Why Driveway Sealer Is An Essential Part
Of Home Maintenance

A fresh coat of driveway sealer always makes a dramatic difference in how good a home looks, but it is so much more than that! Like so many home maintenance projects, there is more than meets the eye. Just as wood needs stain to protect it from water damage, your asphalt also needs to be protected. Sun and rain, hot and cold, all dry out the surface and leave your pavement open to more damage. Simply applying a seal coat every two years will keep the surface safe, protected, and looking fantastic.

Surface Protection Matters To What’s Underneath
We think nothing of waxing our car, or using lotion on our skin. It is just common sense. Driveway sealer does the same thing for your asphalt. It protects and seals the surface to keep water out. As a matter of fact, well-looked after asphalt will make water bead up and roll away just as a freshly waxed car will. Take the time to throw a bucket of water on your parking area and see what happens. Is the water beading and rolling away, or is it seeping in? Water will erode the foundation, and cause cracks, both of which will continue to get worse until you get it fixed.

Quality Is Always Your Best Bet
Whether you are a do-it-yourself person or looking to hire someone to do the seal coating, quality is essential for success. There are far too many cheap types of driveway sealer out there! Make sure that the seal coat being used is airport grade to get the best protection for your asphalt. Coal tar is another key thing to look for. These sealers provide the best for your asphalt, and help to bring it back to its most glossy and water-repellent.

Is It Too Late?
Are you concerned because you already have cracks or even potholes? No need to worry, this is easily fixed! Crack filler and asphalt patch are easy to use and will fix any problem areas.

How To Prep Before Using Driveway Sealer
The surface has to be clean in order for the seal coat to adhere properly. Start with a thorough sweeping, or pressure washing, of the whole area. Clean any oil stains with a degreaser. Remove any loose debris and weeds. Fill all cracks. Finally, tape off the sidewalk, garage walls, and anywhere else you don’t want turned black, just like you would for painting.

Start At The Top And Work Your Way Down
Apply as thin a coat of sealer as you can. It’s far better to apply two thin coats that one thick one. A thick coat will not cure properly and will peel. Using a squeegee or broom, work your way down the driveway until the asphalt is completely covered. Don’t forget to block off the area to prevent people from walking or driving on it, and allow the recommended time for it to cure and dry.

Now you know driveway maintenance isn’t just about looks, it’s about preserving your asphalt. With a good quality seal coat, and a few simple steps, you are on your way to using driveway sealer to protect your pavement.