Proven Benefits of Concrete Driveway Broom Finish -

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What are the Benefits of Concrete Driveway Broom Finish?

Concrete Driveway Broom Finish is a simple yet effective way to make your driveway skid resistant. With some creativity you can create attractive patterns and make your driveway stand out.

After concrete is poured in the driveway forms it is screed and floated. The process of floating settles the aggregates and allows the cream to rise up. The cream is cement and sand that gives a very smooth finish to the driveway.

The problem with a smooth concrete driveway is that it is slippery. The concrete needs to be sealed, once it has cured, to prevent moisture and water from penetrating the concrete slab. The sealer coat increases the smoothness and slipperiness further.

And then there is rain. A smooth, sealed concrete that is wet can be a serious slip hazard. Concrete Driveway Broom Finish mitigates that hazard.

When Should You Broom Finish Concrete?

Concrete begins to set and cure as soon as water is added to the cement and aggregate mixture. It loses its plasticity gradually. Concrete driveway broom finish should be done when the water bleed has dissipated.

The concrete surface should be soft enough for the broom to be able to scratch it but not so soft that scratches subside once the broom pressure is removed.

A common practice is to push your finger into the wet concrete. It is time to broom when you can push it in about a ¼”. If it goes in deeper than that you should wait some more.

What Kind of Broom Do You Use to Finish Concrete?

The best broom to give your concrete driveway broom finish is one made with a combination of horsehair and nylon. The bristles should be of consistent length so that you get an even texture.

The stiffness of the bristles along with the pressure applied determines the “roughness” of the concrete driveway broom finish. In colder climates it is better to go for a rougher finish as that will make the driveway more skid resistant.

How Do You Broom a Driveway?

You broom the driveway after you have bull floated the concrete and once the water bleed has dissipated. Complete the edging and contraction joint forming before you go for the concrete driveway broom finish.

Check the softness of the concrete to make sure the timing is right for brooming. The broom should be run across the driveway as then the texture will give the car tires a really good grip.

The broom can either be pushed or pulled but pulling gives you much better control. Place the broom on the farthest edge or control joint and then gently pull back. The quality of the finish depends on how straight you pull and how consistent is the downward pressure.

Wash the broom after every 2 – 3 passes to keep the broom marks clean.

Does Concrete Driveway Broom Finish Need to Be Sealed?

Yes, broom finish concrete needs to be sealed just like any other concrete slab. Broom finish affects only the surface, not the core of the concrete slab. A broom finish concrete is still at risk of degradation due to moisture and water penetration.

The benefits of sealing a broom finish concrete driveway are:

Can Double Driveway Life

A concrete driveway sealer prevents ingress of moisture and water into the concrete slab. Moisture & water ingress is extremely damaging to the structural strength and durability of a concrete driveway.

There are two types of sealers; penetrating sealer and topical sealer.

A Penetrating Concrete Sealer penetrates into the capillaries of the porous concrete slab, reacts with the free lime & calcium and blocks the pores from within. It does not form a film on the concrete surface. Penetrating sealers need to be reapplied every 7 – 10 years.

A Topical Concrete Sealer does not penetrate into the concrete at all. It adheres to the concrete surface and forms a water impermeable film. Topical sealers get abraded by traffic and weathering. A concrete driveway needs to be resealed every 1 – 3 years.

For best results you must use both, a penetrating sealer and a topical sealer. They have different ingredients and functions but work as a team. For more information on how these two types of sealers work check out my blog post How Long Does Concrete Driveway Sealer Last? (Comprehensive Explanation!)

Maintains Concrete Strength

A concrete driveway must always have some reinforcement; welded wire mesh in case of 4” thick slabs and steel rebars in case of 6” thick slabs. The reinforcement increases the tensile strength of concrete.

Moisture & water penetration will corrode both the concrete and the steel reinforcement. The overall structural strength of the concrete driveway will be compromised. The sealer prevents moisture & water penetration and keeps the driveway strong.

Prevents Crack Growth & Propagation

Concrete driveway sealers also prevent the growth & propagation of cracks. Concrete driveway crack growth & propagation can be a serious problem in cold regions that experience freeze thaw cycles.

Freeze thaw cycles cause existing cracks to grow & propagate. Concrete sealers prevent this by protecting the cracks from moisture & water ingress.

Improves Aesthetic Appeal

The topical sealer is available at different gloss levels. You may choose a dull matte finish, high gloss wet look finish or something in between to give the dull concrete driveway broom finish improved aesthetic appeal.

You could also add a touch of color to your boring concrete driveway by adding a stain to the topical sealer.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

The Best Sealers for Your Concrete Driveway or Patio

A topical sealer is essential for protecting concrete surfaces from water permeation that can damage the concrete from within and compromise its lifespan.

I highly recommend Foundation Armor Concrete Sealers. Pick the one that best meets your aesthetic and application preference.