How to seal an asphalt Driveway – Part 1 of 2
An asphalt driveway can last up to 30 years with regular maintenance. However neglect and abuse can cause a driveway to be repaved in 5 years or less which is very costly.
Your driveway is the grand walk way to you home. Seal coating or sealing your driveway does more than just make it look better and lasts up to 5 years. However, it is recommended to have it re-sealed every 3 years and pressure washed the other two years to keep your driveway looking its best. The driveway deals with natural wear and tear such as rain, hot & cold expansion, uv radiation, hail, earthquakes, and tree roots growth which causes cracks. It also deals with man-made wear such as car traffic, foot traffic, coffee and drink spills, gasoline and oil stains. The only way to make sure your driveway looks great again is to fix the cracks and re-seal.
Click here for part 2 on repairing your driveway if you have pot holes and cracks, or just want to seal your driveway yourself
When to repair your driveway
- Water test- The water should bead off the driveway and not soak into the asphalt; if it soaks into the asphalt, it is causing damage.
- Warm weather- It erodes the pavement and the foundation causing your driveway to crack
- Freeze and thaw cycle- The expansion and contraction will increase the size of the cracks
- Vegetation growth- Grass and weeds are growing through the cracks of your driveway
- Faded Seal Coat- Stone aggregate is clearly showing
- Stains- Heat,gas, grease, oil , and salt stains slowly eat your driveway
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is a tarlike petroleum based product. The product is made from heat and being crushed with other hard objects like rock; coming out a smooth texture. The reason asphalt stains is because it is similar to gasoline and motor oil. So when these items contact the surface it will stain. Sealing is the only way to prevent staining and prevent cracks; it also a much cheaper option than replacing.
When should I use commercial grade sealers?
Commercial grade sealants are highly recommended at airport runways, parking lots, drive through, and or other high traffic areas. Since these sealers work in harsh conditions they will last longer on a driveway!
When to Seal your driveway and how to achieve the best results
- 90 days after a brand new driveway and parking lot to ensure hardening and curing. Sealing is encouraged as soon as possible.
- After the first coating you should do crack repair or pothole filling before seal coating the driveway.
- Use high quality sealant because it lasts longer and does not flake and peel as soon
- Sealing should be done when the temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius to allow curing
- It is recommended to have sand mixed with your sealer to enhance traction
How long does Sealant take to cure?
- In warm weather you can drive on your driveway after 8 hours
- Depending on quality in colder month it can be from anywhere from 36 to 72 hour
If you’re in need of Driveway sealing or professional Seal Coating in the Greater Vancouver area (Langley, Surrey, White Rock, Aldergrove, Cloverdale, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission), get in touch. We’re here to help you perform at your best.
