When Should You Sealcoating or Resurface Your Asphalt Driveway?

While they look great and are incredibly durable, asphalt driveways do demand regular care and maintenance. Many homeowners may realize that their driveway no longer looks as fresh and black as it once did, but they are unsure if sealcoating or resurfacing is the answer.

Are you wondering when the right time to seal coat or resurface your asphalt driveway is or if a complete replacement is wiser? Continue reading this blog to find out all about sealcoating, resurfacing, and repaving your asphalt driveway.

Sealcoating Your Asphalt Driveway

Sealcoating is the process of applying a liquid sealant to your asphalt pavement to seal it and fill any cracks. The process protects the asphalt sub-base from the elements and allows you to avoid replacing the entire driveway anytime soon.

Ideally, an asphalt surface should be seal coated every three to five years. However, if you have recently installed a new asphalt driveway, give it at least 90 days before applying sealant. Sealcoating a freshly poured surface too early may retain oils within the asphalt, resulting in an overly soft or flexible surface. You should also seal coat your asphalt driveway only when the temperature is between 50°F and 90°F, and it has not rained for at least two days. Dry conditions will ensure a successful sealcoating application.

Resurfacing Your Asphalt Driveway

Sealcoating is not always the best solution. Deep cracks and regular filling may indicate that your asphalt driveway needs to be resurfaced. Resurfacing is the process of replacing the top layer of asphalt with a new one. Resurfacing can add anywhere between eight and fifteen years to your asphalt driveway!

Ideally, you should resurface your asphalt driveway if:

• The asphalt foundation is still in good shape.
• The asphalt is no more than 20 years old.
• Cracks are no wider than a quarter-inch.
• Cracks are no deeper than two inches.
• Only about 30% or less of the asphalt has to be repaired.

It is worth noting that asphalt repairs are a temporary solution. The water eventually seeps between the old and new layers, and when this happens, cracks reappear. If you are constantly patching and fixing your driveway and the foundation is still structurally sound, it is time to resurface it.

Repaving Your Asphalt Driveway

Even if you have diligently maintained and repaired your driveway, the materials will deteriorate over time. It will no longer be possible to fix crumbling asphalt, and you may come to believe that your constant repairs are not worth the time and effort. A freshly paved driveway provides a smoother, safer surface that you will appreciate every day.

Asphalt driveways that are 25 years old or older usually need to be repaved. Is it time for a new driveway? Take a look at the surface. Consider repaving if more than 30% of the asphalt needs repairs, and huge cracks (more than a quarter-inch wide and two inches deep) split the asphalt. A shaky foundation is also an indication that you should start thinking about installing a new driveway.

Address

Commonwealth Paving, 136 Outerloop, Louisville, Kentucky 40214
Phone: 502-459-7283, Fax: 502-456-2678

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