Is it necessary to do this task and are there any downsides? Take a look at the following Q&A and you’ll find your answer.
What Is Driveway Sealing?
Seal-coating a driveway involves applying a liquid product over the pavement so that it fills any cracks and crevices. This prevents the elements from getting into those gaps and causing them to expand and widen, which leads to larger holes and cracks throughout the pavement over time.
Advantages of Sealing Your Driveway
1. Keeps the Driveway Looking Good
A sealed driveway really ties everything together when it comes to the appearance of your home. And that’s because it protects not only against damage, but also fading.
2. Extends the Life of Your Driveway
A seal coating will prevent damage to your driveway from UV rays, vehicle fluids, water, and more, which means it will last longer.
3. Costs Less Than Repair or Replacement
The cost to seal an asphalt driveway is as little as $0.06 to $0.38 per square foot. Considering the fact that the cost to replace an asphalt driveway is between $8 and $15 per square foot, that’s quite a savings.
4. Melts Snow and Ice Faster
A seal coating will cause ice and snow buildup on your driveway to melt faster. This is good because it prevents long-term exposure to elements that can damage your driveway.
5. Easy to Maintain
Because of the smooth finish, you could clean it by using a broom. Also, you can rinse it with water without being worried about fluid seeping into cracks.
Disadvantages of Sealing Your Driveway
1. Extra Expense
It will save you money in the long run, but in the short run, it’ll take a bite out of your wallet. The cost of concrete sealing is $1,500 to cover that much space, so it’s not an insignificant sum to pay up front.
2. You’ll Have to Do It Repeatedly
Sealant may preserve the life of the driveway, but the life of the seal coating itself may last only one or two years before you need to replace it.
3.Sealing Shouldn’t Be Done During Winter
You should not apply a seal coating during the colder months, because it will affect the performance of the product.
4. Won’t Provide Perfect Results
A seal coating will protect your driveway against most damage, but don’t expect it to be perfect. There may still be cracks.
5. May Cause the Surface to Get Hot in the Summer
A sealing job will give your driveway a dark color that will absorb sunlight, so definitely keep your shoes on when walking anywhere near it if the temperature is high.
What Time of Year Should You Seal Your Driveway?
Spring and summer are generally the best times to seal a driveway. That’s because sealing during the colder months may affect the performance of the sealant, and falling leaves during autumn may stick to the sealer while it is wet.
How Often Should You Seal Your Driveway?
Every two years
Can You DIY Driveway Sealing?
You can buy enough sealant to cover a typical driveway for about $100, but this is a tricky job. You need to ensure the sealant is applied correctly or you may discover too late that it wasn’t and your driveway is now damaged from the elements.
Instead, consider us Everlast Service to offer a professional job.
