"The Benefits and Best Practices of Driveway Asphalt Sealcoating: A Comprehensive Guide"

Written by George Cunningham

Driveway asphalt sealcoating is a process that involves applying a protective coating to the surface of an asphalt driveway to prevent damage from UV rays, water, and chemicals. In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into the reasons for sealcoating, materials used with detailed descriptions, average cost, pros and cons of sealcoating, the general history of sealcoating, and more.

Reasons for Driveway Asphalt Sealcoating:

The primary reason for using driveway asphalt sealcoating is to protect your driveway from damage. Here are some of the most significant reasons:

1. UV Ray Protection: Over time, UV rays can cause asphalt to fade, become brittle, and break apart. Sealcoating can prevent this damage from occurring, which can extend the life of your driveway.

2. Water Damage Prevention: Water can seep into the asphalt and cause cracks and potholes. Sealcoating fills in the pores of the asphalt and creates a barrier that prevents water from penetrating the surface.

3. Chemical Resistance: Sealcoating is resistant to chemicals, such as gasoline and oil, that can damage the surface of asphalt. The sealant helps to create a barrier between the asphalt and these chemicals, reducing the risk of damage.

4. Enhanced Appearance: Sealcoating can give your driveway a sleek, new look. The fresh, black sealant makes your driveway look like new, which can increase curb appeal and make your property look well-maintained.

Materials Used:

Here are the materials used in driveway asphalt sealcoating and their detailed descriptions:

1. Sealant: The sealant is the protective coating that is applied to the surface of the asphalt driveway. It is typically made of a mixture of coal tar or asphalt emulsion, water, and various fillers and additives.

2. Crack Filler: Crack filler is used to fill in any cracks or gaps in the surface of the asphalt before applying the sealant. It helps to create a smooth, even surface and helps to prevent water from seeping into the asphalt.

3. Cleaning Solution: Before applying the sealant, the surface of the asphalt must be thoroughly cleaned using a special cleaning solution. This solution removes any dirt, debris, or oil from the surface of the asphalt and helps to ensure that the sealant adheres properly.

4. Primer: A primer is used to help the sealant adhere to the surface of the asphalt. The primer is typically applied after the cleaning solution and before the sealant.

Average Cost:

The cost of driveway asphalt sealcoating varies depending on the size of the driveway and the complexity of the installation. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot for sealcoating. This makes sealcoating an affordable option for protecting and enhancing the appearance of your driveway.

Pros and Cons of Sealcoating:

Here are some of the pros and cons of using driveway asphalt sealcoating:

Pros:

1. Protection Against UV Rays, Water Damage, and Chemical Spills: Sealcoating protects the surface of your driveway from damage, which can extend its lifespan.

2. Enhanced Appearance: Sealcoating can give your driveway a fresh, new look, which can increase curb appeal and make your property look well-maintained.

3. Cost-Effective: Sealcoating is an affordable option for protecting your driveway and enhancing its appearance.

Cons:

1. Must be Reapplied Regularly: Sealcoating must be reapplied every few years to maintain its effectiveness. This can be a hassle for some homeowners.

2. Initial Preparation is Required: Before applying sealant, the driveway must be thoroughly cleaned, and any cracks or gaps must be filled. This can be time-consuming and costly.

3. Time-Consuming:

The application process for driveway asphalt sealcoating can be time-consuming, especially for larger driveways. It typically involves multiple steps, such as cleaning, crack filling, and applying the sealant, which can take several hours or even a full day to complete.

General History of Sealcoating:

The history of sealcoating can be traced back to the early 1900s when asphalt became a popular material for paving roads and driveways. At that time, sealcoating was primarily used to protect and extend the life of asphalt roads.

Over time, the use of sealcoating expanded to include residential driveways as well. Today, it is a common practice for homeowners to apply sealcoating to their driveways to protect against damage and enhance their appearance.

Common Mistakes:

One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make when applying driveway asphalt sealcoating is failing to properly clean the surface of the driveway before applying the sealant. Any dirt, debris, or oil left on the surface can prevent the sealant from adhering properly, which can reduce its effectiveness.

Another common mistake is over-applying the sealant. Applying too much sealant can result in a thick, uneven coating that can crack and peel over time. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply the sealant in thin, even layers to ensure the best results.