Colorado Springs, CO
Mon-Fri: 8am – 6pm
Colorado Springs, CO
Mon-Fri: 8am – 6pm
Your driveway is more than just a space to park your car; it’s an investment that adds value and aesthetic appeal to your home. Over time, however, wear and tear from natural elements and vehicular traffic can cause it to deteriorate, fade, and crack. This detracts from your property’s appearance and can lead to more costly repairs down the road. Sealcoating is a proven method to preserve the vibrancy and integrity of your driveway, enhancing its lifespan and maintaining its fresh, newly-paved look.
For many homeowners in Colorado Springs, the decision to sealcoat their driveway is about preservation and reflecting their pride in their home’s appearance. When done correctly, sealcoating provides a smooth, black finish that gives your driveway a refreshed appearance and protects it from potential damages caused by UV rays, rain, and chemicals.
At Apex Asphalt Paving, we understand the importance of your driveway’s appearance and longevity. Our commitment to offering exceptional customer service paired with an impeccable final product ensures that when you choose us for your sealcoating needs, you’re selecting a partner who values your investment as much as you do.
Understanding the “whys” behind sealcoating can clarify its significance for your driveway. To put it simply, the process does more than just give your driveway a fresh appearance; it acts as a protective shield, addressing multiple concerns related to longevity and functionality.
Prevention of Asphalt Oxidation
As the asphalt gets exposed to the elements, it begins to oxidize, gradually turning from black to gray. This color change is more than cosmetic; it signifies a loss in the asphalt’s flexibility. The more rigid the surface becomes, the more susceptible it is to cracking. By sealcoating your driveway, you actively slow down this oxidation process, ensuring that your driveway retains its flexibility and durability for a longer period.
Everyday wear and tear, combined with environmental factors, can lead to hairline cracks and small voids on the surface of your driveway. Sealcoating fills these tiny imperfections, ensuring they don’t evolve into larger, more problematic cracks. However, it’s crucial to understand that sealcoating is effective for minor defects and isn’t a remedy for larger cracks.
Beyond the structural benefits, sealcoating amplifies the aesthetic value of your home. A freshly sealcoated driveway is deep black, offering a stark contrast to your lawn and house, improving your home’s overall curb appeal.
A sealcoated driveway is darker, allowing it to absorb more sunlight and heat. This increased heat absorption means that snow and ice will melt at a quicker rate compared to untreated surfaces.
In essence, sealcoating your driveway isn’t just about maintaining its look; it’s a strategic decision to enhance its lifespan, boost your property’s aesthetic value, and provide functional benefits like quicker snow melting. When considering the health and longevity of your driveway, the question isn’t so much “Why should I?” but rather “Why wouldn’t I?”.
It’s typically advised to seal coat your asphalt driveway every 3 years. This timeframe ensures optimal protection and maintains the visual appeal of the surface. Nonetheless, weather conditions and the volume of traffic your driveway sees can influence this schedule. Always monitor your driveway’s condition and consult with a professional if you’re unsure about the best timing for sealcoating.
When you have a fresh asphalt driveway, it’s tempting to want to protect and enhance it right away. However, patience is crucial. New asphalt contains light oils that must be released through oxidation. It’s generally advised to wait about 6 months before considering sealcoating new asphalt. If you rush the process and apply the sealcoating too early, there’s a risk that the coating won’t properly adhere to the asphalt. This can lead to undesirable outcomes, like flaking and peeling of the coating. So, for best results and longevity of your driveway, it’s essential to give new asphalt ample time to settle and oxidize before applying a sealcoat.
No, sealcoating won’t remedy alligator cracks in your driveway. Alligator cracks, characterized by a cluster of interconnected cracks, indicate deeper issues with the pavement’s sub-base. These issues require more than a superficial fix. Before considering sealcoating, addressing and repairing these areas of concern is vital. Asphalt patching is an effective method to address such imperfections, ensuring a stable and durable surface.
In Colorado Springs, with our colder temperatures and average snowfall of 57’’, snow removal is the primary culprit for wear and tear on sealcoating. The action of snowplowing and shoveling can scrape against the sealcoated surface, significantly reducing its longevity. Furthermore, the use of sand or salt to combat icy conditions can further damage the coating, making it imperative to be cautious with winter maintenance.
Ensuring the longevity and beauty of your driveway isn’t just about the initial installation; it’s about the care and maintenance that follows. From understanding the importance of sealcoating to recognizing the factors that contribute to its wear, taking proactive measures can significantly extend the life of your asphalt. If you’re seeking professional advice or considering sealcoating your driveway, contact us. At Apex Asphalt Paving, we’re here to guide and assist you. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation estimate and give your driveway the protection it deserves.
