If you don’t seal an asphalt driveway, the asphalt can start to become brittle and more susceptible to cracking. Additionally, oxidation will start to occur more quickly and U. V. damage will start to occur due to the sun’s exposure.
This will cause the asphalt to degrade quicker and lead to the formation of cracks. Annual sealing can help tremendously in helping preserve the life of your asphalt driveway and prevent cracking from occurring.
If you fail to seal your asphalt driveway, it will not only become a hazard, but it will also significantly reduce the life expectancy of your driveway, meaning that you will need to make repairs and/or replacement sooner than if you had sealed it regularly.
Why you should not seal your driveway?
It is generally not recommended that you seal your driveway because it can have undesirable effects on the pavement and surrounding environment. Concrete driveways naturally absorb moisture, which is necessary for the long-term integrity of the surface.
Sealing your driveway restricts the breathability and ability of the surface to handle substantial amounts of water. When water cannot penetrate or be absorbed into the concrete, it will pool on the surface and lead to cracks, potholes, and other serious problems.
These issues can be costly and time-consuming to repair.
In addition, driveway sealants tend to contain hazardous chemicals that can be harmful to people, plants, and animals. Many of these sealants contain toxic materials such as petroleum which can leech into groundwater and compromise soil quality.
High levels of these chemicals can also be released into the air when applied and this can have an effect on air quality and people’s health.
Overall, it is best to avoid sealing your driveway and take a preventative approach by sealing cracks and patching holes as they form. This will extend the life of your driveway and is a much safer and effective way to keep it in good condition.
How often do asphalt driveways need to be sealed?
Asphalt driveways typically need to be sealed every 2-3 years to protect the paving from weathering, wear and tear, chemical exposure, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Sealing your asphalt driveway will help prolong the life of the pavement, make the surface smoother and easier to clean, improve the overall aesthetics of your home, and protect its resale value.
To determine how often you need to seal your asphalt driveway, you should inspect it frequently and look for signs of damage such as cracks, holes, fading or discoloration, and evidence of wear and tear.
If you see any of these signs of damage, you should seal your driveway immediately to prevent further damage. To ensure your asphalt driveway is properly sealed, it is best to hire a professional asphalt maintenance contractor who is qualified and trained in sealing asphalt driveways.
How much does asphalt sealcoating cost?
The cost of asphalt sealcoating will depend on several factors, such as the size of the area to be treated, the type of sealant used, and the overall condition of the asphalt. Generally speaking, a sealcoating job for a single-car driveway can range between $125 and $250, while a commercial-size parking lot can cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
The cost of a sealcoating job can be reduced if the sealant is professionally applied. The total cost of a sealcoating job is also dependent on how long the job will take to complete. Some contractors charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee for the entire job.
Some sealcoating materials also have additives that can increase the longevity of the product and may affect the overall cost of the job. Ultimately, the best way to determine the exact cost of asphalt sealcoating is to get a few bids from professionals and compare the prices.
Should I seal my asphalt driveway every year?
Typically, asphalt driveways should be sealed every three to five years. But if you live in an area where there are extreme temperature fluctuations, you may want to consider sealing your driveway annually.
A sealer creates a protective barrier that shields the surface from moisture and UV rays, preventing cracks and other damage. Sealing in the winter may be especially beneficial because sealing in the warmer temperatures of spring and summer may lead to damage by the sun.
Before sealing, you should inspect the surface for any cracks or holes and make any repairs before applying sealer. Sealing your asphalt driveway can increase the life of the driveway and can prevent costly repairs.
However, it should be done properly and by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Is it a good idea to seal a concrete driveway?
Sealing a concrete driveway is a good idea as it helps to protect the concrete from the elements, such as sun, rain, ice, snow, and more. Sealants also help to prevent staining, create a smoother surface, and reduce the amount of pitting and scaling that can occur.
Additionally, using a sealer makes the concrete easier to clean, since it will not absorb dirt and grime as readily. When done correctly, sealing a concrete driveway can help to extend its life and keep it looking better for longer.
Should you seal coat a driveway?
Yes, it is usually a good idea to seal coat a driveway. Seal coating helps protect your driveway from wear and tear caused by sunlight, moisture, and snow. It also makes the driveway look like new and can increase the curb appeal and value of your home.
It is also a cheap, easy way to protect your driveway and can make it last up to three times longer. To get the best results, you should use a sealer that is specifically designed for asphalt driveways and have an experienced contractor apply it properly.
This will ensure that your driveway is fully protected and help prevent cracking, fading, corrosion, and other damage.
Is sealcoating necessary?
Yes, sealcoating is necessary because it prevents damage to asphalt pavement, extends the life of the pavement, and prevents the formation of cracks and potholes. By sealing asphalt pavement, you can protect it from the elements and ensure it looks great for longer.
Sealcoating provides a protective barrier that resists the damaging effects of sun, rain, snow, chemicals, and oil spills. It also seals small cracks and prevents water from seeping underneath the pavement and causing erosion, which can eventually lead to more serious damage.
Sealcoating can also help keep the surface temperature cooler in the summer because it is reflective. Furthermore, sealcoating adds a beautiful and uniform texture to your pavement, making it look more aesthetically pleasing.
Sealcoating should be done every two to three years to ensure the pavement is well protected.
Does sealcoating fill cracks?
No, sealcoating does not fill cracks. Sealcoating is simply a protective layer that is applied to asphalt surfaces. It is designed to fill the small holes and voids that may form on the surface of the asphalt and protect it from further damage.
While sealcoating does provide some protection from the elements and wear and tear from the sun and other environmental factors, it does not actually fill cracks. In order to effectively fill cracks, it is necessary to get professional crack filling services or to repair them manually with asphalt patching materials.
How many square feet will 5 gallons of driveway sealer cover?
It depends on the specific type of driveway sealer and the condition of the surface being sealed. Generally, if it is a high quality sealer, you can estimate that 5 gallons will cover about 250-500 square feet.
This would depend on the thickness of the sealer being used, the porosity of the slab, and the condition of the driveway. For example, if the driveway is brand new and has never been sealed before, it will require more sealer to fill in any pores and cracks than if it is a resurfacing project.
Additionally, if the sealer is of a lower grade, you may need to apply it at a thicker rate, meaning more will be needed for any given area. Therefore, it is best to consult the product label for more detailed coverage estimations before beginning your project.