Should I sealcoat my asphalt driveway? If you’re asking yourself this question, it’s time to think it through. It all depends on your driveway’s condition, age, and depth of asphalt that exists in your driveway. You should consider sealcoating your asphalt driveway for several reasons. We will discuss here some of the primary reasons for sealcoating.
Why Sealcoat Your Driveway?
Reduction in Formation of Cracks
Sealcoating will reduce cracking in your asphalt by up to 80%! As asphalt pavement ages, it begins to crack and break up. These cracks allow moisture to soak into your asphalt and dry out, causing it to become brittle. If you want to eliminate this problem and keep your asphalt driveway in good shape for a long time, you should sealcoat it every few years. Professional asphalt paving companies like The Pavement Group in Nashville, TN, can further advise you regarding the repair of cracks.
Protection from Oxidation Damage
An asphalt driveway is subject to oxidation damage, which means it will age quicker and eventually wear out. The asphalt molecules break down and form cracks on the surface of the asphalt, which ultimately leads to spalling or popping up asphalt pieces that can be hazardous for drivers in cars. Sealcoating protects asphalt from the sun’s UV rays that are responsible for much of this deterioration.
Protection from Water Seeping into the Driveway
One of the main reasons asphalt driveways are sealed is to protect them from water seeping into the asphalt. This is because asphalt driveways can be susceptible to water damage, which causes the asphalt surface to deteriorate. Once this happens, it could lead to potholes and cracks in the asphalt.
The sealcoating material seals off any gaps or holes where moisture might penetrate from beneath the pavement’s surface, as well as around utility openings. The sealant will form a barrier so that any water underneath your driveway will not cause damage or disintegrate your asphalt for years to come.
Increases Curb Appeal with Lustrous Blacktop
As your asphalt driveway ages and is constantly trampled by vehicles and foot traffic, its beautiful black luster starts fading, and the driveway begins to look worn out. An asphalt driveway sealer will restore the asphalt’s black color and make the pavement look brand new. This is because sealant forms an armor layer on top of the asphalt that helps protect against harmful UV rays and cracks.
Future Cost Saving
Sealcoating is a good asphalt maintenance strategy to reduce asphalt sealer and asphalt binder consumption. It also reduces the need for future repaving, prolongs asphalt life expectancy, and protects your pavement from UV radiation damage.
Driveway Sealcoating Tips
- For optimal performance and long-lasting results, apply two or three coats of sealant.
- The best time to sealcoat is 24 hours after temperatures have risen above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not apply when temperatures are below 50-degrees.
- Avoid sealcoating if rain or wet conditions are forecasted within the same 24-hour period.
- Allow sealcoat to cure at least 24 hours before allowing vehicles back on the pavement.
If you are from around Nashville and need first-rate sealcoating done on your driveway, call The Pavement Group. We have been serving customers nationwide in the US for many years.