Why You Should Use Asphalt Driveway Sealcoat
Prevention is always better than
cure. This phrase shouldn't be used only when it comes to health issues. Even
when it comes to asphalt driveways, it is always a good idea to apply some
preventive measures.
Well, when asphalt driveways get
damaged, the repair work can be tough and will cost you a lot of money. This is
why proper maintenance is still the best and most cost-effective way to avoid
spending a lot for the driveway repair job.
One of the best ways to ensure that
your driveway lasts for a longer duration is by applying an asphalt sealcoat.
This is a simple and quite affordable process that can keep your driveway in
good shape.
With that being said, let us look at
other benefits you can enjoy when you use the dark colored driveway sealer for asphalt.
Sealing
The main reason why people always use
this product is because of its sealing ability. If you want to keep on using
the driveway in perfect condition, it is better that you consider sealing any
small cracks that you might see developing on your driveway.
This will prevent them from
developing into larger cracks and also stops the water from reaching down to
the base material. Also, the sealcoat usually comes in a dark black color. When
applied, it will improve the appearance of your driveway making it look quite
new and neat.
Resilience
Well, when you apply a new sealcoat
during driveway maintenance, not only will you be sealing the small cracks, but
also you will be increasing the resilience of asphalt surfaces. This will make
sure there are no rough spots or patches on your driveway.
Additionally, it also helps in making
the parking lot traffic lines more visible. The driveway will also remain clean
and look neat after a downpour since the water will easily carry off the dirt
and debris from the surface.
Protection
against the sun
Another importance of using the
driveway sealcoat is that it can help in protecting the asphalt from the sun.
It also offers protection against the harmful effects caused by various
chemical spills such as gasoline and oil. Especially since they are quite
common in parking lots and driveways. Asphalt sealcoat usually fill the surface
voids thereby reducing the exposure to UV rays and oxygen. This also helps in
reducing the depth to which gas or oil can reach in the asphalt.
Waterproof
Do you know why your driveways and
parking lots keep on developing cracks? Of course, this comes as a result of
natural factors such as snow and rain, therefore, leading to the freeze-thaw
cycles.
When a sealcoat is applied, it will
act as a waterproofing agent and minimize the rate at which water can penetrate
the asphalt. This is usually among the common reasons as to why some parking
lots and driveways have cracks on them.
These can turn into something much
worse when left unattended. Just apply some asphalt sealcoat and you won't have
to worry about your driveway at least for several months.
Attractive
surface
Is there anyone who doesn't like good
looking surfaces? Well, asphalt sealcoat doesn't just make your driveway look
attractive but it also makes it ideal for makers and paint lines on it. As
mentioned before, the sealcoat always come in dark black color.
This helps in the absorption of heat
from the sun when applied to asphalt. When the sealcoat absorb much heat, it
will become more flexible thus enabling it to withstand traffic. This helps in
keeping the cracks from developing as well. See here how you can choose asphalt
driveway sealer https://homeguides.sfgate.com/choose-asphalt-driveway-sealer-20336.html
Saves
you money
As mentioned before, it is always a
great idea to practice good preventive measures than waiting until the last
minute. It will cost you a small amount to apply the sealcoat as a maintenance
practice than it will when you have to deal with a damaged driveway.
This can either be your weekend DIY
project or you can have a professional come over to help you out.
As you will be applying the sealcoat,
you need to have in mind that the penetration of water and moisture into
asphalt always speeds up the deterioration process. This, therefore, calls for
a proper application process.
Here
are a few helpful tips you can use
Follow
the manufacturer's guide: A lot of people are always misled into thinking that the more
they apply the sealcoat, the more it will provide protection. Well, you need to
also know that too much of something can become dangerous too. This is why it
will be much better if you just follow the user manual for instructions on how
to apply the sealcoat.
Apply
within 6 months after the installation: It is always recommended that the
asphalt driveway sealcoat be applied within six months of installation. This
should then be followed by another application for maintenance after every 1 to
3 years. Remember not to apply the sealcoat right after the installation is
done. You should wait for at least 30 days for the hot top to heal first.
If you happen to stay in areas that
usually experience winter, it is wise that you apply the sealcoat once every
year. However, you should be aware of the resulting sleek surface you might end
up with. Click here to see more on why
you should use sealers.
If you see cracks starting to develop
in your driveway, you should take action immediately and find an asphalt
sealcoat to save the situation before it gets worse.