4 Reasons To Sealcoat Your Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt sealcoating is the process of applying a protective sealant to paved asphalt. Many homeowners don't understand the benefits of sealcoating even though it can greatly extend the lifespan of any driveway. Here are four reasons to sealcoat your asphalt driveway.
1. Protect Your Driveway from the Elements
Several unavoidable environmental factors will cause your asphalt driveway to erode over time. Sealcoating is highly effective for protecting asphalt from two of the biggest offenders: moisture intrusion, and UV rays from sunlight.
Water that comes to rest on asphalt will seep into microscopic cracks in its surface. As the intruding water freezes and expands, it will force the cracks in your driveway to expand as well. Sealcoating creates a non-porous surface on the asphalt so it can't wear due to moisture intrusion.
UV rays from sunlight are problematic because they react with your asphalt driveway and the air above it to cause oxidation. Oxidized asphalt becomes brittle and may start to break off in pieces. Sealcoating prevents this reaction from occurring so your driveway will stay strong and stable.
2. Enhance Your Driveway's Safety
A sealcoated driveway will provide greater resistance to skidding. There will be less risk of your vehicle sliding on your driveway in the winter. Furthermore, a sealcoated driveway that is free of cracks and chips is much safer to walk on. This means you can worry less about fall injuries with a sealcoated driveway.
3. Prevent Softening Due to Oil and Gasoline
Fluids like oil and gasoline can cause damage to your asphalt driveway. When the binder in asphalt is exposed to petroleum over an extended time, the mixture can gradually soften. This may lead to depressions or potholes in your driveway, especially if it is struggling with other forms of erosion. Asphalt sealcoating is also effective at protecting your driveway from petroleum-based fluids.
4. Improve Your Driveway's Appearance
You can't discount the value of aesthetic enhancement when it comes to home improvement projects, and sealcoating your driveway is no exception. A properly sealed driveway will maintain a rich, black color with minimal disruptions on the surface. Sealcoating diminishes the appearance of any cracks that are present in your driveway and prevents them from worsening.
If you've never tried sealcoating for your driveway, now you know how it can extend your driveway's life and enhance its usability. For more information, contact an asphalt paving company in your area.
