Why should I sealcoat my driveway?

Driveways can develop cracks due to weathering. This needs to be dealt with as soon as possible before the damage becomes worse. Sealing your driveway not only protects it from the harsh effects of the climate but also gives it a radiant new look.
Your tax dollars, unfortunately, only cover repairs of public roads so you’re responsible for the upkeep of your own driveway. The best time to seal it is probably before outdoor temperatures drop below 50F as this affects the sealcoat material.

Sealcoating involves adding a thin layer of protective material to the surface of asphalt-based pavements. The sealcoat layer is generally made of asphalt emulsion with water and some other additives such as sand, polymer.

The resulting surface protects the asphalt pavement from physical deterioration caused by a number of factors, not just the weather. However, sealcoating is not designed to be a crack-filler; it simply prevents further crack formation.

You can purchase sealcoat material at your local hardware store or contact asphalt sealcoating company to install professionally.

Pro’s and con’s of purchasing and installing asphalt sealer yourself.

Pro’s

• There is none. In the end you loose money and damage your asphalt.

Con’s

• Store bought asphalt sealers have rubberized materials in the product. Which sounds cool, but actually causes lots of harm to your driveway and will cause problems when you have to hire a professional to come and re-do your project.
• It doesn’t allow your asphalt to breathe.
• It doesn’t add any asphalt emulsion back into the asphalt to rejuvenate your asphalt.
• It will flake up within a year.
• It turns a blackish-blue color.

Here are some key facts about sealcoating that you should know if you’re considering using it.

1. Sealcoating offers asphalt pavements essential protection from the elements, thereby extending the longevity of your driveway.
2. It costs more time, money, and effort to rebuild the entire driveway than it does to add a layer of asphalt sealcoat every 3 -4 years.
3. Sealcoating is not a solution to the damage that’s already been taken by the road, and neither is it an alternative to fixing the road. If the cracks are deep, you need to have the driveway professionally repaired/replaced and then sealcoat it to protect it from future damage.
4. How often you need to apply a sealcoat will depend on the climate of your region. If you live in extreme heat or heavy rainfall regions you may need to sealcoat more often.
5. Sealcoating protects your asphalt from oil and gas stains. These stains can penetrate the surface and reach the subgrade, corroding the asphalt from its foundation. This is a majorly expensive problem to deal with.
6. Sealcoating protects the pavement from direct sunlight that oxidizes the binders and fades the color, making it unattractive.
7. Having an attractive and smooth driveway surface increases the value of your property.
8. Prior to sealcoating, you need to use a pressure water cleaner to spray all the debris and dirt off your driveway. Otherwise, you’ll be left with an uneven surface after the coat is applied.
9. The best time to apply the sealcoat is on a clear day with an outdoor temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. It can take anywhere between 2 hours to an entire day for the sealcoat to fully dry and settle into place. You need to wait for it to dry before using your driveway.

Sealing your driveway is going to take time, effort, and expense, so it’s natural to wonder if it’s really worth the investment. Here are some of the key factors your need to consider before deciding whether or not to apply a sealcoat:

1. Do you live in a region with heavy year-round rainfall, harsh winters, and/or strong sunlight? Driveways degrade because of weathering, so the more extreme the weather conditions of your region, the more effort you need to put into protecting your home and driveway.
   If your driveway costs $15,000 (6000 sqft) and lasts up to 15 years and needs to be repaved, your looking at paying another $15,000 (market conditions went up so probably more).
   If you sealcoat your driveway every three years. That would be 5 times in 15 years. 6000 sqft x $.16 = $960. $960 x 5 = $4800.
   You saved $15,000 – $4800 = $10,200
2. Are you planning to sell the property soon or move? As explained earlier, driveway sealing can glamorize your home and get you a much better quotation. If you live on rent, there’s no need for you to undertake the labor or cost of fixing your landlord’s driveway. You can either ask them to pay for it if it’s become a problem or simply move away.
3. Do you use it often? If you barely use your driveway or don’t own a car, you may not feel the need to make the effort of sealing it. And that’s alright, so long as you’re certain you won’t be needing it in the long run.
4. How much has your driveway already deteriorated? You might need to have your driveway professionally assessed. Once it reaches a certain stage of deterioration, sealcoating is a waste of money. Remember, sealcoating doesn’t fix the road, it’s meant to prevent damage.