What happens if driveway sealer freezes

Facebook-f Instagram. How to store asphalt sealer during the winter: Store asphalt sealer at a minimum temperature of degrees. Thoroughly mix asphalt sealer before applying. Keep unused drums tightly closed. Watch for bacterial spoilage bulging containers. Why is it important to properly store asphalt sealer? Can I still use frozen asphalt sealer? Application recommendations suggest applying every seven to ten years to ensure long-term maintenance of your driveway.

This sealer only has a shelf life of up to one year. It has the longest duration between applications but is the most difficult to store. In addition to freezing which disables additional use, asphalt sealer is susceptible to bacteria that will break down the asphalt. It is recommended to apply this type of sealer in the summer months, and manufacturers discourage storing beyond the following spring.

Acrylic and latex-based clear coat sealers should be applied immediately after new concrete has cured and reapplied every two to five years.

These types of sealers are water-based, have a comparable feel to paint, and can be stored in the same way. This type of sealer can be saved for up to five years but is generally recommended to be used within three years of opening.

After three years, it is considered to break down and lose its effectiveness. Click here to see Foundation Armor water-based concrete sealer on Amazon. Manufacturers recommend storing black asphalt sealer upside down the night before applying. Separation occurs in as short as three hours. It must be stirred before application because the uniform texture is required for even application.

Use a paddle and electric mixer — hand stirring alone will not homogenize enough to get an even application. Paddle attachments for electric hand drills can be purchased from most local hardware stores. Clear acrylic and latex concrete sealers also need to be stirred.

If you find yourself with a surface that is too hot, wait for a cooler day or wait until nightfall. Similarly, if you have a surface that is too cold, try using a space heater to heat up the for example basement to a more agreeable temperature before applying the concrete sealer. While this may some extra effort, the concrete sealer will penetrate or adhere better, which is better for the concrete in the long run.

All rights reserved. Concrete Sealer Reviews. If the rain damage is widespread enough, you may have to reseal the entire driveway. In the vast majority of cases, driveway sealant will be impervious to rain 12 hours after application.

Below are the optimal conditions for sealing your driveway:. It is not advisable to seal a driveway when snow is in the forecast.

The freezing temperatures associated with snow can slow or halt sealant drying. Sealant can even freeze solid in snowy conditions. It will then wash away during a thaw. Snowfall may also melt on contact with paved surfaces, making snow just as destructive to uncured sealant as rainfall.

In snowy regions, plan to seal your driveway in summer.