Having asphalt on your property is not an asset you can just set and forget about. The type of asphalt frequently used for driveways is much more prone to damage from vehicles and the elements than other types of asphalt. Therefore, seal coating your asphalt can help protect your driveway and extend its life. But what do we mean by asphalt seal coating, and why is it important for your driveway? Before reaching out to Orlando’s driveway repair experts and scheduling their visit, here’s everything you need to know!
What is asphalt seal coating?
The asphalt used on the driveway in front of your Orland home is a mixture of aggregates and bitumen. Aggregates, which are a combination of sand, crushed stone, and gravel, make up approximately 95%. The remaining component is a sticky black substance (bitumen), which is responsible for holding the aggregates together.
Even though asphalt is exceptionally resistant to wear and tear, it can develop fissures and holes. This is especially true when it comes to different weather conditions. Sun’s ultraviolet radiation, grease, snow, and other pollutants can all slowly cause damage to your driveway. Cracks in asphalt can also be caused by other factors, including high vehicle traffic volumes. So to ensure your driveway’s longevity, asphalt seal coating is a must.
Asphalt seal coating is the process of adding an extra layer of protection to the asphalt surface of your driveway or parking lot. Not only will it prolong the life of your driveway, but if you perform adequate maintenance and keep it in good condition, it could potentially increase the value of your home. You probably already know how important curb appeal is in real estate shopping.
Why is seal coating your asphalt necessary, and how can it help protect your driveway?
Although asphalt by itself is a durable material, it is not sufficient for a driveway on its own. Over time, it will crack or become brittle due to exposure to damaging rays of the sun, oil, or snow, as well as other substances. If you don’t react quickly, it might have a detrimental impact on the overall aesthetic of your driveway. The worst-case situation is that the cracks will lead to potholes, which would put a significant dent in your finances.
If you’re planning to buy a new home soon, check the state of its driveway thoroughly. Even though everything might look perfect, some imperfections could quickly turn into cracks or even more significant issues. The last thing you want is to arrive with your moving team, only to be greeted with a driveway in desperate need of repair. Experts from getmovedtoday.com say that an inadequate driveway makes unloading much more difficult. So your entire relocation experience could end on a very negative note.
Benefits of asphalt seal coating
The asphalt pavement has a weak reaction to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When left exposed to the elements consistently, the binder, which functions as the glue that keeps the sand and stone in place, quickly deteriorates. As oxidation continues, the oil in your asphalt will evaporate, and the pavement will become even more rigid.
When this occurs, cracks will begin to appear on the surface. If you do not remedy this, water will eventually find its way into the base of your pavement, further eroding its integrity. It may cause small holes and even alligator cracks, both of which are difficult (and expensive) to repair.
Seal coating is the most effective method for reducing the rate of the oxidation process, and this is its most significant benefit. The sealant provides an additional layer of defense against these potentially dangerous rays. In essence, it provides you with the peace of mind that the aggregates are securely embedded within the asphalt and that it will not break.
Do keep in mind that asphalt seal coating doesn’t only help protect your driveway from deterioration. Another benefit of keeping your driveway in great shape is that it will help you boost your property’s curb appeal. This is especially important if you’re planning to sell your Orlando home soon or if you’re running a business from it.
How often do you need to schedule asphalt seal coating to help protect your driveway?
Seal coating asphalt should be done every two to three years, depending on how much traffic your driveway gets or how frequently it is exposed to the elements such as snow, UV rays, and other chemicals. Adding driveway inspection to your routine maintenance list is the best way to go. That way, you can find cracks or depressions while they’re still easy and relatively cheap to fix. Do not wait until the minor cracks become large potholes to schedule your asphalt seal coating or even asphalt resurfacing.
We also recommend scheduling asphalt seal coating before moving into your new Orlando home. Staged homes look better than they are, so it’s always a good idea to play it safe and ensure your driveway is in top-notch condition. After all, you want a smooth relocation and not have to worry about what’s waiting for you there. You’ll be able to settle in quickly as soon as your local movers in Orlando finish unloading your belongings.
When is the best time for asphalt seal coating, and how to preserve it?
Although it is not physically impossible to do this task during the winter months, most experts advise against doing so. However, given that you’re located in Orlando, any season will work. Make sure to avoid rainy days as you’ll want your driveway to dry as quickly as possible. Asphalt seal coating during poor weather conditions may increase your overall costs and may even put your pavement in jeopardy of suffering further damage.
Once your asphalt is sealed, keep in mind that this doesn’t mean it’s immune to the effects of the elements or other things that can cause harm, such as oil. Therefore, be on the lookout for vehicles that may have oil leaks, as they can cause significant damage to new asphalt.
Final thoughts
We hope our article helped you understand what asphalt seal coating is, why it is important, and how it can help protect your driveway. Now that you know all this, wait no more but quickly reach out to Orlando’s driveway repair experts. They will make sure your driveway is in the best shape it can be!
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