Using a high quality driveway seal is a quick, easy and very inexpensive way to protect and extend the lifespan of your driveway!
You cannot avoid the wear and tear of a driveway because vehicles and pedestrian traffic take care of it. Asphalt drives in particular are more susceptible to damage from cars and the weather. There is a possibility that your drive may also be laid with poor quality asphalt, which increases the likelihood of wear. If you seal your driveway regularly, you will receive additional protection to extend its lifespan and resist serious damage.
Why does it need regular maintenance?
To get a better idea, think of the asphalt roads in your neighborhood. Maintenance is fairly constant due to the high volume of traffic they have to withstand. Also keep in mind that the quality of the asphalt on these roads will be higher. Although your driveway has only a fraction of the traffic, it is also of lower quality so that it cannot withstand constant use. When an asphalt surface begins to crumble, it can be both dangerous and unsightly. Only regular maintenance and resealing if necessary can prevent this from happening in your driveway.
The benefits of sealing
There are numerous advantages when it comes to sealing and maintaining your driveway. First, if properly applied and sealed according to the manufacturer's instructions, an entrance seal will repel water, which is probably the main enemy of the entrances. Concrete has an annoying tendency to crack if water can get into it, and the weight of the vehicles using the driveway increases this tendency even more. As soon as cracks appear, the water has a field day and really goes into the city during the cold periods, where it expands and contracts thanks to the freezing temperatures.
The other enemies on your driveway that a good sealer will protect you from are sunlight and oxygen. Both accelerate the corrosion process, so regular use of the driveway seal protects your concrete from air, water and sunlight. An additional benefit of Sealer is that it prevents oil spills and spills by making it much easier to sweep and then clean the surface. We recommend that you spill properly as soon as possible. If you're unlucky enough to have one in an area where the seal is worn, you'll have to deal with an uncomfortable stain.
How often?
The general rule is 1-3 years, with most people sealing their entrances every 3 years. However, there is no guarantee that you can leave it for so long, and there are telltale signs that you need to look for. If you can see the color of the stones that make up the asphalt surface, it's time to get the sealant out. If the concrete looks a bit worn in certain areas, the seal is likely to be worn out and it's time to reapply it.
Golden rules
Never seal a brand new asphalt drive. It takes at least 6 months for the existing oils to evaporate completely. The less oil there is, the harder the driveway is. If you apply your sealant before the asphalt has fully hardened, it will never achieve the required hardness and your driveway will not serve its purpose. The outside temperature must be at least 50 ° in order to maximize the adhesion of the seal. Ideally, you need to allow 58 drying hours to allow it to dry. Therefore, plan your sealing if there is no rain forecast.
