your home’s curb appeal, but as well as increase your property value.
Applying a concrete driveway coating is one of the best ways to introduce texture and color to your driveway. You will be surprised by the various types of concrete driveway coatings available to instantly increase your driveway’s attractiveness while protecting your driveway from the harsh elements and therefore maintaining its beauty.
Polyurethane Coating
It is easy to mistake polyurethane for epoxy as they look similar, however, they have different properties which makes them fitting for particular situations.
Pros
Polyurethane coating is durable but elastic and soft. Because it is not very stiff, it can absorb sharp impacts on the driveway. In addition, its elasticity helps the driveway keep its shape, form, and properties, even in cold temperatures lower than 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can simply use a roller or sprayer to apply polyurethane coatings. It does not require any additional processing and it cures for at least 24 hours. There are even water-based polyurethane coatings that are non-flammable which keeps your home extra safe.
Cons
Polyurethane coatings are susceptible to moisture. It forms bubbles that leave ugly stains and obvious imperfections. It is therefore not ideal for humid places, as well as direct UV light exposure because it degrades the coating.
Epoxy Coating
Pros
Epoxy coatings are harder than polyurethane coatings. Having a higher impact and compressive strength, it is ideal for industrial use. It is also resistant to oil, grease, bleach, cleaners, and battery acid. Epoxy coatings are preferred in places such as warehouses, chemical plants, and the automotive industry.
Unlike polyurethane coating, the epoxy coating can endure intense sunlight and rainstorms.
Cons
The curing time of epoxy coating is a minimum of seven days.
Polyaspartic Coating
Polyaspartic coating is the most durable among epoxy and polyurethane coatings and can last up to ten to twelve years. They are the most resistant to peeling, fading, blistering, and scuffing, primarily because their adhesion to concrete is measured at above 500 psi. Hence, it can withstand chemicals and variable temperatures.
Cons
The drying time of polyaspartic coating is within seven days.
Coating your Concrete Driveway
Before applying the coating of choice on your concrete driveway, it is necessary to completely clean and clear it.
- Move your car outside. Note that it may take several days before you can get your car back in to give the coating time to cure.
- Remove all dirt and debris from the surface of the. Depending on its condition, it may require repair and grinding.
- Primer is applied and given time to dry. This is to ensure adhesion and smoothen the concrete surface.
- Coating is applied. As a basic rule, a water-based coating is best applied with a roller, and a solvent-based coating is best sprayed.
- Allow the coating to dry as recommended.
Coating your concrete driveway is not a complicated process and does not necessarily need an expert installer. For a residential driveway, an advanced DIY-er can easily complete the project.
In choosing a coating for your concrete driveway, you must find the balance between the visual appeal it brings, the protection it offers, and how much you are willing to spend for it. Although it is advisable to spend your money more on its performance as it will extend the life of your driveway. With regular maintenance like cleaning the surface with soap and water, the coating can definitely last longer.