Your Guide On Sealcoating

An asphalt driveway can look so nice. With its dark, glossy surface, it can be a major part of why your home has such good curb appeal. However, you want to be sure you are maintaining the asphalt how it is supposed to be if you expect it to continue looking great for years to come. Sealcoating is something you need to know about if you want to get the most from your asphalt driveway. Here is a guide to sealcoating. 

What Sealcoating Does for the Surface

When applied, sealcoating will fill in small cracks to prevent them from becoming larger cracks. It also adds a layer of protection that helps the asphalt against harsh UV rays, moisture, and other threats. Sealcoating will also cause snow and ice to melt faster. This reduces their impact on the asphalt, and it also helps to give you a driveway that's safer for people to walk on. On top of these things, the sealcoating also helps to keep the driveway looking newer. 

How Sealcoating Makes Maintenance Easier

When asphalt isn't properly sealcoated it will become much lighter, start to have areas with damages like cracks and potholes, and it will be very rough. The rough surface will invite stubborn dirt. When you have it sealcoated like you are supposed to, it will stay darker and smoother. This surface will look better, but it will also be much easier for you to care for. In order to clean the driveway, you can just spray it with a hose and things like dirt and leaves will wash right off it. If you get oil stains on the asphalt that's been sealcoated, pressure washing can easily get rid of them.

When to Have the Driveway Sealcoated

When it comes to how often you should be having your driveway sealcoated there will be many things to consider. The weather in your area plays a big role in determining how often your driveway can go between sealcoatings. Also, whether your driveway has any protection from the direct sunlight will come into play. Generally, driveways are sealcoated about every three to five years. You will know when it should be done soon when you can see that your asphalt driveway is getting lighter and it is much more rough than it used to be. You might start to see cracks starting to develop. As soon as you notice changes, you should have the sealcoating done.

For more information about asphalt sealcoating, contact an asphalt company in your area.