There are many advantages to using an asphalt sealer or sealcoating your driveway. For one, properly sealing an asphalt driveway can prolong the decay of the asphalt surface. Also, if you live in an environment where either high-moisture or extreme heat is common, sealing the asphalt can act as a barrier against weather-related damages.
So, join us here, at Sunrise Asphalt, as we explore some of the benefits to applying an asphalt sealer!
What is Sealcoating?
First off, what is sealcoating? Glad you asked! A sealcoat product is often mixed with rocks or gravel and a binder, such as asphalt cement. This is then applied to the top of asphalt surfaces such as driveways or parking lots. Sealcoating is a sturdy and reliable way of maintaining the integrity of asphalt by protecting it against its common enemies such as water, sun and oil.
So, here are 3 reasons why you should add an asphalt sealer to your driveway.
Lasts Longer
It is only natural that your asphalt driveway will erode or wear away over time. The wear and tear, or asphalt damage, will then eventually call for a need to resurface your driveway. Once you have done that, consider adding a coat of asphalt sealer. This will help maintain the asphalt’s structure over a longer period of time, as well as make the asphalt more durable and last longer. Additionally, it can help with keeping those driveway repairs to a minimum!
Improves Appearance
When you first lay down asphalt, the color looks fresh and your driveway looks brand new. Over time, constant sun exposure can fade away the asphalt’s dark color and water from rainfall can create cracks in the asphalt. So, your driveway will lose the fresh appeal it once had. This is where applying an asphalt sealer can help!
An asphalt sealer can preserve the color of asphalt for a longer period of time and also keep the color from fading nearly as fast. The gloss finish will enhance your driveway’s look, improving both your driveway’s overall appearance and quality. So if you are looking to sell your home, having a clean, attractive driveway will only add to its value!
Prevents Damage
Applying a layer of sealcoat can help prevent unavoidable damage to your asphalt’s surface. For example, oil leaks can cause the oil to seep into the pores of the asphalt and weaken it. With an asphalt sealer, if oil does leak onto your driveway, a sealcoat will keep it from entering the asphalt. It will also make cleaning up an oil spill a whole lot easier!
Additionally, the sun’s UV rays can make asphalt brittle causing cracks to form on its surface. Water, from rainfall or a hose, can then seep into these cracks and weaken the base or foundation of the asphalt. Which, you guessed it, over time will cause even more asphalt cracks to surface due to the softened base. Talk about a headache! By using an asphalt sealer, you lessen the chance of damages (such as the once mentioned) occurring in the future.
Anything Else You Should Know?
Now that we have gone over some benefits of using an asphalt sealer, let’s take a look into some factors to consider before starting your sealcoat journey.
How often should you apply an asphalt sealer? A coat of asphalt sealer can last roughly a few years. So do take into account that you will have to reseal your asphalt every couple of years, our professional recommendation is every two to three years. But that beats the hassle of having to repair asphalt damages constantly caused by natural elements.
How long do you have to wait to apply an asphalt sealer after a driveway repair or resurface? If you decide to add a sealcoat after a driveway repair or resurface, it is recommended that you wait and seal the fresh asphalt within a year of it being paved. The reason is that asphalt needs time to cure. If you add an asphalt sealer too early, before the new asphalt has properly dried, then the oils in the asphalt binder can mix with the oils in the sealer causing it to crack.
When is the best season to apply an asphalt sealer? Summer seems to be the best time to apply asphalt sealers as the heat can help the sealcoat dry faster.
So, there you go! We hope this information was both valuable and helpful. If you decide a sealcoat is the way to go or have more questions, please feel free to reach out. We are always here to provide answers and great service for our Tucson family!
