Whether you have a concrete driveway or asphalt driveway, you’ll want to preserve its value with regular maintenance. Not to mention the elevated aesthetic appeal of a freshly sealed driveway! Spring through the fall is an ideal time to seal your driveway. It’s important that the temperature is warm enough for the driveway sealant to bond correctly.
Asphalt Driveways
We recommend you re-seal your asphalt driveway every two to five years, depending on its condition. This will help prevent staining, enhance its appearance, and extend its overall lifespan.
There are many types of sealers available, such as asphalt-based sealers. However, most professionals consider a coal tar sealer the industry standard. Whether you are resealing your driveway yourself or having an expert do it for you, be sure to have any cracks repaired or holes patched in your driveway beforehand. This will ensure a smooth surface and lengthen the lifespan of the sealant.
Concrete Driveways
If you have a concrete driveway, you can help protect it by having it sealed after installation. If you’re sealing concrete, use a penetrating sealer, which helps prevent oil, gasoline and rock salt from penetrating and damaging the concrete. An annual resealing can help restore concrete drives with oil stains or salt damage.
Seal your driveway: DIY or Professional Job?
Homeowners often try to seal a drive themselves, but before diving in, here are a few things to consider.
Mistakes can be messy and costly to repair. Consider the overall cost if mid-DIY repair, it becomes necessary to bring in a professional to finish, or repair the job. It may be more cost effective to leave it to a professional in the first place.
Quality of materials used can be an important consideration. A professional contractor will use quality materials on top of the skill used to seal your driveway. It can be a smart idea to talk to neighbors who have had their driveways resealed and check for contractor reviews.
- Ask for photos and references of the contractor’s previous work.
- Make sure you get the job details in a written estimate.
- Ask for proof of insurance before allowing any work to start.
- Never pay cash up front; pay by check or credit card, and only pay in full after the work has been completed.
Interested in getting a quote from a professional? Contact Acacia Renos today!
If you decide to tackle the job yourself, here are some additional things you may want to consider for the project.
Bargain products can contain up to 50 percent water and have lower coverage rates (with a correspondingly shorter guarantee), so they’re not the most cost-effective solution over the long term. Premium products, on the other hand, are made with higher quality resins and UV stabilizers and contain filler and elastomeric material, so they last longer.
Check the weather. Be sure that your project won’t be foiled by a shower of rain, or a cold snap in early spring. It’s better to wait until you’re absolutely sure the weather will be perfect when you seal your driveway.