In this article, we dive into the Pros and Cons of asphalt sealcoating. In this author’s opinion, the reasons in favor of sealcoating your asphalt driveway or parking lot far outweigh not doing so.
PROS:
- Sealing an asphalt driveway protects it from multiple forms of damage.
When your asphalt driveway is sealcoated, it is protected from various weather elements that damage it over time. You’ll stop cracks and erosion from causing damage requiring future repairs. - Sealing an asphalt driveway prevents the formation of potholes.
When you seal asphalt, it creates a resistant barrier against defects in the product after it has been laid to form your driveway. - Sealing an asphalt driveway improves the curb appeal of a home.
Adding a sealant layer to your asphalt creates a darker finish. The surface of your driveway will be sleek and smooth, improving the curb appeal of your home.. - Sealing an asphalt driveway allows for an efficient run-off of moisture.
When an asphalt driveway is installed, it creates a surface that allows a more efficient run-off when moisture hits it. You’ll also improve the level of self-healing that occurs as sunlight heats the surface, in effect, melting it back together. - Sealing an asphalt driveway can make other chores easier to finish.
The smooth surface of the treated driveway makes it easier for snow removal as the blade moves over the surface. Your snow blower or plow will encounter fewer issues, lowering the risk of damage to your parking lot or driveway.
CONS:
- Sealing an asphalt driveway is a repetitive maintenance chore.
You must seal your asphalt driveway once every couple of years to maximize the benefit of this surface. Maintenance service isn’t as expensive as the first layer, but will still count as an expense to your budget. - Sealing an asphalt driveway requires specific weather conditions.
The colder temperatures will negatively impact the performance of the sealer. It is not unusual for a sealer to fail during the curing process when applied during sub-freezing temperatures. - Sealing an asphalt driveway requires a waiting period for the best results.
You must wait for a newly installed asphalt driveway to cure correctly before you proceed with any maintenance. Most driveways need at least six months of curing time before they will be ready to have a sealer applied. - Sealing an asphalt driveway will not prevent all cracks.
If your asphalt driveway is not laid correctly, it may be prone to cracking and pitting issues over its lifespan. You may be concerned with uneven surfaces after the work is complete. Issues like inadequate mixing, or laying over a damaged older driveway, can work to reduce the expected lifespan of your driveway. You can add more flexibility to a driveway by adding a layer of sealant, but you may not prevent damage if it was improperly installed in the first place. - Sealing an asphalt driveway will make it hotter in the summer.
Cooler color tones tend to reflect heat, which is why white is a popular color to wear during the summer months in the desert. Darker hues absorb light, meaning they absorb more heat when the sun is shining. The sleek, black color that occurs when a sealing job is complete may add a dramatic visual impact to a property but can become uncomfortably hot in the summer.
Western States Sealcoating and Striping has two locations, one in Spokane, and the other in Colville, Washington. They concentrate on crack filling, sealcoating, and asphalt striping services throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho. With a legacy of excellence since 2000, they’ve earned the trust of their community as the go-to experts for asphalt repair and maintenance. Visit their website at https://sealcoatingspokane.com or give them a call at 509-924-4335.
