Sealing an Asphalt Driveway: Tips and Mistakes

Asphalt sealcoating has many advantages, especially if your driveway is starting to show signs of wear and tear. Potholes can form on your driveway when water seeps in, but sealcoating is one way to prevent this from happening.

Water seepage can also cause damage to the base of your driveway, and if cracks form and fill with water, further damage can occur when the water freezes. Alternately, during the summer, grass may start to grow in the cracks. Unless you have previous experience, it is strongly recommended that you hire professional sealcoating services to handle these issues.

While asphalt sealcoating is still a relatively simple project, you should still leave it up to the professionals, especially if you have a large property. Sealcoating contractors have the proper equipment and experience to get the job done right and typically offer services at an affordable rate.

Even if you’re just having your driveway installed, it is strongly recommended that you hire a contractor, then have sealcoating reapplied to your asphalt every two to three years. Regular sealcoating will protect your driveway, as well as add to your home’s value.

With professional sealcoating services, you can also avoid some of the mistakes that property owners face when they try to tackle sealcoating themselves, such as:

Thick Layers

When sealcoating, many property owners erroneously think that thick layers of the material will offer more protection. Sealcoating contractors, however, know that a thin layer applied six months after the driveway has been installed and every one to two years after is enough. Sealcoating is also recommended if you live in an area with cold winters, though it will make the surface of your driveway slick.

Not Minding the Weather

If you’re going to hire a sealcoating company, it’s recommended that you wait until a stretch of warm and dry weather, as these are the ideal conditions for applying sealcoating to asphalt.

Not Taking Proper Precautions

An advantage of hiring professionals for sealcoating is that they have the proper protective gear. Sealcoating with PolyTar and other popular products usually involves chemicals that can be harmful if they come into contact with skin. Those who provide professional sealcoating services, however, will have the sense and knowledge to string tape across the entrances to your driveway to let people know that they should not drive on it.

Not Prepping the Driveway

Professional sealcoating services should trim grass from the edge of the parking lot and clean any dirt and debris. Proper sealcoating workers will remove any stains from the driveway before they start sealcoating.

From there, they will start at one corner and work outwards; this is the most effective way to apply sealcoating. It is also recommended that you let your sealcoated asphalt set for at least 24 hours before you allow anyone to drive on it.

As one of the top sealcoating contractors in Ontario, Sure Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. knows the importance of asphalt sealcoating. We provide professional sealcoating with PolyTar-brand sealant that’s mixed to the right consistency so it will protect your parking lot against the worst that Mother Nature throws at it.

Source:
“Sealing an Asphalt Driveway: Tips and Mistakes to Avoid,” DoItYourself.com; http://www.doityourself.com/stry/sealing-an-asphalt-driveway-tips-and-mistakes-to-avoid.