asphalt

Sealcoating Your Paved Driveway or Parking Lot Can Help

Sealcoating your asphalt driveway is the best way to make it last as long as possible. When rain permeates the surface, it gets into the base coat, and potholes and cracks start to form. Despite the fact that popular belief sealing your asphalt driveway is a project any homeowner can do if you allocate a couple of hours on the weekend.  However, you may want to hire a professional for this type of project.

 

This article sponsored by Asphalt Paving Houston

sealcoat

Why do you seal an Asphalt Driveway?

Driveway sealers block water and protect the asphalt from UV rays that also damage asphalt? Sealing your driveway every 1 to 3 years, depending on use and climate, will greatly improve your driveway’s life. Sealing your driveway also helps to keep oil and spilled gas from damaging your driveway. A proper driveway sealcoat will also make your driveway easier to clean, like leaves, snow, and other debris don’t get stuck in the rough surface of an unsealed surface.

 

Most professional driveway sealing companies use a top quality commercial grade coal tar sealer, which is the longest lasting product on the market. All parking lots are sealed with coal tar sealer. If you decide to go with a professional, you should ask about the products they will use to seal coat your driveway.

 

Driveway sealing is an easy DIY Project that any homeowner can perform. Before you plan to start your project here are eight tips that can improve the quality of your work and reduce the number of time you run to the local home improvement store.

 

  • Trim the grass around a driveway before starting.
  • Thoroughly sweep and blow any debris off the surface.
  • Buy tape or rope to prevent people from accidentally walking or driving on the driveway.
  • Clean oil stains before sealing. Kitty Litter, Dawn Dishwashing soap or sand can help absorb and remove oil
  • Pull the cars or anything you need out of the driveway before starting the project
  • The sealer can handle small cracks but before beginning use and asphalt patch to seal larger cracks. Remember to clean the crevices.
  • Any area near a garage door, walkway, or plants needs to be hand sealed with a brush so the sealer goes where it should. Many people want to shortcut this step but taking your time will produce a better quality look. Buy a quality hand brush
  • For large driveways, a sprayer is used after the hand brushing. Work around the edge to ensure complete driveway coverage.
  • If the forecast is calling for rain anytime during your project day, reschedule as driveway sealer is impossible to clean up.

 

 

Repairing the Cracks

Sweep in and around cracks to remove organic debris and pebbles.

 

Use a trowel to press the compound into the cracks. Make sure the mixture is smooth and free of dirt or pebbles.

Before starting a driveway sealcoating project complete the checklist above. I like to avoid running to and from the home improvement store so do a quick assessment and begin your cleanup and patching a day or the weekend before the sealing project.

 

To seal your driveway once you have hand sealed areas defined above pour about 2 gallons of sealer on the driveway. It is essential to work in small spaces, keep coverage thin as possible. A squeegee will help pull the sealer up to your brush sealed areas. The sealer will need several hours to dry to start the project early in the day so the midday sun can help. Most important read the instructions on the sealer you decide to use.

 

Thank you for reading this article.  If you have any questions please contact us.  If you have any tips, please submit a tip here.  If we use your tip on this site we will give you full credit.   Be sure to visit our sponsor:  Houston Asphalt Paving.  (http://www.pavingandrepairhouston.com/)

 

Related Articles:

How to Keep Asphalt From Deteriorating

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *