Whether you have paved your residential driveway, your business parking lot, or another area, you want the asphalt to look good and last for as long as possible. Some people don't believe they should have their asphalt sealcoated because they have heard somewhere that sealcoating isn't necessary. However, as time goes by, you will start to see the changes taking place in your asphalt that should help you see that sealcoating is important. H
Sealcoating Should Be Done Periodically
Sealcoating should be done every few years. In some climates, you may be able to put it off a bit longer than someone in another climate. For example, if you live in a region with a mild climate, then you may not need to sealcoat as soon as someone who is in the desert, where the extreme heat and excessive sunny days will take a toll on the asphalt. Freezing temperatures for prolonged periods of time can also be hard on the asphalt. You want to watch for signs that it's time to have it done. When you notice that the asphalt is looking more porous, it's getting lighter, or you are beginning to see the signs of very small cracks, then you should have it sealcoated right away.
Sealcoating Helps to Protect Asphalt
Some people are quick to have their asphalt sealcoated as soon as it starts to look a little rough because they want to give it that new look again. While this is definitely one of the advantages of sealcoating, the real benefits come from the various ways sealcoating offers protection to the surface.
Sealcoating will help prevent excessive water from continuing to get through the porousness of the old asphalt, which can cause extensive damage. The sealcoating will also offer UV protection to the asphalt, helping to prevent it from getting too dry where it can start to crack and even begin to crumble. Also, sealcoating offers a layer of protection from things like gas, grease, oil, deicer, and other things that can cause the asphalt to deteriorate. When you have had your asphalt sealcoated, you will also find that it is easier to maintain. You can quickly hose off the surface when it's dirty and get it clean quickly. This is because the porous surface that used to cause dirt to cling will be replaced by a sleek, smooth surface.
If you are thinking about investing in asphalt sealcoating, contact a paving contractor near you.