What are the advantages of asphalt driveway sealing?
Asphalt driveway sealing has a number of benefits, both for the short term and the long term. In the short term, sealed driveways will have less loose materials and dust kicked up by passing vehicles, which can cause damage to those vehicles as well as being extremely loud and annoying for those living or working near that driveway. A professionally sealed asphalt driveway also means that it will hold up much better under extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow and melting ice, meaning less potholes throughout the year as well as easier travel in winter time especially on hilly areas.
Sealed driveways also last much longer than unsealed surfaces (and even more so if maintained with deicing salt during harsh winter months). Sealing your driveway traps all the good stuff in – the asphalt binder, filler materials, and colors – so that it lasts much longer than if it was left unsealed. In fact, a driveway can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance!
If you’re looking to sell your home, want a nice driveway for guests or family members to drive on, or simply need the best possible surface above ground, sealing is an excellent solution. Some areas are extremely hot and wet during certain times of the year. These conditions can cause cracks in the pavement which will then allow moisture into the base materials that were used to build that surface up. When water seeps down into these now loose materials, it expands when it freezes. This expansion will cause those materials to heave, which creates little “potholes” throughout your now bumpy driveway – not only does this affect how easily you can travel over this surface if you have a car, but it will also allow water to seep into the house itself through small pathways. This is why it’s important to keep your driveway sealed – if you have a driveway that does not need a full replacement, sealing could be the answer!
What type of materials and tools do I need to buy?
For tools you will need:
- A broom
- Stiff bristle brush
- Putty knife
- Roller brush – long handed
For materials you will need:
- Driveway spot cleaner
- Driveway sealer
- Driveway crack filler
- Driveway depression filler and leveler
- Fine sand
- Pothole filler
5 steps to guide you through the process
- Make sure to clear your driveway completely clear of any objects, move your car, toys and any items that can get in the way.
- With the broom, clear away all dirt, dust and debris so you have a clean and clear surface to work with. If there are any stains, soak it with a cleaner for a little while and then scrub off and wash away with water.
- Using the crack filler, seal any cracks you see on the surface, you can use the putty knife to seal it in properly. Wait until completely dry to move on to the next step. Follow the guide on the crack filler container on how to fill accurately.
- With the fine sand fill all cracks and potholes 1 inch deep. Now add the pothole and depression filler and leveler to even out the surface. Wait until completely dry to move on to the next step.
- Now to seal the driveway, apply your chosen sealant with the long handed roller brush.
*Pro-tip – If you roll using perpendicular strokes, you will get better coverage. Section out the area in 4inches by 4inches increments.
We hope this was helpful and informative! If you have any questions and need some guidance on getting started, feel free to give us a call and we would be happy to help you. Asphalt Sealing 647-812-7845.