First impressions always matter. If you’re a homeowner, your driveway plays a critical role in giving off a great first impression of your home and property. Maintaining the integrity of your driveway doesn’t have to be that difficult or expensive if you stay on top of it. One of the most important actions you can take is to sealcoat your driveway every few years once it starts to deteriorate. When trying to figure out how often you need to seal your driveway, here’s what you need to know.
How quickly your driveway begins to wear down depends upon the general climate of the area in which your home resides. If you live in a moderate climate, you will likely need to reseal your driveway every 3 to 4 years. If the local temperatures have been fluctuating substantially, with freezing temperatures in the winter and 100+ degree summer days, then you’ll most likely want to reseal your driveway every 2 to 3 years.
To figure out whether or not it is time to seal your asphalt, there are a number of things you can look for on your property. First, check to see if your asphalt is starting to turn gray and rocks are beginning to come out from the pavement. As a driveway wears over time, the oils and binders in the asphalt will come up from below the surface and bleach over the driveway as it ages.
Next, look at the area on your property where the sidewalk meets the driveway. Here there should be a very clear crack filling allowing for some expansion and contraction throughout the year. If there isn’t an excellent crack filling present, this issue needs to be addressed right away to keep water from seeping through this gap and causing further crack development.
A third area to examine is where the driveway meets the garage. This location has a tendency for water to settle and cause the driveway to pull away from the garage. If there is a clear separation here, then this also means that it’s time to seal your driveway.
Finally, check to see if there are any cracks scattered throughout your asphalt driveway. These cracks may start out small, but they will continue to expand and further deteriorate your driveway if they are not addressed right away. Properly filling these areas will put a stop to this damage right in its tracks.
Sealcoating is one of the very best ways you can maintain the integrity of your driveway over the years and also enhance the curb appeal of your property. Sealcoating places a protective layer over the top of your asphalt and protects your asphalt foundation from damage over time. At Seal King, we use only the highest quality materials and best practices in the industry to ensure the success of every driveway we seal. Our expertise and commitment to quality separates us from the competition. For more information about scheduling a sealcoating service, contact Seal King today.