Driveway sealing is a time-consuming process that many homeowners put off because of the effort it requires. But, sealing an asphalt driveway does not have to be a painful process. Discover the process behind driveway sealing and what may happen if you do not seal your driveway.
How Does Driveway Sealing Work?
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Plan Ahead
Working with asphalt requires warm temperatures and dry weather. Make sure that the days you are planning on sealing the asphalt are at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to keep the freshly sealed surface dry for three days or more.
Make sure that anybody that will be in the area knows that the driveway is getting sealed, as the fumes can be quite strong. Anybody who may have contact with the sealant should wear protective clothes. Additionally, safety measures, such as masks, should be used.
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Prepare the Asphalt
The asphalt should be thoroughly cleaned, removing stains from automotive oil, gasoline, or any other spills. Many auto shops sell special soap expressly for this purpose.
In addition to cleaning the asphalt, you should do basic repairs on large cracks or depressions. Patching compounds are fairly easy to find and use.
After the surface is flat and clean, trim back and grass or bushes that hang over the edges to prevent them from being caught in the sealant. Finally, sweep the driveway with a stiff-bristled broom and hose the asphalt down to remove any remaining dirt.
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Seal the Driveway
While driveway sealing can be done by an experienced homeowner, it is best to let a professional do it, because it is such a time-consuming process. If you are doing it yourself, be sure to apply the sealant in thin layers with a long-handled brush. A thicker layer of sealant does not mean more protection.
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Give the Sealant Drying Time
There should be no traffic on the sealant for at least 24 hours, including foot traffic. The best option is to rope off the area with construction tape.
When Should I Be Sealing My Driveway?
Asphalt driveways needs to be sealed fairly soon after they are laid down. The homeowner should schedule the sealing between one to six months after installation. This is because the asphalt needs 30 days to cure before being locked in.
Driveways should be resealed every one to three years. The harsher the winter conditions, the more often sealant should be reapplied. Any more than once a year will make the driveway surface too slick for traction.
What Happens If I Don’t Want To Commit To Driveway Sealing?
If you do not seal your driveway, mother nature will try and take over.
Water is the main enemy here, as it erodes the surface material and compromises the base materials. This results in tires’ worst enemy – potholes. If the asphalt is exposed to freezing temperatures, the water that permeates it does twice as much damage. It fills in cracks and breaks up the asphalt when it freezes.
Additionally, grass can take root near the edges and crack them apart with an expanding root system. It will also fight to grow out of any cracks formed by water damage.