Caring for a driveway is not simply cosmetic, it is also protective, and it is certainly important to preserve the life of an asphalt driveway. Many homeowners question when is the best time to sealcoat an asphalt driveway. This can depend on a number of things like the weather, wear, and the age of the driveway. Sealcoating creates a protective layer that can help extend the life of asphalt driveways, making it a good investment for those wishing to maintain their homes.
When properly sealed, a driveway surface or asphalt surface (which is essentially the same thing) can handle additional wear, resist tailgates and stains better, and limit the need to pay for patches and repairs. A little conditioning and maintenance can allow asphalt surfaces to last decades longer than if they are unmaintained. Having a plan and following it through really helps avoid bigger problems in the future.
What is sealcoating?
Sealcoating is where a liquid layer of protective coating is put on top of the asphalt surface. Sealcoating adds a barrier and helps prevent damage from water penetration, sun exposure, oils, and other harmful chemicals. Think of sealcoating like “sunscreen” for the driveway. It helps strengthen the surface and protect the drive from substances that would otherwise cause cracks and deterioration.
Contractors who offer asphalt paving services typically recommend sealing a driveway after the asphalt is fully cured, usually several months later. By applying a sealant, one keeps the asphalt surface flexible and stable, which is vital for a residential driveway and on other larger agricultural and or road building projects. When asphalt care is ignored, it is commonplace for asphalt to deteriorate faster and require patches and repairs far sooner than expected. In addition, sealcoating provides a uniform finish that makes any property look good and professional.
Learn more here to know more about pavement preservation.
Benefits of sealing asphalt
Sealing an asphalt surface provides more money-saving advantages than most people understand. Sealing is not only about having that darker, newer look but also about helping the pavement to endure everyday pressures.
Some of the benefits to consider:
• Protecting against ultraviolet rays that dry asphalt
• Protecting against water penetration which will lead to cracks and pot holes
• Enhancing curb appeal by reinsuring a clean black fresh finish
• Saving money from long term repairs
Those homeowners who stay on top of their driveway maintenance will likely experience less issues with crumbling edges and loose gravel. Just like with our concrete paving services, regular maintenance can create a smoother and possibly longer lasting surface. In fact many commercial parking lots schedule sealcoating, avoiding major repair yields. A driveway that is sealcoated regularly appears newer, longer than if it was left unattended.
How often should we seal?
Sealcoating is not something that needs to occur every year, as applying seal coat too often can lead to buildup and peeling. Most driveways seal once every two or three years on average, depending on traffic and climate.
For instance, a busy driveway with more than two cars on it, may require sealcoating more often than a small residential one. Local contractors performing driveway installation Vacaville, typically recommend evaluating before scheduling a seal service. Homeowner can spare a few unnecessary costs while protecting their investment. Regular maintenance also enhances a home’s resale value since buyers like to see a well-maintained property.
Even if a homeowner has not kept track of the last time that they applied sealcoating, the condition of the driveway will often provide indications. The following indicates that a re-seal is necessary:
• The asphalt has turned faded/gray instead of remaining black
• There are small cracks forming in the surface
• Water is pooling instead of draining properly
• There are oil stains / spots that will not wash off easily
The sooner a homeowner can act when they see these problems, the better. Applying sealcoating at the correct time helps to minimize the process so that a homeowners minor wear does not deteriorate into worse damage requiring a full resurfacing or entirely new driveway. For a homeowner with a larger driveway, this could mean avoiding a tripping hazard for themselves or damage to their vehicles. Staying on the sealcoating schedule will help homeowners with the process of snow removal during the winter season.
Weather Conditions for Sealcoating
There is a direct correlation between timing and success when it comes to sealcoating. If the weather is not ideal and sealcoating is applied, there can be unwanted effects. Ideal weather to sealcoat is dry and warm weather with temperatures above 50 and no rain in the forecast for 24 hours post-application.
If the temperatures are cooler or the humidity is too high, the coating will not cure properly. Likewise, if the weather is too hot, the application will dry too quickly. This is a big part of the reason that many paving contractors only perform sealcoating in late spring through early fall. The correct seasonal time is crucial to making the protective layer adhere properly so that it lasts as long as possible.
When a homeowner is able to schedule work well ahead of time, they can help the contractor schedule the work during a time that is more optimal for success. Having the coatings applied at the correct time is one of the best ways to ensure that your driveway will stay strong for many years to come.
Conclusion
Sealcoating (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seal%20coat) is one of the easiest, yet most effective ways to maintain an asphalt driveway. Knowing when to apply sealcoat, the right weather, and the right condition of the surface allows homeowners to keep their driveways performing well, and maintenance in general can extend the aesthetics of the surface for as long as possible. This relates whether the driveway is a new installation or has been in service for 20 years, having proper maintenance will provide a smoother ride and better overall curb appeal to your home.
Regular monitoring can save a homeowner money on repairs and provide more comfort with the peace of mind that the drive is good. All considered, the effort put into maintaining a driveway will go a long way toward safety, strength, and durability.
