Asphalt Driveway Sealing

Before winter sets in is a good time to look at sealing your driveway whether its concrete or pavement. Like everything else in your home a driveway is an investment and the better it looks the more salable your home. Sealing protects the surface and seals any tiny cracks of fissure that have developed. In addition it reduces wear on the pad.

Before actually sealing your driveway wash it thoroughly and let dry. Then go over every square foot and mark any cracks or depressions. if grass is growing through a crack spray it with a weed killer and let it sit for a week. Then remove the weed to to the root. You can get a pro to come and spray it for you. The plus with this is that they have the proper equipment so there’s no mess so you have no tar on you hands or tracking through the home. If you do it yourself there are four types:

1.  Asphalt Sealer: This is the standard sealer and is like the type they put on the roads.

2.  Water-Based: This a newer product and the asphalt is suspended in water. This is more friendly to the environment but not as effective as the tar-based.

3.  Coal Tar-Based Sealer: This material is the best for driveways, tennis courts and any places where traffic is heavy. Since coal tar is different than asphalt it resists ozone, ultra-violet rays and spills from antifreeze, gasoline and oil.

4.  Acrylic Sealers: These are the most expensive but worth it. In addition you can get them in a variety of colors. As they are not affected by ultra-violet rays or other elements acrylic sealers will look great for years.

The best time to put on sealer is when the weather is hot as the sealer will take longer to set and melt into all the crevices. Do not do this every year otherwise  layers will build up and peel as each layer is only as strong as the bond beneath.

If the driveway is new wait 3 months before getting it sealed but no more than 6 months. This will help the light oils evaporate so that the pavement will harden.

Driveway Care

One of the most used areas of the home is the driveway. In most cases people will park their vehicles on the driveway pad instead of using the garage.

Driveways, whether they be made of concrete, paving stones or asphalt, are horizontal structures which take take the full effect of the weather and traffic. The paving stones are compressed concrete but they still are porous and subject to staining and, in extreme weather conditions, cracking. The solution is to put a seal over the porous surface to prevent the onset of weathering.

Asphalt Driveways

Coating an asphalt driveway every three years with an asphalt sealant will protect its from the ultra violet rays of the sun. UV rays are dangerous t all materials and they actually can break down the binder. This allows water and ice to get into the cracks causing it to split and crumble. This allows grass and plants to grow in the cracks and cause further damage. A good also makes the driveway look great too.

Concrete Driveways

Like asphalt, concrete is porous and requires sealing especially against the scourges of winter. Concrete is actually much more porous than asphalt and needs to be protected more. Salt, oil, anti-freeze and freezing water does immense damage to concrete after time so a good, acrylic sealer should be applied yearly for best results. It is especially great on a new driveway because it puts a beautiful sheen on the pad.

Paving Stones

The manufacturers will tell you that paving stones do not need sealing. This is because they are made under pressure which cuts down on the ability of water to penetrate the material. However, paving stones do discolor over time and can attract mold or mildew if in a shady area. To clean stones when they get this organic material on them is hard work. However, spraying them once a year with a herbicide and then, weeks later with a water repellent will make them look great for years.

Driveway Paving Tips

One of the greatest ways to finish off your landscaping is with a new driveway. The new shimmering pad is like a welcome mat for your home especially if the driveway slopes toward the road.

Many homeowners choose to have concrete driveways but concrete shows stains and can crack if not put down properly. Cracking also loosens the plates and the driveway can look like smashes plate – especially if it is sloped.

Asphalt paving is a popular choice because it is cheaper than concrete, easier to maintain and sheds snow and ice better than the cement-filled pad. Here are some tips for paving your driveway:

1) Base: Make sure the contractor puts down and compacts a gravel or crushed rock base.

2) Pick Some Close: With the price of oil raising the price of asphalt and the price of fuel to transport it look for contractors who will be working in your area. Sometimes they will give you a price break because their machines do not have to be transported far.

3) Mark the Boundaries: Figure out what you want paved and carefully mark this off so that the supervisor has a clear picture of what you want.

4) Stay Away for a Week: Give the pad a week before parking a vehicle on it. This will allow the asphalt cement to harden.

5) New Homes: Let the area around a new home settle at least a year before paving. The elements will allow any voids under the soil to be filled an compacted.

6) Clean-Up: Before paying anybody make sure the area around the paving has been cleaned up.