|
|
|
Applying an Asphalt Driveway Seal
An Asphalt Driveway Seal Can Significantly
Extend the Life of Your Driveway
By: Mark J. Donovan
|
|
If you have an asphalt driveway
you should plan on applying an asphalt driveway seal every 2 to 4 years. An
asphalt driveway sealant not only gives your driveway a new-look finish, but
also protects it from damage. An asphalt driveway seal helps protect your
driveway from damaging oils dripping from automobiles. In addition, and most
importantly, an asphalt driveway sealer helps to prevent water from finding
its way into small cracks in your driveway. When water does find its way
underneath your asphalt driveway it can undermine the driveway.
|
|
During winter months water
seepage under the asphalt driveway can lead to frost heaves, which in turn
can lead to more cracks in the driveway. When a heavy vehicle drives over a
melting frost heave in your asphalt driveway, it causes the driveway to
crack. This in turn causes more water penetration and further decay of your
asphalt driveway.
Though it is important to apply an asphalt driveway sealer to your driveway,
never immediately apply it over a newly poured asphalt driveway.
|
 |
|
|
You should wait at least 3 months
before applying an asphalt driveway seal to it, to allow the hydrocarbon
oils to fully evaporate from the driveway. If you do not wait until the
hydrocarbon oils have fully evaporated before applying the driveway seal,
you may end up with a permanently soft driveway.
When applying a fresh coat of
asphalt driveway seal, first make sure that all existing cracks and holes
are repaired with a cold patch or asphalt driveway crack filler.
|
Asphalt driveway crack fillers are
made from a flexible synthetic like rubber that you simply pour from a jug or
tube into the driveway cracks.
After the cold patch material and/or
driveway crack fillers have fully cured, which can take up to several weeks, you
can then apply your asphalt driveway seal.
When applying asphalt driveway seal wait for a warm day so that it is easier to
spread. Use a squeegee to spread the driveway seal. Make sure not to apply the
driveway seal too thick or too often. A driveway seal effectively is a top
coating over your asphalt driveway that penetrates only into the top surface of
the asphalt. If you apply it too thick or too often it will result in unsightly
peeling.
|
Find a Qualified Asphalt Paving Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Asphalt Paving
Contractors! |
For more help on Asphalt Driveway Paving, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid sheet. The
Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid Sheet will help
ensure that your hire the right contractor so that your driveway is paved
correctly and you get the finished driveway you are looking for.
How to Finance your Driveway or
Paving Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Asphalt and Paving
Driveway Articles
|
|
|
