Asphalt Driveway Sealer Tips

Asphalt is a common material used to construct driveways and an asphalt driveway sealer is a must for having your driveway last a long time.

When you use asphalt for driveway construction you are ensuring that the finished product will be a smooth yet durable pavement surface.

An extra component which will make your asphalt driveway even sturdier is a sealant.

It is not difficult to seal your asphalt driveway and doing so will pay off in the end by producing a driveway which will withstand the elements and stay in a great condition along the way.

Here are some more reasons for using an asphalt driveway sealer and tips for doing so.

Why You Should Seal Your Driveway

Asphalt driveways see wear and tear due to frequent traffic, weather elements and the UV rays of the sun. When the weather elements work on your driveway you will see cracks and bumps form along the asphalt. Should there be cracks in your pavement and water gets in there, it can freeze in cold temperatures and cause the pavement to be damaged further. Sealant helps to prevent dents and cracks while producing a smooth surface. It is a good idea for both condition purposes and aesthetic reasons as well.

Tips to Keep In Mind When Sealing Your Asphalt Driveway

The first thing you need to know is you should never seal an asphalt driveway that is very new. It is important to wait quite a few months before you apply a sealant as there are oils within the driveway that will get trapped if you seal it too soon. Trapped oils equate with soft asphalt, which is never a good thing. Therefore, try to wait approximately 6-9 months before sealing the new driveway.

You should also be certain to not seal a driveway too frequently as this can cause cracking and peeling. Not only will this look unappealing but it will also make the driveway uneven. Some individuals make the mistake of sealing their driveway every year which is way too much and they will often end up with an asphalt driveway which looks worse than when they began.

Look for telltale signs that the time has come to recoat your driveway. When you start to see the surface rocks showing, it's time to consider sealing. If you are sealing the entire driveway and see that certain areas look more worn than others, you can add a little more sealant onto the areas which have seen more damage.

Pay special attention to areas of the asphalt driveways which have cracks and holes in it. These areas should get the most sealant since they can get water in them which will cause damage down the road. Therefore, when you seal make sure that you fill in all areas which are not smoothed down.

Sealing your asphalt driveway is a necessary task and one which should be undertaken in order to make your driveway last and look fantastic. Keeping these tips in mind will enable the sealing process to be completed in a timely and efficient manner.