What's the difference between sealing a concrete driveway versus an asphalt one in Ottawa?

Ottawa has a mix of both asphalt and concrete driveways, and while both benefit from sealing, the products, processes, and costs are completely different. Using the wrong sealer type is a common and costly mistake.

Fundamentally Different Materials

Asphalt is a petroleum-based flexible pavement. Concrete is a rigid, cement-based material. They respond differently to Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles, require different sealers, and fail in different ways. Applying asphalt sealer to concrete — or vice versa — will not bond and can actually cause damage. This sounds obvious, but contractors in Ottawa regularly encounter homeowners who've made this mistake with off-the-shelf products.

Asphalt Driveway Sealing

Asphalt sealers are topical coatings — they sit on the surface and create a protective film. Coal tar and asphalt emulsion sealers are the two main types used in Ottawa. They restore the black colour, fill surface porosity, and protect against UV oxidation and water penetration. Application is done by squeegee, brush, or spray, and the product is visible as a distinct coating. Cost in Ottawa runs $0.35 to $0.75 per square foot, or $140 to $300 for a typical driveway. Reapplication every 2 to 3 years.

Concrete Driveway Sealing

Concrete sealers are typically penetrating products — they soak into the concrete pores and create an invisible barrier from within. The main types available in Ottawa are:

• Silane/siloxane penetrating sealers — Best for Ottawa's climate. They repel water without changing the appearance. Cost: $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot applied.
• Acrylic sealers — Add a slight sheen and enhance colour. Less durable in freeze-thaw conditions. Cost: $0.40 to $0.80 per square foot.
• Polyurethane/epoxy sealers — Maximum protection and glossy finish, but can become slippery when wet. Cost: $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot.

For a 400-square-foot concrete driveway in Ottawa, expect to pay $200 to $600 depending on product type.

Ottawa Climate Considerations

Concrete driveways in Ottawa face a specific threat that asphalt doesn't: spalling from de-icing salt. Road salt and calcium chloride accelerate freeze-thaw damage in concrete by increasing the number of freeze-thaw cycles the surface layer experiences. A penetrating sealer is critical for Ottawa concrete driveways — it prevents salt-laden water from entering the pores where it causes the surface to flake and pit. Homeowners in Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans — where municipal ploughs and salt trucks are aggressive — should seal concrete driveways every 2 to 3 years minimum.

Asphalt is more resistant to salt damage but more vulnerable to UV oxidation and oil/gasoline spills, which is why topical sealers that create a physical barrier work better.

Preparation Differences

Asphalt prep involves cleaning, oil spot treatment, and crack filling. Concrete prep is more involved — it often requires etching with muriatic acid or mechanical grinding to open the pores for sealer penetration, especially on newer concrete with a smooth trowel finish. Previous concrete sealers may need to be stripped before reapplication, adding $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot.

Which Lasts Longer in Ottawa?

Penetrating concrete sealers typically last 3 to 5 years in Ottawa — longer than asphalt topical sealers (2 to 3 years) — because they're protected within the concrete rather than exposed on the surface to snowploughs and traffic wear.

Whether your Ottawa driveway is concrete or asphalt, connect with the right specialist through Ottawa Driveways to ensure the correct product and application method for your specific surface.

---

Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Homeupgraders
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Humble Homes - property maintenance
• Pure Flow Water Solutions inc.
• Alvi Asphalt Paving Ltd

View all contractors →