Driveway Coating in Burlington, VT

The toll of winter

Driveways see plows, shovels, snowblowers, studded tires, salt, sand and repeated freezing and thawing. Over time the surface scales, cracks open and stains collect near the garage. Replacing a driveway is expensive. Often, cleaning, repairing, resurfacing and sealing the existing slab gives you a better surface for much less, as long as the base is sound.

Our process

1. Inspect for heaving, settlement, drainage issues and damage.
2. Clean thoroughly and remove salt residue and stains.
3. Repair cracks and spalls.
4. Resurface scaled areas if needed.
5. Apply a sealer or coating suited to your goals.

Resurfacing scaled concrete

When the surface is pitted and flaking but the slab underneath is solid, a polymer-modified resurfacer can create a fresh, uniform surface. We finish it with a light broom texture for traction and seal it to protect against future salt damage.

Sealers and coatings

Penetrating sealers protect without changing appearance or traction. Tinted coatings even out color on patched or stained driveways. We avoid glossy, slick finishes on exterior surfaces because of ice and snow.

Snow removal tips

Plastic-edged shovels and snowblower skids set slightly high help protect resurfaced or coated concrete. Use sand for traction where possible and limit deicers on new concrete during its first winter.

Cracks and heaving

Frost can lift slabs and open cracks. We fill cracks to keep water out and point out any trip hazards or drainage problems that may need other work.

Garage apron

The apron in front of the garage takes the most salt and meltwater. If we are also coating your garage floor, we can coordinate the apron so the transition looks clean.

Scheduling

Driveway work requires dry weather and warm enough temperatures, so it is scheduled from late spring to early fall. Fall work prepares the surface for the next winter.

Commercial drives and walks

We also restore entry drives, sidewalks and small lots at apartment buildings, offices and shops, which improves curb appeal and reduces slip complaints.

Repair or replace?

If the driveway has sunk, heaved badly or broken into many pieces, restoration will not hold, and replacement is the better investment. If the problems are mainly surface scaling, stains and a few cracks, restoration usually makes sense. We look at slope, drainage, the condition of the edges and how the slab sounds when tapped before making a recommendation. You get an honest answer, even if it means suggesting another contractor for replacement.

Stains and appearance

Oil drips, rust from snow equipment, tire marks and leaf tannins leave stains that make a driveway look older than it is. We treat what can be removed and use tinted sealers or resurfacers to even out what cannot. The result is a clean, uniform surface that improves curb appeal, which matters when you plan to sell a home or lease a rental.

Drainage

Standing water on a driveway is a freeze-thaw problem waiting to happen. We note low spots and drainage issues during the inspection and discuss options to direct water away from the slab and the garage.

What restoration costs compared with replacement

Restoration typically costs a fraction of tearing out and repouring a driveway, and it takes days rather than weeks. There is no heavy equipment on your lawn and less disruption to parking. Your written quote lists each step, so you can see exactly where the money goes and choose whether to add extras such as apron coordination or walkway sealing.