Do I need concrete sealer?

[edcantu9]

Having new driveway and sidewalk poured. Do I need to seal it?

I saw some of the prices and it is pretty steep. But if it is really needed then I guess I will pony up.

Any alternatives or a cheap place to get it?

 

[Cyberbear]

You have not mentioned what weather conditions exist where the work is to be done, but here in So. Calif. I've always used a sealer from HD as a drying retardant and it has helped prevent any cracking. You may want to seal the driveway against oil drips, etc. I used the sealer with a large pump type garden sprayer for some DIY action, works great>

 

[kd3pc]

thompsons or some such will help - they are not too expensive and can be applied with a garden style sprayer CB suggest,

a lot depends on your use and your weather.

IF it freezes where you are do NOT use salts, they only make the freeze/thaw cycle worse and things will crack and heave

 

[edcantu9]

You have not mentioned what weather conditions exist where the work is to be done, but here in So. Calif. I've always used a sealer from HD as a drying retardant and it has helped prevent any cracking. You may want to seal the driveway against oil drips, etc. I used the sealer with a large pump type garden sprayer for some DIY action, works great>

Do you have a link to the product you use? I have seen 99==$99 buckets that cover 500 sq ft. I have a 75x10 driveway. plus sidewalk and a patio which would be close to a 1,000 sq ft. And at 2 coats it comes out to $400. The product you mentioned seems cheaper and easier to apply.

I am located in Iowa where we use salt and it freezes.

Thank you for your help.

 

[zporta]

Need, no. Recommend, Yes

we use a water based cure and seal that we get from our material supplier for around $110 for 5gal