With spring arriving homeowners often find themselves sprucing up the exteriors of their homes in various ways. It is also the perfect time to inspect the paved areas of your driveway and parking areas. If you are noticing some areas that may need attention it may lead you to ask, “How often should your driveway be sealed?” Uniform Paving & Sealcoating is going to answer this very question for you today!
How often should a driveway be seal coated?
Investing in paving a road or parking area on your property is expensive. In addition to that paving also adds value to your home. A little maintenance now and then will make sure that your investment lasts and save you headaches later.
Inspecting your driveway is as easy as taking the time to walk it and look for cracks. Another indication along with cracking is that your pavement changes from a deep black to a lighter grey.
If you notice significant cracking it is time to contact your local paving contractor. Uniform Paving & Sealcoating always offer free site visits and estimates.
On average you can expect to need to reseal your driveway every 5-7 years depending on what type of climate you live in. The wider range of weather occurring in the area that you live in the more often you will need to reseal.
Why does pavement need to be resealed?
The mixture of asphalt contains a crude form of oil to bind all the elements of stone and aggregate together. Over time the binder, oil, begins to oxidize and break down thus lessening the binding that holds everything together. When this happens, pavement loses it’s color and cracks form.
Is sealing cracks really that important?
Yes! Once cracking begins in the surface of your pavement it is only a matter of time before they cause other issues.
As cracks form, they allow water to get in them. If you live in a climate where freezing occurs regularly in the colder months ice will form. Naturally, when water freezes it expands and as it expands it makes cracks grow larger.
Small plant life can also take root in cracks in your pavement and as they grow their root systems can also promote further cracking.
This cracking is not always evident on the surface either. You may only see a small crack visibly but beneath it could be developing into something much worse.
Not to mention once holes and chunks break off the pavement and create potholes the damage that it can cause vehicles.
Can I seal coat my driveway myself?
While you can certainly attempt to seal coat your driveway yourself, we do not recommend it here at Uniform Paving & Sealcoating.
For one, depending on the size of your drive, it can be a dauntingly large task that could take a lot of time to complete.
Another reason to allow a profession to help you is that we have commercial equipment that properly maintains the temperature of the sealcoat to apply it correctly. As well as, tools to apply it more quickly and efficiently.
We are experts in our industry and have the experience to know exactly what your drive needs. When we come out to replenish the binder via sealcoating, we will also conduct a thorough survey of the condition of your asphalt.
Therefore, when you get outdoors and begin your seasonal spring-cleaning take note of whether your drive needs a facelift as well. Seal coating gives it a visible facelift by restoring its black luster.
If you have any questions about paving or seal coating feel free to contact us here today. As previously stated, we offer free site visits and estimates.
