Common driveway problems
Many driveways in local neighborhoods are as old as the houses. They have survived decades of cars, moving trucks and kids' basketball games. Typical problems we see:
- Oil and transmission fluid stains where cars park.
- Rust stains from sprinklers with iron-rich water and from parked equipment.
- Cracks from tree roots and from clay soil swelling and shrinking.
- Surface wear and exposed aggregate after years of sun and rain.
- Uneven color from patches and repairs.
Coating versus sealing
A clear sealer protects concrete but shows existing stains. A driveway coating is a tinted, more substantial layer that hides stains and patches and creates a uniform color. It also adds texture for traction and seals the surface.
Coating options
Acrylic and urethane tinted coatings
These give a uniform color and good durability for residential drives. They are breathable enough for outdoor slabs.
Cementitious resurfacing
For badly worn or patched drives, a polymer-modified cement overlay creates a new surface, which we can then seal or coat. It can even take on a stamped or stenciled look.
Polyaspartic flake
For covered carports and shorter drives, a flake polyaspartic system gives a garage-like finish that stands up to sun.
The process
Cleaning
We pressure wash with hot water and degreasers, treat oil and rust stains and remove moss and weeds from joints.
Repairs
Cracks are filled with flexible sealant that can move with the soil. Broken edges and pitted areas are patched with repair mortar.
Coating
We apply primer and the color coat in two passes, adding fine aggregate for grip. Edges along lawns and planters are masked for clean lines.
Cure
Walk on it in a few hours. Drive on it in about 48 hours, depending on temperature.
Heat and color
Dark driveways get very hot in summer and can be uncomfortable for bare feet and pets. Lighter tints reflect more sunlight and stay cooler. They also show fewer tire marks than you might expect when the coating is properly cured.
Matching the house
Light gray, warm tan, sandstone and charcoal are the most popular choices. We bring color samples to your curb so you can see them with your stucco, trim and roof colors in real daylight.
Maintenance
Hose off dirt periodically and wipe up oil drips. Adjust sprinklers to avoid soaking the drive daily. Expect to refresh the topcoat every few years, depending on traffic and sun exposure.
Questions
Will the coating peel?
Not when the drive is properly cleaned and the right product is used. Peeling usually comes from coating over dirt or using indoor epoxy outdoors.
Can you fix sunken sections?
Minor settling can sometimes be leveled with overlays. Severely sunken slabs may need lifting or replacement first, and we can advise.
How much does it cost?
It depends on size, condition and the coating. You get a written estimate after we look.
Refresh your driveway
Request a free driveway estimate and we will show you color options at your home.
Rentals and resale
Property managers and owners preparing a house for sale often call us about driveways, because a stained, cracked drive drags down first impressions in listing photos. A coating is one of the quickest exterior upgrades available, usually finished in two days, and it pairs well with fresh paint and trimmed landscaping. For rental homes, we suggest medium tones that hide drips between tenants. We can also coat the walkway to the front door and the side yard path so everything matches, and we leave a small amount of leftover material on request for later touch-ups.
Get a driveway quote
Call (000) 000-0000 for a free estimate.