Driveway sealcoating is a great way to protect your driveway from the harsh weather conditions. It helps to keep the surface sealed and prevents water from seeping in and causing damage. Sealcoating also makes your driveway look new again, and it can even help to protect it from fading in the sun.
But how often should you seal your driveway? If you’re interested to know more, then keep reading as we’ll talk about this maintenance process in today’s article.
How Seal Coating Is Done And How Frequent Should You Do It
Sealcoating is a process that is often used to protect asphalt driveways from the elements. It can help keep them looking new for longer, and it also helps to protect the driveway from cracking and potholes. The process of sealcoating is done step-by-step by professional contractors.
The first step is to clean the driveway. This means that any debris or dirt needs to be removed so that the sealant will stick properly. The next step is to apply the sealant. This is a liquid that is applied to the surface of the driveway, and it then dries to form a protective coating. The final step is to apply a coat of wax. This helps to further protect the driveway and makes it look shiny and new.
Asphalt sealcoating should be done every two to three years according to experts. It is important to keep up with this process so that your driveway will last for many years.
What Are The Factors That You Need To Sealcoat Your Driveway Sooner
The factors that you need to sealcoat your driveway sooner are the weather, the type of surface, and how often you use your driveway.
To be specific, weather is important because you don’t want to sealcoat your driveway when it’s going to rain in the next few days. It’s not a good idea to sealcoat your driveway when it’s going to rain in the next few days because the rain will wash away the sealant before it has a chance to dry. It’s best to wait at least a week after it rains before you sealcoat your driveway.
The type of surface is also important because some surfaces, like concrete, don’t need to be sealed as often as other surfaces, like asphalt. Driveway sealers are available in different finishes, which will affect how long the sealer lasts. A glossy or wet finish will last longer since it resists dirt and oil better. However, it can also be more slippery. A matte finish is less slippery but tends to show dirt and oil more.
And finally, the frequency with which you drive on your driveway will also have an impact on how often you need to seal it. If you drive on it a lot, the sealant will wear off faster, meaning you’ll need to seal it more often. Conversely, if you don’t drive on it as much, the sealant will last longer.
Should Sealcoating Be Done Even If There Are Cracks Or Potholes On The Driveway
If you have cracks or potholes in your driveway, it’s best to repair them before sealing your driveway. Sealing over them will only mask the problem and it will likely reappear in a short time. However, if the cracks and potholes are not repaired, you can still seal your driveway, but be sure to apply a thicker coat of sealant so that it will bridge over the cracks and potholes.
If you have any cracks or potholes on your driveway, it’s important to have a contractor repair them before sealcoating. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- The contractor will use a cold mix asphalt to fill in the cracks or potholes.
- They make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying the cold mix.
- The will apply the cold mix with a trowel or putty knife, and make sure to fill in the entire crack or hole.
- The contractor will smooth out the surface of the cold mix with a flat object, like a piece of cardboard or a rubber mallet.
- Then, they let the cold mix dry completely before applying sealcoating.
How Many Coats Of Sealant Should Be Applied To Ensure Quality Finish
There is no one definitive answer to this question as it may depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of sealant used, the condition of the driveway, and the climate conditions in your area. However, in general, it is typically recommended to apply at least two coats of sealant to achieve optimal results.
If you think your driveway is need of sealcoating soon, contact Highway Masters Paving in Los Angeles today and get a free quote. Please visit their website today for more information.