New Concrete Driveway, How To Best Seal It?

[Carbo]

The old asphalt driveway was finally given the heave-ho. In its place is a freshly poured concrete driveway, done about two weeks ago. I've been reading online about various approaches to sealing and protecting it, and as expected there are conflicting opinions and advice. I figured I'd come here to ask those in the know.
The location is south Florida. The concrete is 5" thick and has some color added to it. What should I be using to protect it and keep it looking good for the foreseeable future? Not looking to change the appearance. Priority is to keep stains from setting. Thank you.

 

[herm0016]

caulk the expansion joints is my sugjestion. though, you dont have to worry about freeze/thaw cycles.

is the color mixed in or on top?

 

[Carbo]

Color was mixed in. Why caulk the expansion joints?

 

[herm0016]

keeps water out of the cracks in the joints and from getting below the slab, also keeps bugs and critters out of said cracks.

 

[Greenman]

Anything you do is a top coating, and will have to be periodically redone. I'd ignore it.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Anything you do is a top coating, and will have to be periodically redone. I'd ignore it.

I'm going to say that's the case UNLESS you live in a region that uses salt on the roads. I've seen a lot of newer concrete jobs suffer when salt granules were spread on the walkways. Salt doesn't really damage the concrete, but its properties create water and freezing cycle issues that can cause damage if the concrete mix isn't just right to counter the effects.


If you don't expect the presence of salt for 2-3 years, don't worry about it. Otherwise, there may be some protective coatings you may want to put on the slabs closest to the road if they salt your area in the winter. That's just until the concrete cures and settles in. It's still optional and may not be required.... 2 years would be the minimum and then it gets stronger for like 50+ years before it eventually goes the other direction and gets weaker with time. Concrete is pretty amazing stuff.

 

[Dranoche]

Assuming the appropriate mix has been used and the slab was finished properly there shouldn't be any need to apply a sealer. The concrete will be sufficiently waterproof and will also have adequate durability against occasional chlorides. If you do apply a sealer you have to know what you're protecting against to select the appropriate product. If it was mine I wouldn't do anything.