When to Reseal Your Concrete Driveway: 5 Signs It's Time

The Water Test: Your Easiest Indicator

Here's the simplest way to know if your sealer is still working: pour a cup of water on your driveway. If it beads up and sits on the surface, your sealer is fine. If it soaks in and darkens the concrete within 30 seconds, it's time to reseal.

This test works because sealers create a barrier that repels water. Once that barrier breaks down from UV exposure and wear, moisture penetrates the concrete—and that's when freeze-thaw damage, staining, and deterioration accelerate.

5 Signs Your Driveway Needs Resealing

1. Water Absorbs Instead of Beading

The water test mentioned above is your primary indicator. When water soaks in immediately, the sealer has worn away. Don't wait—unsealed concrete in winter can suffer serious freeze-thaw damage.

2. Fading or Dull Appearance

Fresh sealer gives concrete a slight sheen (matte to glossy depending on type). If your driveway looks chalky, faded, or has lost its color depth, the protective layer has broken down. This is especially noticeable on colored or stamped concrete.

3. Visible Surface Pores

Run your hand across the concrete. If it feels rough and you can see tiny holes (pores) in the surface, the sealer that filled those pores has worn away. These open pores collect dirt, oil, and moisture.

4. Stains Won't Wash Off

Properly sealed concrete resists staining because liquids can't penetrate. If oil drips, leaf stains, or rust marks are suddenly permanent despite cleaning, your sealer barrier is gone.

5. Small Surface Cracks Appearing

Hairline cracks (called crazing) can indicate moisture getting into the surface layer. While sealing won't fix existing cracks, it prevents new ones by keeping water out of the concrete pores.

How Often Should You Reseal?

Sealer Type	Lifespan	Best For
Acrylic (water-based)	1-3 years	Decorative concrete, budget option
Acrylic (solvent-based)	3-5 years	Stamped concrete, high-traffic areas
Penetrating silane/siloxane	5-10 years	Plain concrete, freeze-thaw protection
Polyurethane	5-10 years	High-wear areas, chemical resistance

Best Time of Year to Seal

Seal when temperatures are between 50-80°F and no rain is expected for 24-48 hours. In most regions, that means:

• Spring (April-May): Ideal—concrete has dried from winter moisture
• Fall (September-October): Good—prepare for winter before freeze cycles start
• Summer: Possible but tricky—sealer can dry too fast in extreme heat
• Winter: Avoid—cold temps prevent proper curing

DIY vs Professional Sealing

Sealing is one of the more DIY-friendly concrete maintenance tasks. A 5-gallon bucket of quality sealer costs $100-150 and covers 1,000-1,500 square feet. You'll need a pump sprayer or roller and about 2-3 hours for an average driveway.

Hire a pro if:

• Your concrete has significant cracks that need repair first
• You have decorative/stamped concrete that needs color matching
• The old sealer is peeling and needs stripping
• You want a high-gloss finish that requires multiple coats

Common Resealing Mistakes

• Applying too thick: Multiple thin coats beat one thick coat. Thick applications peel.
• Not cleaning first: Sealer traps dirt underneath. Pressure wash and let dry 24+ hours.
• Sealing wet concrete: Moisture under sealer causes white haze or peeling.
• Wrong product: Acrylic over penetrating sealer (or vice versa) won't bond properly.
• Sealing too soon: New concrete needs 28+ days to cure before sealing.

Key Takeaways

• Do the water test: if water soaks in, it's time to reseal
• Most driveways need resealing every 2-5 years depending on sealer type
• Best conditions: 50-80°F, dry weather, no rain for 24-48 hours
• Always clean thoroughly and let concrete dry before applying sealer
• Thin coats are better than thick—apply 2-3 light coats

Questions about maintaining your concrete? Contact us for expert advice.