Sealcoating (How Often)
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SEALCOAT?
While sealcoating is essential to proper maintenance of your driveway or parking area, it is equally important it be applied at the appropriate intervals for maximum benefit.
NEW ASPALT – A new asphalt driveway or parking area should not be sealcoated immediately. New asphalt contains excess oils, while essential for manufacturing and installation of the product, should be allowed to escape and diminish before applying a seal coat. Allowing your fresh asphalt exposure to the elements for a period of time is actually good for it and allows it to “cure”. A sealer applied too early will trap these oils and cause damage to the asphalt.
The amount of time required for the curing process depends upon several factors. First is the amount of oil contained in the particular asphalt that was applied. Secondly, the time of year, the weather and the amount of sun exposure will slow down or speed up the process. As a general rule, however, most asphalt manufacturers recommend the asphalt be top coated after the area has been allowed to cure for at least 60 to 120 days but no more than a year. For best results, ask the professional paving contractor who put down your driveway for their recommendation. They have more precise knowledge of the exact chemical makeup of your asphalt, as well as, an experienced opinion on your particular parking area.
EXISTING ASPHALT – There are various factors to consider when determining the frequency of sealcoating a paved area. Sun exposure, use, temperature, and chemicals all cause asphalt to break down. Sealcoating protects the asphalt from deterioration but it too deteriorates from the same sources. The more exposure to deteriorating elements the more often you will need to apply sealcoating. Some areas will break down more rapidly than others. The rubber in your tires, for example, interacts negatively with the asphalt. The spot in which you regularly park your car may show signs of wear prior to an area that is untouched by sun or chemicals.
Sealcoating too often can be just as harmful. According to Pavementpro.org, “Sealer applied annually tends to crack and flake after about 10 years of annual applications or less and may even crack the surface of the pavement. This may influence the owner to resurface prematurely.”
The two extremes being considered, recoating is generally recommended every two to four years. Within that time frame, the owner can watch for the appearance of cracks, fading and signs of deterioration. Your best bet is to have your area evaluated by a sealcoating professional. Take time to find a reputable, reliable sealcoating business when you do so.
Find a Sealcoating Contractor in Your Area Today.
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