It may surprise many people to know how many different types of driveways a home, business, or other property can have.

Some examples of common driveway types are as follows.

• Concrete
• Asphalt
• Brick
• Paver
• Cobblestone
• Gravel
• Green or Turf

While not everyone has seen a green driveway — where small patches of grass peek through a concrete grid to create the appearance of more greenery — most of us are familiar with concrete and asphalt driveways. Those who have lived in more rural areas may also be familiar with loose gravel driveways. Brick, paver, cobblestone, and green driveways are typically less common as they are more expensive and require more maintenance.

For today's topic, we will focus on concrete and asphalt driveways. These two materials are the most common for urban areas in the Western world. Unlike the other varieties of driveway listed above, concrete and asphalt driveways can be sealed. Now, you may ask, why should I seal a driveway at all?

Why Seal a Driveway?

Driveways are subjected to the elements year-round. Depending on your region, this can mean freezing temperatures, rain, snow, hail, extreme heat, and more. If you live in an area with extreme seasons like the Midwest, driveways are subjected to all of these conditions every year.

While concrete and asphalt can last for decades, this constant battering from the weather can dramatically impact their longevity. Harsh conditions can lead to cracks that can spread if not filled correctly using the right joint sealant or other filler.

This is where sealing comes into the picture.

Applying a sealant helps protect the driveway from weather and vehicle damage. This ultimately helps to increase the overall durability and longevity of the driveway — which can save money in the long run. A sealant can repel moisture and prevent staining that would otherwise be absorbed easily into the porous surface of a concrete or asphalt driveway. Additionally, it can help enhance the color and appearance of a driveway for longer.

Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways

So far, we've grouped these two types of driveways as the most common and sealable options. While this is true, there are some significant differences between concrete and asphalt that may impact what type of sealant you will want to use on them.

So, before diving into which sealants are best, let's explore the key differences between concrete and asphalt.

• Longevity — Asphalt is less durable than concrete. When well maintained, asphalt can last up to 30 years before it needs replacing. Concrete can last 50+ with only occasional repairs before truly showing its age.
• Maintenance and Repairs — Both asphalt and concrete can crack over time, but repairing cracks in asphalt is much easier. Additionally, asphalt can be easily resurfaced, but concrete cannot.
• Cost — Asphalt is typically much cheaper than concrete. However, its price can fluctuate with oil prices.
• Customizability — Concrete is far more customizable than asphalt. Concrete can be stained, tinted, stamped, or etched to achieve a desired final appearance, whereas asphalt cannot.

Common Types of Driveway Sealants

There are two larger categories of sealants for a driveway: film-forming and penetrating.

Film-forming sealers sit on top of the driveway and adhere to the surface. These sealants can change the driveway's appearance and typically offer a glossy sheen.

Penetrating sealants, on the other hand, do not alter the appearance, though some may add a very slight gloss. These sealants work by seeping into the pores of the driveway material and creating a chemical barrier to protect the driveway from water and stains.

Concrete Driveway Sealants

Many professionals and homeowners opt for one of the following sealants for concrete driveways.

Epoxy Sealants

Epoxy sealers have strong adhesive properties and can be extremely durable. They form a thick protective layer over the surface of the concrete, making them a great option for driveways with high traffic or harsh weather conditions.

These sealers are resistant to chemicals and stains and come in various colors. However, epoxy is not the easiest sealant to apply, and it can become slippery when wet.

Polyurethane Sealants

Like epoxy sealants, polyurethane sealants are very durable. However, these sealants provide better UV protection — making them an excellent choice for outdoor use.

Polyurethane sealants can come in both water-based and solvent-based formulations.

Acrylic Sealants

Acrylic sealers form a thin but durable protective layer on the surface of a driveway. These sealants are very popular as they are easy to apply and have a quick drying time. They come in both water-based and solvent-based formulations. The solvent-based options are typically more durable and better suited for outdoor applications.

Penetrating Sealants

As mentioned above, a penetrating sealant creates a strong chemical barrier within the concrete rather than simply on the surface. Because of this, penetrating sealants can be incredibly effective in repelling water and stains while maintaining the concrete surface's natural appearance. They can offer long-lasting protection but are typically more expensive than surface sealants.

Asphalt Driveway Sealants

When sealing an asphalt driveway, many professionals and homeowners opt for one of the following sealants.

Coal Tar Sealant

Coal tar sealant has been used for decades and is widely available. It can also be an extremely economical choice since it can be diluted with water and mixed with other minerals to achieve the perfect mix. This sealant forms a hard protective layer on top of an asphalt driveway to protect it from oil and gasoline.

Keep in mind that coal tar sealers release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the application process that can be dangerous to inhale and negatively impact the environment. Because of this, these sealers are banned in certain cities or communities.

Asphalt Emulsion Sealant

Asphalt emulsion sealants are durable and less environmentally harmful than coal tar sealants. This sealant is made with asphalt cement and a combination of minerals and polymers to improve durability.

Because asphalt emulsion sealants are made with the same base material as the asphalt of a driveway, they can be an excellent choice as they will expand and contract just like the driveway beneath them.

Latex-Acrylic Sealant

Latex-acrylic sealers fall on the more expensive end for sealing asphalt, but they are incredibly durable and stain-resistant. These sealers are also UV-resistant, making them a great option for areas with hotter climates and more sun exposure.

These sealants are more challenging to apply, so many opt for professional installation when considering this option.

Which Driveway Sealant Is Best for Your Project?

Realistically, what marks the best concrete driveway sealant for a driveway will depend on the result your clients are looking for. The same can be said for asphalt sealants as well.

Many people utilize durability as their guiding principle when selecting a sealant for driveways. While this is crucial, since you don't want to replace sealant frequently, it is also important to consider the appearance you want in the end. Some sealants offer a glossy finish, while others have a more natural look.

Another key factor to consider is the cost. There is a wide range in prices for driveway sealers, and finding the right sealant for your driveway may come down to your overall budget for this project. In general, acrylic sealants are the most affordable, whereas something like a penetrating sealant or an epoxy will likely be more expensive.

To learn more about sealants and how they can be used, check out our blog or visit Silicone Depot to explore our sealant products.