How To Properly Sealcoat Your Asphalt Driveway Or Parking Lot
Sealcoating an asphalt driveway is somewhat essential. It is just like putting up a shield in front of something coming to hit you at a speed. It will provide a cover, a protection which will help you circumvent the hit.
The basic reason for sealcoating an asphalt driveway, similarly, is to give it a cover from natural and even man made elements which can cause damage to it. These could be the rays from the sun, rainwater with the chemicals dissolved in it, and even the pollutants which are emitted by the vehicles travelling on the driveway. When the asphalt comes in contact with the sun, water and some other chemicals, it can oxidize and become hard. This, in turn, will cause it to crack up. A sealcoat cover on the driveway, will reduce the contact between the two and thus, enable the driveway to not get damaged.
Alongwith, the sealcoating also has cosmetic reasoning. It makes the driveway get a makeover of sorts and gives it a new façade. In addition, the small-size cracks or openings caused earlier will also get filled up. The cost borne for getting this procedure done on the driveway will be less as compared to the overall advantage which is accrued from it. Do keep in mind the fact that sealcoating, in all likelihood, is not required for the first 12-24 months after the driveway is built.
Before starting this procedure of Cold Patch Asphalt Repair, so we need to clean the asphalt surface very properly. This will help the sealcoating to be more effective in the long run. Any pre-existing cracks or potholes on the driveway may be required to be covered up before the sealcoating, depending upon their size and depth. Also, make it a point to remove any oil stains or marks otherwise the sealcoat will not adhere to the driveway surface. It will form a flimsy layer on top and will not stay on for long.
It is utmost necessary that the pavement temperature at the time of sealcoating is a minimum of 50 degrees. Also, the air temperature should be more than 50 degrees and even going up. If such is not the case, the sealcoating may not be as durable and will, in all probability, not last as long as it should. It is best to sealcoat the asphalt driveway twice, each time you get it done. This will provide a very strong cover to the underlying surface and ensure long-lasting protection and durability to the path underneath.
Also, it is a good idea to re-do the sealcoating on the asphalt driveways after every two to three years. This will strengthen the earlier cover and also make the entire shield more durable and steady.
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