When was the last time an asphalt paving contractor checked your last driveway or parking lot? I know it’s been ages! And you definitely have noticed cracks and potholes. So it will be helpful for you if you know the best time to seal driveway.
That’s alright- Sealing your driveway is a cost-effective and straightforward method to save and extend its lifespan. Due to the impact of weather conditions and vehicle usage, asphalt surfaces can naturally deteriorate over time.
Having asphalt maintenance significantly impacts the value of your home. Whether you plan to sell or rent, maintaining your driveway becomes a top priority. Ensuring its appealing appearance is essential to attract potential buyers or tenants.
So, let’s explore the topic and equip you with comprehensive knowledge on when should you seal your driveway that will assist you in making a proper decision.
Why is It Crucial to Seal the Driveway?
Before getting into when to seal driveway, understanding why it is essential to seal is mandatory. So, by opting for driveway sealcoating, you can provide an extra layer of protection to prolong the lifespan of your driveway and shield it from deterioration. When sealcoating is applied, it acts as a barrier against water, which is the primary culprit in causing damage to asphalt surfaces.
Additionally, it offers defense against other elements like salt, chemicals, sunlight, and oxygen, which can contribute to corrosion and cracking. Regular sealcoating of your driveway helps prevent erosion and potential damage. The process safeguards your driveway and requires minimal maintenance, making it a convenient choice.
By investing in driveway sealcoating, you can enhance the durability of your driveway and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs in the future.
Best Time of Year to Driveway Sealcoating?
The best time to seal driveway is during the fall or spring seasons when the temperatures are typically moderate. Applying seal coating when the outside temperature exceeds 50 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
Additionally, it is crucial to choose a day without heavy rainfall, as the weather should remain rain-free for at least 24 hours to allow the seal coating to cure properly. By scheduling the sealcoating process during suitable weather conditions, you can ensure the effectiveness and longevity of the protective seal on your driveway.
Is Driveway Sealing Worth It?
As long as you know the best time of year to seal driveway, it will absolutely be worth it. If you want to maintain your driveway’s look and structure, sealcoating is critical because it lasts for years. Without a sealing process, you risk expensive repairs or replacements. Applying sealcoating provides an extra protective layer for your asphalt surface, sheltering it against harmful elements.
You must take care of UV rays, snow, oil, and chemicals because these are too dangerous for your driveways. If you don’t protect it, these components will destroy your foundation.
You should know the best time to sealcoat driveway before it may be too late to fix it, or it may cost you a lot of money to repair it.
The only way to secure your driveway is by sealing it. Is it worth it? Yes. It’s the only way to retain it.
How Do You Sealcoat a Driveway?
To dig deeply into sealing your driveway, let’s have a look at how to seal coat your driveway:
- Preparation: Make sure that your access road must be cleaned thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, or vegetation. This can be done using a broom, pressure washer, or driveway cleaner.
- Repair any Damage: Fill in cracks, holes, or damaged areas using an appropriate asphalt repair material. Allow the repairs to fully cure before proceeding.
- Edging and Protection: Use edging tools or tape to protect adjacent surfaces, such as sidewalks or garage doors, from sealcoating materials.
- Application: Apply the seal coat using a brush, roller, or spray system. Start from one end of the driveway and work towards the other, ensuring even coverage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the application method and drying time.
- Multiple Coats: Depending on the condition of the driveway and the type of sealcoating used, multiple coats may be required. Before adding the next coat, let the last one dry.
- Drying and Curing: Allow the seal coat to dry thoroughly and cure, which usually takes between 24 and 48 hours. Avoid driving or walking on the newly sealed driveway during this time. If you understand the procedure of sealing the driveway properly, you will get to know when to seal driveway.
Benefits of Timely Sealing Driveways
Protects the Asphalt Binder from Gasoline & Oils
Petroleum-based liquids, like oil or gasoline, can soften asphalt pavement when they come into contact with it. This can lead to faster and more extensive damage to the pavement.
Moreover, before sealcoating a parking lot, it is crucial to repair any black oil spots. Failure to do so means the sealer will not be effective in those areas, and any existing damage will continue to spread. So, know your best time of year to seal driveway to save your way from destruction.
Increases Friction Resistance
Asphalt pavement undergoes wear as it ages, and the tiny sand-size particles, known as “fines,” are typically the first to deteriorate. A sealer containing sand or boiler slag locks the fines, preventing further loss. So, that is also the best time to sealcoat driveway.
Additionally, the sealer refills the fairs on the pavement surface, enhancing traction by providing a rougher texture. This added traction could benefit vehicles, particularly during wet or slippery conditions.
Improves Flexibility
Most people ask when to sealcoat driveway because they know how difficult it is to run on damaged roads. Asphalt pavement is flexible, while concrete pavement is rigid. As vehicles drive over asphalt, it flexes under their weight. Over time, aging asphalt becomes brittle, flexes less, and develops cracks. Regularly applying sealer helps maintain flexibility and slows down the pavement’s path to brittleness.
How Better Roofing and Remodeling is the Best Option for Driveway Sealing
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Suppose you’re thinking about when should you seal your driveway, look here. In that case, you’ll get full assistance such as:
Conclusion
By keeping an eye on getting the best time to seal asphalt driveway, you can extend its lifespan and keep it looking its best.
Applying sealer in certain conditions can lead to issues such as tracking, power steering marks, discoloration, and reduced durability. One crucial factor to consider is the pavement temperature. When the temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C), it becomes more challenging for the sealer to adhere properly to the pavement surface.
Remember when to sealcoat driveway because if your driveway is smooth, you’ll love to drive on it. So, avail yourself of the opportunity and add protection to your driveway.
