Asphalt driveways are a beautiful and practical addition to any home. They increase your curb appeal and property value while providing a smooth, safe surface for you and your family to enjoy. But like all outdoor surfaces, they require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Regularly applying sealcoating is the essential thing you can do to protect your asphalt driveway. But how long does sealing a driveway take, and is it a job you can do yourself?
Applying Asphalt Sealer: DIY or Hire a Professional Contractor
If you’re considering DIY sealing your driveway, you should keep a few things in mind:
- Choosing the right driveway sealant for the job is important. There are different types of driveway sealers on the market, and only some are compatible with asphalt driveways.
- You’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment. A sprayer or brush can work for small jobs, but you’ll need a professional-grade sealer if you’re doing a large area.
- Follow the sealant instructions carefully, and allow 48 hours for it to dry completely before driving on it.
Asphalt sealcoating is a fairly simple job, but it’s important to make sure it’s done right to get the most out of your investment. If you are not confident in your ability to seal your entire driveway properly or don’t have the time to do it yourself, you can always hire a professional contractor. A-Rock Asphalt has the right equipment and experience to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
Asphalt Sealcoating Process Time for Driveways
Sealing an asphalt driveway is important because it protects the surface from weather damage, makes it easier to clean, and extends its lifespan. But how frequently should your driveway be sealed, and how long does the process take?
The sealing procedure is relatively quick and easy and can usually be done daily. Ideally, it would be best to seal your driveway every two to three years. However, you may need to do it more often if you live in an area with traffic or extreme weather conditions.
What Can Harm Your Asphalt Driveway
- Cracks – Cracks form due to weather damage and wear and tear. If not repaired, these cracks can lead to further damage, including potholes. To repair cracks in your asphalt driveway, you’ll need to clean the crack and fill it with a sealant.
- Potholes – Potholes form when water seeps into the driveway and freezes, causing the cracks to expand and eventually turn into holes. To fix a pothole in your driveway, you’ll need to fill it with a sealant.
- Oil and Gas Spills – Oil and gas spills can cause serious damage to your asphalt driveway. Clean the asphalt surface immediately to avoid further damage. If not cleaned up immediately, harmful spills can seep into the porous surface of the asphalt and cause it to degrade.
- Sun Exposure and Snow Damage – The sun’s UV rays can cause the surface of asphalt driveways to dry out and become brittle, making them more susceptible to damage and causing them to crack and crumble. To protect your driveway from sun and snow damage, you’ll need to seal it regularly.
- Grass and Weeds – Use a shovel or weed trimmer to remove grass and weeds from your driveway. If not removed, they can cause the surface of the asphalt to crack or crumble.
Why You Should Prioritize Sealing Your Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt driveways are a significant investment, so taking care of them is important. Sealing your driveway is the best protection to do this. Sealing your driveway is important for several reasons.
- Protection from elements – Sunlight exposure, snow, and ice can all damaged asphalt, causing it to crack and crumble. Sealing the driveway creates a barrier that helps prevent this damage.
- Extend driveway lifespan – Regular sealing will extend the life of your driveway by protecting it from the elements and harmful spills and preventing wear and tear.
- Improved driveway appearance – sealed asphalt driveway makes it look better. A freshly sealed driveway is smooth and black, adding to your curb appeal.
- Saving and investment – By extending the life of your driveway and preventing damage, you won’t have to replace it as often.
- Good for the environment – You can help reduce runoff and pollution by preventing cracks and damage.
Working with Professional Contractors
Sealing your asphalt driveways and parking lots is important in maintaining your home’s curb appeal and value. By taking the time to do it every two to three years, Your driveway can remain in top condition for many years. And if you need help with how to do it yourself, there’s no shame in hiring a professional. Either way, a little bit of effort now will go a long way down the road.
A-Rock Asphalt is a paving company that has been in business since 1997, based in Salt Lake City, UT. Some paving services include asphalt seal coating, driveway repair, and more. If you need any help with your asphalt driveway, then you should contact A-Rock Asphalt. They will be more than happy to help you out and make sure that your driveway looks its best.