Your driveway is an extension of your home and represents a significant investment. Protecting it from the elements will help extend its lifespan and ensure you get the most out of your money. Asphalt sealcoating is the best way to accomplish this.
Why Do You Need Asphalt Sealcoating?
Asphalt pavement is a mixture of rock, stone, or gravel that is held together with a binder. The combination of everyday use and exposure to harsh conditions — rain, snow, ice, ultraviolet rays, and chemicals all take their toll, eventually causing asphalt to deteriorate. Over time, the asphalt develops a brittle surface, and cracks may form and spread. This is both unsightly and a safety hazard.
Asphalt sealcoating typically contains bituminous- or acrylic-based liquids that are mixed with water, silica sand, polymer additives, and additional fillers. This mixture is used to fill existing cracks and restore your driveway to like-new condition, reducing friction and leading to a smoother, slip-resistant surface. It’s an extra layer of protection that provides a beautiful finish and helps maintain the binder by defending against normal wear and tear and environmental factors.
How often you apply asphalt sealcoating depends primarily upon the climate in your area. Driveways in regions that experience wide seasonal temperature extremes, with cold winters and hot summers, are likely to break down more quickly. Constant freeze-and-thaw cycles during cold winter months can cause cracks to form and expand quickly, and the sun’s intense UV rays can cause deterioration during the summertime.
Benefits of Asphalt Sealcoating
As a general rule of thumb, homeowners should plan on asphalt sealcoating every two to three years to ensure maximum protection of their driveways. There are many benefits to sealcoating consistently, including:
- Asphalt sealcoating prevents moisture from entering cracks. Driveway cracks are inevitable; left unchecked, they can create a tripping hazard and cause damage to your vehicle. Asphalt sealcoating fills in existing cracks and acts as a barrier to prevent water from seeping in. It also speeds up the melting process of ice and snow, decreasing the likelihood that these will penetrate the pavement surface.
- Asphalt sealcoating slows down the oxidation process. Oxidation occurs when UV light penetrates your driveway’s surface, causing the asphalt to dry out and turn brittle and less elastic. This increases the likelihood of cracks forming, especially under the weight of vehicles that park on or drive over the pavement.
- Asphalt sealcoating protects against chemicals. Vehicles parked in the driveway will ultimately leak gasoline and oil at some point. These fuel spillages not only cause ugly stains; they can soften and weaken the asphalt, making it susceptible to cracks and other damage. Asphalt sealcoating creates a barrier that helps prevent chemicals from binding with the surface.
- Asphalt sealcoating provides an attractive dark color. Constant exposure to ultraviolet light and chemicals will cause your driveway to fade over time, turning an unattractive dull gray color. Asphalt sealcoating provides a new layer that freshens up its appearance, restoring your driveway to a more natural, darker color.
- Asphalt sealcoating offers long-term cost savings. Adding an additional expense to your budget may give you pause, but asphalt sealcoating is preventive maintenance that will save you significant money and time in the long run. Applying an asphalt sealcoat every few years is a lot less expensive than paying for a brand new driveway.
Are you ready for new asphalt sealcoating? Contact the professionals at Rock County Sealcoat for a beautiful new finish you’ll be proud of!