I met up with a friend for a coffee the other day, and they asked me, “Hey, is sealing my asphalt driveway really worth it?”. This got me thinking, maybe there are homeowners throughout Toronto and the GTA who are asking the same question. So, I thought I would break down what I told my friend in case anyone else is asking themselves the same question.
The quick answer is absolutely yes – but let me break it down for you. Driveway sealing isn’t just a cosmetic thing, it’s like a sunscreen and a raincoat rolled into one for your asphalt. It protects against Ontario’s harsh winters, summer UV rays, daily vehicle use, and even the gradual breakdown caused by water and chemicals.
At Action Paving, we see it all the time, driveways that get regular sealcoating look newer longer, resist cracking and fading, and save homeowners thousands in potential repairs. But to really understand why, it helps to peek beneath the surface.
The Science Behind Sealing Asphalt Driveways
Your driveway might just look like one solid black slab. Your asphalt is actually a mix of aggregate – stones, sand, gravel – and bitumen, a sticky petroleum-based binder that holds everything together. Bitumen works as the glue that gives asphalt its flexibility, letting it expand and contract when the temperature changes. But like anything organic, it eventually breaks down, oxidizing and becoming brittle, which is when cracks start to show up.
1. Oxidation and UV Breakdown
When exposed to oxygen and sunlight, bitumen slowly starts to harden. That’s known as oxidation – and it’s kind of like fruit turning brown or iron rusting. Coupled with UV rays, this process speeds up. Small hairline cracks appear, water seeps in, and over time, those cracks get bigger, potholes form, and the asphalt starts looking old and worn.
Here’s where sealcoating comes in, it’s like sunscreen for your driveway. Sealants contain polymers, refined tar or asphalt emulsions, and mineral fillers that form a flexible, protective film on the surface. This layer prevents oxygen and UV rays from reaching the asphalt beneath, slowing down the aging process.
2. Water and Chemical Resistance
Water is asphalt’s worst enemy. Asphalt is naturally porous, so when water seeps into cracks and freezes in winter, it expands and widens them. Sealcoating makes the surface hydrophobic, which basically means water just beads off. Oil, gas, and road salts get the same treatment – they can’t penetrate, so your asphalt stays strong and protected.
3. Surface Tension and Adhesion
For sealcoating to work properly, it needs to bond well to the surface. The driveway has to be clean – dust, debris, or oil will stop the sealant from adhering properly. Once applied, the molecules in the sealcoat interlock with the asphalt, creating a continuous protective layer.
Professional-grade sealers even include additives that reduce surface tension, so the liquid spreads evenly, fills tiny cracks, and cures into a smooth, uniform finish.
Sealcoating isn’t just about looks. It’s a chemical barrier, a physical shield, and a mechanical reinforcement all at once.
Why Is This So Important in Ontario?
Ontario’s weather is tough on asphalt. Between the freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing chemicals in winter, hot summers, and everyday traffic, your driveway faces extreme stress year-round.
1. Freeze-Thaw Damage
Water expands by nearly 9% when it freezes. Even a tiny drop in a hairline crack can widen it overnight. Multiply that by dozens of freeze-thaw cycles each winter, and it’s easy to see why untreated asphalt deteriorates so fast. Sealcoating keeps water out before it even has a chance to freeze in your driveway.
2. Salt and De-Icers
Road salts and de-icing chemicals are corrosive. A sealed driveway has a non-porous layer that blocks these chemicals from reaching the asphalt, protecting your driveway and maintaining a beautiful, smooth surface.
3. Heavy Vehicle Loads and Snowplows
Driveways see a lot of car traffic, trucks, and scraping from snow removal. A sealed driveway is more flexible and abrasion-resistant, so it’s less likely to chip or crack under pressure.
Bonus: the dark surface absorbs sunlight, helping snow melt a little faster in the winter.
4. Summer UV Rays
Ontario winters can be extremely cold, but the summers can be equally as strenuous on your asphalt driveway. Strong UV rays fade asphalt and break down the bitumen binder. Sealcoating absorbs and reflects some of that damage, protecting the surface underneath.
So really, in Ontario, sealcoating isn’t optional – it’s essential for keeping your driveway healthy all year round.
The Costs of NOT Sealcoating
Some people skip sealcoating to save a few dollars at the beginning, but the consequences are costly.
- Accelerated Cracking: Without a protective layer, oxidation, UV rays, and moisture break down asphalt faster. What starts as small cracks can turn into major repairs and even replacement.
- Potholes and Water Damage: Water gets in, freezes, and expands – prying apart the surface and creating potholes or uneven sinking.
- Loss of Curb Appeal: Asphalt fades from black to grey. A dull, patchy driveway makes your home look neglected.
- Higher Long-Term Costs: Here’s the math:
- Driveway replacement: $8,000 – $20,000+
- Resurfacing: $3,000 – $6,000
- Sealcoating every 2 years: $200 – $400
The choice is clear. Skipping sealcoating might save $200 today, but it could cost thousands in repairs and potentially driveway replacements down the road.
Save Money and Sealcoat Today
Sealcoating is really just about protecting your investment. For most GTA homeowners, sealing every 2 years keeps the driveway strong, prevents structural damage, and avoids major expenses. Think of it like regular car maintenance, you wouldn’t skip an oil change and expect your engine to last forever. Your driveway works hard for you every day – it deserves a little bit of TLC, too.
At Action Paving, we make it simple. Our Richmond Hill-based team uses high-grade, eco-friendly sealants and advanced application equipment. Every project is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Whether it’s driveway sealing, crack filling, or asphalt repairs, we provide free, detailed quotes and ensure your driveway gets the expert attention it needs.
Protect Your Driveway the Smart Way
So, if your friend asks you at coffee, “Is asphalt sealing really worth it?” you can confidently say yes. It preserves your driveway, saves you money, and keeps your home looking great for years.
Call Action Paving at (647) 812-7845 or book your free consultation online today – let’s help you seal in the strength, beauty, and value of your driveway.