Asphalt maintenance is necessary to ensure that your pavement looks and functions properly. Asphalt sealing is one of the best ways to extend its lifespan for many years.
No matter how hard you take care of your asphalt, it will eventually need to be sealed. Many homeowners are unable to tell when asphalt needs sealing. This article will explain how often you should seal asphalt and the factors that affect it.
How Often Does Asphalt Need Sealing?
Asphalt sealing is a maintenance process of applying a liquid sealant to asphalt pavement to seal cracks and seal them. It protects the foundation and sublayers from the elements and delays driveway replacement.
Sealing asphalt every two to four years extends the life of the material. Wait at least 90 days to a year after installing a new driveway before applying the sealant to guarantee the asphalt is not damaged. Although some homeowners insist on sealing their driveways year after year, this is best avoided since it may cause the seal coat to fracture and peel more. An asphalt driveway that has been seal coated prematurely may become overly pliable or soft due to the oils trapped inside the asphalt.
What’s the Best Time to Seal Your Asphalt?
Between May and October are the best time to seal your asphalt . When the day temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, sealcoating your asphalt is perfect. For the most remarkable results, it’s advisable to reseal when the weather is dry for two consecutive days and not raining.
Your new sealcoating needs at least 12 hours of dry weather to cure fully, so double-check the weather forecast. However, a few factors must be considered whether to reseal your asphalt.
Factors Affecting the Frequency of Sealing
The frequency of how often you apply asphalt sealant is dependent on many factors, including but not limited to the following:
Pavement Sealer Quality
The durability of a seal coat depends heavily on the quality of the pavement sealer used. The durability of the sealer will be reduced if it is watered down.
Sealcoat Application Mix Design
You should include sand and a polymer component in an adequately blended seal coat. Vehicles and pedestrians alike benefit from the traction and security that sand gives. In addition, sand enhances the seal coat’s resistance to deterioration.
Number of Coats Used
To achieve the best sealcoating results, you should apply two coats of sealer. Before using the second coat, let the first coat dry completely. Allow the final coat to dry completely before opening to traffic.
Amount of Material Applied
The amount of sealer used per coat is just as necessary as how many coats were applied. The manufacturer recommends that you follow their recommendations for application and coverage to achieve success.
Daily Traffic Volume
The longevity of the seal coat will be affected by how much traffic you see each day. Sealer wear will be faster in high-traffic areas. A third coat is usually recommended in high-traffic areas.
Geographic Location
Sealcoat wear will be faster in areas more susceptible to winter storms. A sealer’s lifespan may be shortened by various circumstances, including excessive moisture, freeze/thaw cycles, and snow shoveling.
The factors mentioned above are essential for knowing when the right time is and how often you need to seal your asphalt. To guarantee that your asphalt pavement receives the most excellent sealing process possible, you should engage with the most reputable paving company in town. Learn more about A-Rock Asphalt Services. Contact us now.