PHOTO CREDIT: Petro’s Sealing: http://petrossealingbarrie.com/
Driveways take a lot of abuse. UV rays from exposure to the sun can break down the pieces that make the driveway. This creates more holes in the pavement, which liquids will fill. Rain can fill holes and crack in your driveway. As the liquids expand and contract in these holes, they can create larger holes and cracks. Oils from cars and dust from the environment can also affect the driveway’s health. Protecting your driveway is important if you want to give it a longer life. Driveway sealcoating provides this protection. Applying driveway sealant to the surface of your driveway creates a protective layer that keeps water, dust, UV rays, and oils out of the driveway below. With less chance of these materials getting into your driveway, you’ll see fewer holes and cracks and your driveway will last much longer. Driveway sealer does not last forever though, and you will need to reseal your driveway every few years, depending on weather conditions and the type of sealer used.
Driveway sealers protect your driveway. One of the most common types is asphalt sealer for asphalt driveways. This sealer contains asphalt and is relatively healthy for the environment and your health. Coal tar sealants are made of coal tar, sand, clay, and polymers. This type of sealer is durable, but can be irritating to humans and contribute to environmental pollution. To seal commercial driveways, pros apply acrylic sealer most often. This sealer is expensive, but more environmentally friendly and durable than most sealants.
The most popular sealing service is asphalt driveway sealing. Asphalt is a form of petroleum. Making asphalt concrete involves asphalt being mixed with sand or gravel aggregate to form the driveways and roads we all know. Using an asphalt-based sealer to coat asphalt driveways helps create a “seal” that prevents oils and liquids from leaking through the asphalt and creating cracks as it expands and contracts. A typical asphalt driveway sealer lasts 2-4 years depending on the weather conditions in your area. Besides protecting your driveway, an asphalt driveway sealer gives your driveway a “like-new” look when applied.
Sealing your driveway is a temperature-sensitive project. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit within 24 hours of asphalt sealcoating, the sealer will not bind correctly with the driveway and the seal will not be effective. If the temperature is above 90 degrees, there can also be issues with the sealing. A consistent temperature of 70 degrees is recommended, but as long as it is not too cold or hot, the sealant will bind correctly. Another condition to be wary of is the weather. Rain, fog, or humid days before, during or after the sealcoating service can cause issues. Standing water will make sealcoating impossible, and too much moisture in the air will also affect the integrity of the seal. The best time to schedule your driveway sealcoating service is when there will be 2-3 days of dry weather. You will not be able to use the driveway for 24-48 hours after it has been sealed, so plan accordingly. You should clear your driveway of any dust and debris before the sealcoating service for best results. Clearing your driveway and having a professional company seal the driveway is while you are not home is a good idea.
Driveway sealing can be a messy project. Rather than doing it yourself, you may want to hire a professional company to provide driveway sealcoating service for you. With PLOWZ & MOWZ you have access to a network of local professionals. Homeowners schedule this professional service knowing it will be of the best quality. You can also schedule the service on-demand at any time. Many homeowners choose to schedule their driveway sealing service while they are on vacation. Professional companies can seal your driveway while you are away and the driveway is cleared of vehicles. You will get updates through your app and can even see a photo of the completed service right on your phone. Scheduling a driveway sealing service will lengthen the life of your driveway, and now it’s as easy as a few taps!
