Driveway Sealing – Honest Driveway Repair

Sealcoating your driveway is a great way to protect it from weather damage and keep it looking its best. By following these tips, you can be sure that your driveway will last for years to come.

Sealcoating your Driveway

Sealcoating your driveway is an easy way to extend its life and keep it looking new. By filling any cracks before applying the sealer, you can prevent water and ice from entering and damaging the asphalt. Sealcoating also protects against oil and chemicals that can degrade the surface of the asphalt.

Is Driveway Sealing Essential?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, then sealcoating your driveway or parking lot is essential in order to protect it from the elements.

Sealcoating will also help to extend the life of your asphalt and keep it looking new for longer.

However, if you live in an area with milder weather conditions, you may be able to get away with sealcoating every 2-3 years. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how often to sealcoat your driveway or parking lot, but following the recommendations of a professional is always a good idea.

Professionals recommend sealcoating your asphalt every 1-3 years, depending on the severity of weather conditions in your area. For driveways, they recommend a minimum of once per year.

The Driveway Sealing Process

In a nutshell, these are the steps to take when sealing your asphalt driveway:

Choose the right type of sealer: There are many different types of sealers available, so be sure to choose the one that is best suited for your needs.
Prepare the area: Before you begin, be sure to clean the driveway and remove any debris.
Seal the cracks: Use a crack sealer to fill any cracks in the asphalt.
Apply the sealer: Once the cracks are sealed, you can apply the sealer to the entire surface of your driveway or parking lot. Be sure to apply it evenly to avoid streaks or bare spots.
Let it dry: After you have applied the sealer, be sure to allow it plenty of time to dry before driving on or walking on the surface.

Sealcoating your driveway is a simple and effective way to extend its life and keep it looking new. By taking the time to sealcoat your asphalt every 1-3 years, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain the integrity of your driveway or parking lot for many years to come.

Driveway Sealing Types

To get the most out of your sealcoating, it is important to choose the right type of sealer and apply it evenly. The two most common types of sealcoating are coal tar emulsion and asphalt emulsion.

Coal Tar Emulsion

Coal tar emulsion is a thick, black liquid that provides excellent protection against weather, oil and chemicals. However, it has a strong odor and can be difficult to apply evenly.

Asphalt Emulsion

Asphalt emulsion is a lighter-colored alternative to coal tar that is easier to apply but does not last as long. It is also less effective in extremely hot or cold weather.

Be sure to talk to your sealcoating professional to decide which type of sealer is right for you.

Driveway Sealing Spray vs Brush

The two most common methods of applying sealcoating are spraying and brushing.

Spraying

Spraying is the quickest and easiest method, but it can be difficult to get an even coat. If you choose to spray, be sure to use a pump-up garden sprayer designed for asphalt sealcoat.

Brushing

Sealing Driveway with Brush
Brushing is slower but will give you a more even coat. It is important to use a brush with stiff bristles so that you do not damage the surface of the asphalt.

Be sure to work in small sections so that the sealcoat does not dry before you have a chance to spread it evenly.

If you are using an asphalt emulsion, you may need to apply a second coat.

Image: https://www.madnessandmethod.com/sealing-asphalt-driveway/

Doing it Yourself vs. Professional Sealcoating

There are many benefits to having a professional sealcoat your driveway, including a more even application, longer lasting protection, and peace of mind knowing the job was done right.

However, if you choose to do it yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to choose the right type of sealer for your needs. Second, apply the sealer evenly to avoid streaks or bare spots. And finally, be sure to give the sealer plenty of time to dry before driving on your driveway.

If you have any questions about whether sealcoating is right for you or how to do it yourself, be sure to talk to a professional

Driveway Sealing and Patching

Patching is an important part of maintaining your driveway. Asphalt driveways are susceptible to cracks and holes, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather, traffic, and tree roots.

If left unrepaired, these cracks and holes will continue to get bigger and can eventually lead to major damage. That’s why it’s important to patch them as soon as you notice them.

There are two main types of driveway patches: cold patches and hot patches.

Cold Patches

Cold patches are the easier of the two to apply, but they are not as durable or long-lasting as hot patches.

Hot Patches

Hot patches are made with asphalt that has been melted and mixed with a binding agent. This makes them more durable and longer lasting, but they can be more difficult to apply.

How to Choose Which Type of Patch to Use

When deciding which type of patch to use, it’s important to consider the size and severity of the damage.

For small cracks and holes, a cold patch should be sufficient. For larger cracks and holes, or for damage that is located in a high-traffic area, a hot patch is likely to be a better option.

If you are unsure about which type of patch to use, or if you have any questions about repairing your driveway, be sure to talk to a professional.

Sealing a Driveway and Rain

It is important to wait until the sealer is completely dry before allowing any traffic on the surface, which can take up to 24 hours. If it rains before the sealer is dry, it will wash away the sealer and you will need to reapply it.

Sealing a Driveway Temperature

The ideal temperature for applying sealer is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is too hot, the sealer will dry too quickly and will not adhere properly. If it is too cold, the sealer will not dry properly and will be more susceptible to damage from traffic.

If you have any questions about sealing your driveway or parking lot, be sure to talk to a professional.

How to Estimate Driveway Sealing Costs

The cost of driveway sealing will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and condition of your driveway, the type of sealer you use, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

To get an estimate of how much it will cost to seal your driveway, start by measuring the size of your driveway. Then, add up the cost of the sealer and any other materials you will need. Finally, consider the number of hours it will take to complete the job.

If you are doing it yourself, you can find all of the materials you need at your local hardware store.

Hiring a Professional

If you are hiring a professional, get estimates from several companies to be sure you are getting the best price. When comparing estimates, be sure to ask about the quality of the sealer and whether it is warranted against fading or peeling. Also, be sure to ask about the company’s experience and ask for references from satisfied customers. Once you have collected all of your estimates, choose the company that offers the best value for your needs.