7 Great Benefits of Rubber Coating for Concrete Driveways
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Is Rubber Coating for Concrete Driveways an effective resurfacing solution?
When you first built your concrete driveway I am sure it looked beautiful and elegant. With passage of time it may be looking quite worn out and ugly with oil marks and grease stains. It may also have developed cracks and potholes.
Frankly it’s time for a makeover. Rubber coating for concrete driveways is an effective resurfacing solution and I am going to explain exactly why, in this blog post.
Understanding Rubber Coating for Concrete Driveways
Rubber coating for concrete driveways is the application of a coat or two of a rubber-based material onto the existing old concrete surface to rejuvenate its looks, functionality and durability.
The rubber coating is composed of a blend of rubber (often synthetic & recycled) particles, pigments, binding agents and additives.
Once applied to the concrete driveway the coating cures to form a rubber-like highly flexible, seamless, elastomeric waterproof membrane. Elastomeric means it can stretch and return to its original shape without damage.
The application process of rubber coating for concrete driveways is quite similar to the application of a water-based paint. The coating is typically applied by a roller so as to cover a large area quickly.
Application of a rubber coating is easier than that of an epoxy coating on concrete as it is a single pack, water-based product.
Benefits of Rubber Coating for Concrete Driveway Resurfacing
Summary Table
| Benefit | Summary |
|---|---|
| 1. Durability | Rubber coating acts as a protective shield, enhancing the lifespan of old concrete driveways. It offers high abrasion resistance and withstands wear and tear from heavy traffic, temperature changes, and weather extremes. It effectively seals out moisture, rain, snow, and ice. |
| 2. Slip-Resistance | Rubber coatings provide improved traction on driveways, making them safer for pedestrians and vehicles. The surface enhances grip, reducing the risk of slips and skidding. Even when wet, the rubber coating retains its slip resistance properties, significantly reducing accidents and injuries. |
| 3. Flexibility and Crack Resistance | Rubber coatings are flexible and can accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of cracks in the underlying concrete. They act as elastomeric waterproof membranes, preventing cracking and bridging small existing cracks. This resistance to crack movement and moisture intrusion prolongs the lifespan of the driveway. |
| 4. Easy Installation and Maintenance | Applying a rubber coating is a simple process, typically using a roller on a long pole. Surface preparation is minimal, and maintenance is low. Regular cleaning and occasional recoating are sufficient to keep the driveway in excellent condition. |
| 5. Environmental Friendliness | Rubber coatings often use recycled rubber tires, contributing to waste reduction and recycling efforts. Proper drainage design can also direct rainwater to the stormwater drainage system, making them environmentally friendly. |
| 6. Aesthetics and Customization | Rubber coatings come in a range of colors, allowing homeowners to choose options that complement their home exteriors. Custom designs, patterns, and even logos can be incorporated, providing a personalized touch and enhancing the visual appeal of the driveway. |
| 7. Soft Feel | The soft feel of the rubber coating adds an extra layer of safety, allowing children to bike or play on the driveway without the worry of falls and bruises. |
1. Durability
Rubber coating enhances the durability and longevity of an old concrete driveway by acting as a protective shield.
Rubber coatings have very high abrasion resistance and can withstand the wear & tear from heavy traffic. They are also resistant to changes in temperature, humidity and other weather extremes.
Rubber coatings are essentially waterproof membranes and therefore are very effective sealants. Moisture, rain, snow and ice can not penetrate its barrier and reach the concrete below.
2. Slip-Resistance
Rubber coatings provide improved traction on concrete driveways, making them safer for both pedestrians and vehicles. You are well aware that rubber is inherently slip resistant.
The rubber coating surface enhances grip. Pedestrians are less likely to slip and fall. Cars are less likely to skid and swerve off the driveway. The rubber coating retains its slip resistance properties even when they are wet.
With a rubber-coated driveway, you can have peace of mind knowing that accidents or injuries due to slippery surfaces are significantly reduced.
3. Flexibility and Crack Resistance
We all know that rubber is a flexible material so it is only natural that rubber coating for concrete driveways should be flexible as well.
In scientific terms, a rubber coating is defined as an elastomeric waterproof membrane.
They can accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the cracks in the underlying concrete.
A rubber coating, unlike an epoxy coating, for example, does not crack because of crack movement in the concrete driveway.
Rubber coatings have crack bridging capabilities. In other words, they can effectively bridge small existing cracks and prevent moisture or water from entering them.
The function of a rubber coating can best be described as an elastomeric waterproof crack bridging membrane.
4. Easy Installation and Maintenance
Application of rubber coating is a relatively simple and straightforward process. It is typically sold as a one pack water based product that can be applied on the old concrete driveway with a roller on a long pole.
The surface preparation requirement is minimal. Sweep the driveway to remove debris such as dry leaves and then pressure wash it to remove mud and grime.
Large cracks can be filled by a cement mortar but small cracks can be ignored. Apply a coat of liquid rubber primer and follow it up with two coats of the rubber coating and you are done.
Once the rubber coating is in place, it requires very low maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild detergents and occasional recoating are typically sufficient.
5. Environmental Friendliness
More often than not, rubber coatings are made from recycled rubber tires. As such they are environmentally friendly and contribute to recycling and reduction of waste.
With the right slope, rainwater can be guided to drainage channels on the sides, which can lead to the storm water drainage system.
6. Aesthetics and Customization
Rubber coatings do come in a limited range of colors, allowing you to choose one that complements your home exteriors.
If you are so inclined, it is possible to create custom designs, patterns, or even incorporate logos on the driveway surface. This lets you add a personalized touch.
7. Soft Feel
The rubber coating has a soft feel to it and as such your kids can bike or play basketball on it without you worrying that they may fall and get bruised.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
The Best Liquid Rubber Coating & Sealant for Your Driveway, Patio, Walkway, etc.
The best DIY Liquid Rubber Coating & Sealant for small or even slightly larger exterior concrete surfaces such as driveways, concrete walks, patios, etc. is Liquid Rubber Color Sealant. The product is a polymer-modified, sand and cement resurfacing material requiring only the addition of clean water.
- UV stable, water-based flexible coating.
- Application is similar to painting, but requires heavy coats to build the waterproof membrane.
- For use on various materials and types of projects, with eight color options.
FAQ
How long does a rubber coating for a concrete driveway last?
Rubber coating for concrete driveways will last several years if applied correctly and maintained regularly.
Recoating a rubber coating is quite simple and inexpensive.
Can a rubber-coated driveway withstand heavy vehicles?
Yes. However, keep in mind that the load bearing capacity of the driveway comes from the structural integrity of the concrete slab and not from the rubber coating.
How long does the installation of a rubber coating take?
Application of rubber coating over concrete driveways in typical homes can be done over a weekend as prep requirements are minimal and the coating is fast drying.
Thank you very much for reading this post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.
