The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Your Driveway with Asphalt Resurfacing

Are you thinking of resealing your driveway asphalt? Over time, the driveway's asphalt loses its durability and becomes vulnerable to cracks, oxidation, and water damage. Resealing can help restore the look of your driveway, protect against damage, and prolong its lifespan.

If you're planning to resurface your driveway asphalt, there's a lot you should know. This blog post offers a guide on driveway asphalt resealing. It covers the benefits, various types of sealants, preparation, application, and maintenance.

Benefits of Driveway Asphalt Resealing

Resealing your driveway asphalt can provide numerous benefits to both you and your property. These include:

  • Enhancing your home's curb appeal. Resealing can give your driveway a fresh new look and make it appear more aesthetically pleasing.
  • Protecting against damage. Resealing can prevent water damage, cracks, and aggregate loss from oxidation by providing a protective coating to the asphalt.
  • Prolonging the lifespan of your driveway. Asphalt resealing can extend the lifespan of your driveway and prevent it from becoming an eyesore.

Types of Sealants

There are two main types of sealants used in driveway asphalt resealing:

  1. Coal Tar Emulsion. Coal tar emulsion sealers are made from refined coal tar, clay, sand, and water. They're one of the most popular types of sealant due to their anti-oxidation and water-resistant properties.
  2. Asphalt Emulsion. Asphalt emulsion sealers are made of asphalt, water, and a small amount of additives. They're environmentally friendly and cost-efficient; however, they're not as durable as coal tar emulsion sealers and require more frequent reapplications.

Preparation

Proper preparation is crucial in ensuring proper adhesion and longevity of the sealant. Here's how to prepare for driveway asphalt resealing:

  1. Remove all debris, dirt, and loose asphalt using a broom or blower.
  2. Clean the surface by power washing or using a detergent solution.
  3. Repair any damage such as cracks or potholes.
  4. Allow the driveway to dry completely.

Application

After cleaning and preparation, you're ready to apply the sealant. Here are the steps for applying sealant to your driveway:

  1. Stir the sealant using a rubber paddle or mixer.
  2. Pour the sealant from one end of the driveway, spreading it out evenly with a squeegee.
  3. Use a hand-held brush to cover any missed spots or edges.
  4. Allow the sealant to dry for until it's no longer tacky.

Maintenance

Preserving the durability and quality of your driveway asphalt requires proper maintenance. Here are some tips to maintain your newly sealed driveway:

  • Avoid parking heavy vehicles.
  • Avoid spilling chemicals or oils on the surface.
  • Keep the surface clean by regularly sweeping debris and dirt.
  • Reapply sealant every two to three years or when the surface looks faded.

In conclusion, driveway asphalt resealing is essential to maintain your driveway's lifespan and outer appearance. It's important to understand the benefits, types of sealants, preparation, application, and maintenance to ensure the successful resealing of your driveway asphalt. With proper maintenance and care, your newly sealed driveway can last for many years to come.


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