Your driveway is among the first things your friends encounter when they come to visit you. It should look its best if you plan on hosting guests or showing the property to potential buyers in the future. Here are three signs that indicate your driveway needs asphalt sealcoating.
1. Cracks in the Surface
If your driveway has cracks or is starting to crumble, it's time for sealcoating. Cracks result from the movement of the asphalt layer. Asphalt is a petroleum-based product that shrinks and expands as temperatures fluctuate, causing cracks in the surface. These cracks allow water to seep through and create potholes or soft spots on your driveway.
When you sealcoat it, your new coating will prevent further damage from occurring by stopping water intrusion. Seal coats have a much more stable, flexible structure that is less likely to crack under pressure. They include a higher concentration of bitumen and aggregate that make them resistant to cracking and softening in extreme heat and cold conditions. They can also improve a driveway's appearance because they cover up any unsightly cracks.
2. Drainage Problems
A driveway with drainage problems will wash away over time. This issue occurs when water flows beneath a section of your asphalt, rather than sinking into the gravel base and evaporating or being absorbed by plants. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the subsurface soil structure and result in severe cracking problems.
Sealcoating the parking lot will prevent water from seeping beneath the asphalt. Before sealing your driveway, a paving contractor will dig up and repair the drain with additional gravel or crushed stone. They will also check the drainage around your home to prevent future flooding problems and grade your asphalt correctly to enable rainwater to flow away from your driveway.
3. Asphalt Discoloration
If your asphalt's color has faded away, it needs sealcoating. Asphalt is naturally black. Its color can change because of contaminants such as oil, gas, or other liquids that are spilled on your driveway. It could also fade because of oxidation, UV rays from the sun, and other environmental factors.
Sealcoating will turn your driveway's color from grey or white to black again. This coating is also durable and will protect your driveway from damage caused by rain and snow. Paving contractors know the right acrylic coating to apply over the top of your old asphalt to restore its color and protect it from oxidation and more damage. A new sealcoat will also make the surface smooth and even, which is nice to walk on.
Knowing when your driveway needs asphalt sealcoating will help you contact a paving contractor before more damage is done. This, in turn, will save you from major expenses and inconveniences while protecting the value of your home.
For more information about asphalt sealcoating, contact a paving contractor in your area.