Seal can protect driveway

Q: I have a concrete driveway, and this spring I started noticing that the surface of it is getting cracks and flaking in some areas. What do I do about this?

Daniel

A: This is a common problem on unsealed driveways in areas where there can be freezing temperatures. Concrete is porous, and melted snow gets into the pores. When the weather freezes up again, the water still trapped inside expands and can crack and flake the surface of the concrete.

To prevent this from happening, you will need to seal your driveway. First, use a pressure washer to clean the surface. Next, use a latex-based or acrylic patching product on any problem areas. Once this is done, apply several coats of a concrete/masonry sealer. There are two types: acrylic or silicone. Silicone is more expensive, but also of a higher quality and will last longer.