WhiCSAsphalt driveways are favored by homeowners for their potential to last up to 20 years. They are not only long-lasting, they’re economical and appealing. Nevertheless, it is crucial to maintain the pavement by seal coating the surface every few years to reach its full lifespan.
A brand new asphalt coat is applied by a professional with a squeegee or spraying tool during this procedure. Whether it’s for a residential or commercial project, the surface must be protected and maintained.
As a homeowner, it’s important to make sure that this new coating lasts as long as possible. You can protect your driveway or parking lot by doing regular maintenance. Here are a few reasons why you should invest in this maintenance. It is important to understand what causes asphalt damage in order to know the best ways to prevent it.
What Can Cause Damage to Your Driveway?
Drainage Issues
When you have standing water in some areas of your driveway, it may be an indication that you have a draining problem, especially if the driveway has just been paved. Ideally, the driveway would have a slight incline to allow water to run away from the asphalt surface so that water doesn’t collect and create splits in the asphalt.
In more complicated cases, a driveway with a bad foundation or an inadequate installation might be the root cause of the problem. In this scenario, the only feasible option is to rebuild the defective or damaged driveway foundation entirely.
Tree Roots
We also advise residents to look at current or growing plants or trees before building a driveway. The tree roots have can exert constant pressure on multiple areas of your driveway, which contribute to the material breaking down. This will crack the surface of your asphalt or even damage your foundation. Because of these potential damages, we encourage homeowners to take good care of the plants and trees surrounding your driveway.
UV Light
Bitumen reactions to oxygen are both common and unavoidable. But the oxygen, combined with UV radiation, increases this oxidation process, leading the asphalt surface to decay and degrade.
Overloading
Overloads occur if there’s too much weight on your driveway concentrated in one area. Asphalt is a robust and durable material, but it also has limits. Over time, overloading can lighten the asphalt and create cracks and/or pits.
Salt
Many people use de-icing agents such as salt or sodium chloride. Even though such products are very successful in clearing your driveway of ice, it is also a strong corrosive factor for your asphalt. Calcium chloride and sand are potential substitutes you can use. They can also melt ice and snow, but they won’t damage your asphalt surface.
Benefits of Seal Coating
Extends Pavement Life
Seal coating provides a waterproof shield for your pavement. It’s a shield that protects against the elements. It is extremely important to protect against sudden changes in temperature, cold temperatures, snow, and frost. The protection that seal coating provides means less damage over time, extending the life or your driveway.
Protects Against Sunlight and Oxygen
Extended exposure to excessive heat can also harm your asphalt driveway, ruining its surface. The elasticity of the surface often reduces over time, rendering them lighter black or occasionally brown, which is a sign of degradation. Without sealcoating, your driveway will be exposed to hazardous elements such as ultraviolet light and oxygen that will accelerate the oxidation process that can cause an early disintegration..
Repels Engine Oil Spills
Staining from oil leakage on your driveway isn’t just bad for the look of your home. Oil leakage adversely affects the asphalt. Asphalt is made of petroleum-based particles, sand, and asphalt. So adding oil would cause a chemical reaction that will eventually destroy the integrity of your driveway. How can you prevent that from happening? Sealcoating!
Decreases Wear and Tear on Your Automobiles
Sealing your asphalt driveway will make it smoother by 25 percent. A smooth surface will reduce wear and tear on the tires of your vehicle, keeping both your car tires and the asphalt surface in good shape. That will save you money on operating costs and it’ll increase the lifespan of your vehicles and your driveway.
Prevents Water and the Freezing Process
An uncovered driveway or an open parking lot have greater exposure to damaging elements. This is exacerbated in the winter when water can penetrate small cracks and freeze. Frozen water rises, causing bigger cracks and other damage. Sealcoating helps to avoid this damage by filling in small gaps and sealing out water.
Seal Coating is not a job that should need to be done frequently. Sealcoating provides a layer of protection that will make your driveway last a long time. Generally, your driveway should be sealed at least once every two to three years. Sealcoating too often is not good for your driveway. If your driveway is sealed every year, the seal can peal off and and it’ll do more damage than good.. Spring and fall are the ideal times for a sealcoating project. Temperatures should be above 50 without heavy rain for 24 hours. Sealcoating your driveway in the summer or fall will also protect it from the damaging elements of the winter season.
As you can see, sealcoating your driveway or parking lot is important. It protects your asphalt, saving you time and money.
Should you get an asphalt or concrete driveway? Which is better? Find out in our next post.
Are you ready to sealcoat your driveway? Why not call the best sealcoating company in Pasadena, Maryland?