Asphalt Sealer

Why Sealcoating is Important to your Asphalt Driveway

Your driveway or parking lot is a significant investment in your property. To beautify you establishment and protect your investment as long as possible, you want to protect your asphalt from the damaging effects of certain natural elements including moisture and ultraviolet oxidation. Natural and man-made elements can cause cracks half way into the asphalt, little as 5 years. Small cracks act as miniature storm drains after a good rain and cause raveling between the asphalt over time. Larger cracks and potholes can appear within the base as early as 8-10 years unless certain precautions are taken. Protecting asphalt with sealcoating basically has the same benefits as sun block has to protect your skin, or varnish on wood.

What causes asphalt to break down? Standard asphalt is very susceptible to natural and man made elements such as sun, wind, rain, snow, frost and ice. These elements cause oxidation to the pavement, drying out the asphalt. Man made elements such as fuel, oil, antifreeze, and salts break down the oils and cohesive properties in the asphalt.

As new asphalt age’s small open cracks are formed between the asphalt, from oxidation and rain. These small cracks permit water, salt, fuel, oil, and ultraviolet rays to penetrate into the base leading to greater damage, unless repaired properly. Water is said to be the most damaging agent to asphalt. This leads to larger cracks, eventually collapsing into the eroded voids, causing potholes. Alligator cracks and potholes should be cut with a saw, and replace before sealing asphalt.

What are the Benefits of Sealcoating? Sealcoating protects your investment, extending the life of your asphalt, saving you money in the long run. Asphalt sealer beautifies and enhances your driveway or parking lot, giving it a dark black color to the pavement making it look and wear like new. A dark black parking lot offers a positive image of how clean a company, or residential home is.

-Asphalt Sealer slows down oxidation and water penetration, blocking out natural elements such as, sun, wind, rain, snow, frost, and ice.

-Asphalt sealer resist harmful man made element spills such as fuel, antifreeze, oil, and salt. Find a sealer that is made from a coal tar emulsion that isn’t soluble in oil or gas.

-Asphalt sealer fills small voids in asphalt reducing exposure to oxygen and water and extending pavement life.

How often should you Sealcoat Asphalt? You should sealcoat your new asphalt as soon as it begins to turn grey or 90 days after installation. If you have already sealcoated your asphalt in the past, it is recommended to re-apply sealer every 3 to 4 years depending on the wear of the previous applications. If you sealcoat too much voids will be created in the sealer causing cracking later on. You need to let the old sealer wear off before applying new sealer. Talk to your local contractor before making any serious decisions.

(ArticlesBase SC #93059)

The True Importance of Using Driveway Sealers

If you live in a region that experiences four seasons, environmental conditions can cause building materials to break down over time, leading to the need for replacement or costly repairs. One of the most vulnerable areas to protect is your driveway, which is constantly exposed to the sun’s UV rays and to the elements. In fact, if you live in a four-season region, such as Ontario, it is imperative that you utilize some sort of driveway sealer to protect the longevity and value of your home.

The Power of Driveway Sealers

You can choose between driveway sealers that protect asphalt or concrete. Not only will they expand the life of your driveway by protecting it from the elements, but driveway sealers protect it from water seepage, wear and tear, and staining as well. Not only will the driveway sealers protect your front walk and driveway, guaranteeing lasting beauty for your home’s exterior, but they can also be used to increase the useful life of home playgrounds, patios, and basketball courts.

How the Elements Cause Damage

Over time, harmful UV rays from the sun can break down the binders in your driveway materials, causing the structure to weaken. The weakened structure then becomes more vulnerable to damage from everyday wear and tear, and will not stand up as well to other environmental stresses such as water, snow, and ice.

Water and ice can also lead to the crumbling of driveway materials. Cracks can form in the surface, allowing water seepage to undermine the strength of your driveway. Driveway sealers help the surface hold up to water, ice, salt, snow, and the sun.

Application of Driveway Sealers

Driveway sealers should be applied every two to three years in order to fully protect your driveway and maintain its beauty. You can purchase a quality driveway sealer and apply it yourself, or hire a local expert in driveway care and maintenance to apply the protective sealer for you.

The cost will vary depending upon whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, and depending upon the quality of driveway sealer you choose to use. Prices begin around $5 for a bucket of sealer that will cover approximately 400 square feet. For the best protection, driveway sealers that cover roughly the same area will cost around $20 to $25. For professional application, contact a driveway sealer specialist in your area.

Overall, the relatively small cost and added benefits of applying driveway sealers are well worth the investment, especially when compared to the cost of repairing or resurfacing your driveway. Not only do they increase your driveway’s longevity, but the added esthetic enhancement will help keep your home’s value at its peak. Your driveway is one of the first things people will notice about your home, and its condition can either add greatly or detract significantly from your home’s overall attractiveness. Do not take the chance of allowing your driveway to break down due to environmental stresses. Instead, protect it with one of the many quality driveway sealers available to you.

(ArticlesBase SC #355252)