15 March 2022
 Categories: , Blog

The driveway on your property is an important feature for reducing the need to drive over rough to reach your house from the street. Driveway sealing can be an effective way of improving the durability of this feature. In addition to potentially reducing the need for the driveway to be replaced prematurely, this can also reduce the chances of costly or disruptive repairs being needed.  

Driveway Sealing Is Important For Both Asphalt And Concrete Surfaces 

There is an assumption that driveway sealing is only necessary for asphalt surfaces. While these surfaces can benefit from the use of sealants, it is also important to seal a concrete driveway as well. This is due to the fact that both asphalt and concrete will have small openings on their surface that can trap moisture, vehicle fluids, and other substances that may weaken the pavement over time. The sealant that is applied to the surface of the driveway will be able to close these openings so that this will not be a threat to the pavement regardless of whether it is made of asphalt or concrete.

The Driveway Should Not Be Used Immediately After The Sealant Is Applied

After the sealant has been applied to the driveway, you will need to avoid driving on it until these coatings have fully dried. Depending on the size of the driveway and the weather, this could take anywhere from a few hours to up to a couple of days. During this time, driving on the driveway could remove some of the sealants that were applied, and this can reduce the protection that it is able to provide the asphalt. In addition to avoiding driving on the freshly sealed pavement, it is also necessary to avoid accidentally getting the pavement wet with sprinklers or garden hoses as this could further delay the drying process.

Driveway Sealing May Not Correct Damage Or Other Problems To The Driveway

Driveway sealing is an important preventative measure that can reduce the tendency of pavement to degrade and deteriorate over time. Yet, it is not a process that is able to repair problems that may have already started to develop with the pavement. Large cracks or other surface damages may require their own repairs before the sealant can be applied. The first step prior to applying the sealant will be for the contractor to assess the condition of the driveway's surface to make sure it is free of damages that will be significant enough to impact the ability of the sealant to be applied or even its overall effectiveness.

To learn more, contact a company like Affordable Seal Coating and Repairs.