Driveways break down after quite a few years of use, but it doesn’t mean you can’t help extend their life-cycle. You can extend the life of your driveway effectively through sealcoating.
What is Sealcoating?
Asphalt is a mix of sand, stone, and the material asphalt that is used to pave driveways. Overall, it’s characterized by being flexible, cost effective, and smooth. However, asphalt is not perfect and it can deteriorate over time. This is from sun exposure, air exposure, rainstorms, winter storms, and even from your car driving over it. The first sign of this is the color changing from dark black to light gray, then small fractures begin to appear.
This is where sealcoating comes in. It is a thin liquid that is paved over the surface of the asphalt to protect it from all the damage that will occur over time. However, sealcoating does not fix issues such as cracks, or any other damage that has already formed on the pavement. To keep damage from occurring, you’ll need to properly apply a sealcoat. This will extend the life of your asphalt driveway for much longer than just the asphalt can do on its own.
Protects the Asphalt from Vehicle Fluids and UV Rays
Asphalt pavement can be affected by many outside factors such as vehicle fluids and UV rays. These factors can damage your asphalt driveway affecting its strength, durability, and lifespan.
Asphalt pavement typically will run about 10 degrees warmer than what the temperature is. UV rays from the sun will dry out your asphalt driveway making it brittle and more susceptible to cracking. Oils, gasoline, and other vehicle fluids can also damage the pavement over time by penetrating the surface. This makes the asphalt crack, crumble, and makes the base more vulnerable. Sealcoating your asphalt driveway is a great way to help maintain the driveway, protect it against the elements, and keep it looking clean.
Protects Against Water
Water is one of the most damaging elements for your driveway. Water will break down the asphalt, similar to oils and gasoline, and crack it. The difference between oils and water is that water breaks down the outer shell of the asphalt quicker than the oils do. This leads to cracks occurring quicker, and when there are cracks then water can get in and quickly dismantle the base of your driveway.
Sealcoating your driveway can help prevent most of the damage caused by water. It helps build up the durability of your driveway, forcing the water to work harder to cause damage.
Enhances Skid-Resistance and Flexibility
Asphalt pavement is made with sand and over time this sand wears away. Sand helps with traction, so it becomes easier to skid on asphalt over time. Applying a sealer that contains sand helps to lock the sand in place, and replenish any that are on the surface. This provides additional traction so you’re less likely to skid on your driveway.
Additionally, sealant also helps to enhance the flexibility of the pavement. Asphalt is naturally a flexible surface because it microscopically flexes under the weight of people and especially cars. As the pavement ages, it becomes brittle so will not flex as easily to the weight of these objects and will instead begin to crack. Applying a sealcoat will help keep the pavement flexible to stop the formation of cracks and potholes.
Saves Money
Driveways are important for every home, and sealcoating helps to save you money. There are many outside sources that can damage and completely break down your asphalt driveway, which can be very expensive to repair. Sealcoating keeps your asphalt safe from these outside elements and saves you money in the long run.
Sealcoating is beneficial for ensuring that you get the longest life out of your asphalt driveway. It helps protect against the outside elements, keeping the top and the base safe and sturdy. Also, it helps with the curb appeal of your property. Sealcoating keeps your driveway looking fresh, black, and clean helping with appearances and first impressions.
Looking to sealcoat your driveway? J Perry Paving is here to help keep your driveway safe and looking clean.