Concrete driveway, patio and path cleaning and sealing

 

In short

A good sealer buys you time. It reduces absorption, giving you a better chance to clean up spills before they leave lasting stains. We clean and seal concrete driveways, paths, patios and exposed aggregate. We choose water-repellent or combined water-and-oil-repellent protection around how you use the surface. You can choose a natural or enhanced appearance, with protection that makes ongoing cleaning easier.

 

Restore: clean and prepare

Sealing works best on a clean surface. We remove dirt, organic growth, oil marks and staining first, using methods matched to the concrete and its finish.

 

If staining is permanent, we say so before you commit.

 

Protect: water and oil repellency

Water repellency helps reduce water absorption and the movement of moisture into concrete. Oil repellency adds protection where vehicles, barbecues or other sources of oily spills are present. Not every water-repellent sealer resists oil equally, so we select the product around how you use the area and the finish you want.

 

Sealing buys time to deal with spills. It doesn't make concrete stain-proof. Prompt cleanup still matters.

 

Natural or enhanced appearance

Some sealers keep the concrete looking as it is. Others deepen the colour and bring out the aggregate. We show you photos of past projects in each finish, so you can choose before we start. Some surfaces darken slightly, and we talk you through that before work begins.

 

Why we use penetrating sealers

Topical sealers, including many acrylic products, form a coating on top of the concrete and can give a gloss finish. In our experience in Wānaka's climate, that coating needs regular upkeep and eventually has to be stripped before it can be renewed.

 

Our penetrating sealers work differently. They absorb into the concrete and chemically bond with it, protecting from within rather than sitting on top. There's no film to peel, blister or strip. When renewal is due, we clean the surface, assess it and reapply. Coverage depends on how absorbent the concrete is.

 

Switching from a topical coating

Because our sealers need to absorb into the concrete, they can't go over an existing topical coating, so that coating has to come off first. Chemical stripping is messy. On higher-end properties, we've found grinding back is the better option. It removes the old coating completely and gives the concrete a fresh, new look. We can arrange concrete grinders for this.

 

If you're concerned about slip resistance after grinding, there are plenty of options to keep the surface safe underfoot, including bush-hammered finishes. Our penetrating sealers work within the concrete, so they don’t form a slippery film on the surface. Our enhancing sealer brings ground concrete up beautifully afterwards.

 

We don't maintain or reapply topical sealers. We've found them harder to look after in Wānaka, and we believe penetrating sealers are the better long-term choice.

 

Less disruption on site

Cleaning and sealing is generally done in one visit on horizontal surfaces like exposed aggregate, weather permitting. Our penetrating sealers can go onto suitably prepared damp concrete, so we don't have to wait for the surface to dry completely. Foot traffic is generally fine the next day, and we tell you when vehicles can use the area.

 

When you compare quotes, ask what future maintenance involves, whether the sealer may eventually need stripping, how many visits to expect and how long the area will be out of use.

 

What this covers

• Cleaning and preparation of new and existing concrete

• Reduced water absorption to help protect concrete over time

• Water repellency, with oil-repellent options where needed

• More time to clean up spills before staining occurs

• Natural or colour-enhanced finishes

• Easier ongoing cleaning and maintenance

• Penetrating protection without a surface film to strip

 

Surfaces we assess

• Exposed aggregate driveways and paths

• Broom and float-finish concrete

• Coloured and oxide concrete

• Concrete pavers and slabs

 

Suitability depends on assessment.

 

When we do this work

We discuss timing with you and coordinate around your project, access and suitable weather. For new construction, we work with your builder or concrete contractor to agree timing.

 

Request an assessment

Send us photos of the surface, and tell us what's on it and how you use it. We'll give you a clear written scope and price. Call 027 464 2888 or email info@evercareproperty.co.nz.