Have you invested in paving your driveway? Paving your driveway and roads on your property is a significant investment and excellent decision on your part. If you are new to having a paved drive, you may be wondering when you should seal new asphalt? Protecting your investment is essential, and asphalt pavement does need sealcoating, but our advice is not to jump into it too quickly.
Capital Paving’s Tips for Sealcoating
Traditional asphalt paving projects can last upwards of 30 years if they are correctly installed and maintained. Part of the maintenance of pavement is to sealcoat it to extend its lifespan.
Your Asphalt Needs to Harden
After the initial installation of your paving project, it will need time to set up and cure. New asphalt is more flexible than older paved roads. That is due to the original mixture containing lighter weight oils that will need to evaporate. This evaporation is a normal part of the process as asphalt cures, so don’t be alarmed. As the lighter oils evaporate the heavier ones settle and cure your asphalt.
Therefore, it is imperative to allow this process to take place and not sealcoat it too early. Sealcoating replenishes oils that have long ago evaporated. If you sealcoat too soon you are just adding to the oils that are fresh in your pavement, thus making is soft.
The softer your pavement is, before it cures, the more susceptible it is to indentations from heavy objects and tire imprints. We suggest that you wait between nine months to a year before sealcoating for the first time.
Before Sealcoating Consider Temperatures & Weather
After your driveway has had ample time to cure and harden consider sealcoating when the temperatures are optimal. For your sealcoat to readily adhere to your asphalt, the outdoor temperatures need to be between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also imperative that your weather forecast is free of any precipitation. After application, you will need a minimum of two to three days for your sealcoat to be absorbed into your asphalt.
How often do I need to sealcoat my driveway?
It is recommended that you sealcoat your driveway every three to five years to prolong its lifespan. Regular maintenance of your paved roads is a cost-effective solution to gaining the best return on your investment. Besides, sealcoating gives your driveway back its black color and boosts your curb appeal.
When you schedule a sealcoat for your pavement, it is also an excellent time to tackle any other repairs you may need. For example, if there are any cracks, indentations, or upheavals of your asphalt, have your contractor address them at the same time.
Hire a Professional Contractor
We know that there are products on the market for consumers to purchase and sealcoat their drives or attempt to patch holes and repairs, but we do not recommend them. Why? Because products that can be bought on the shelf are not high-quality. Besides sealcoating your driveway yourself can be a daunting and time-consuming task.
Here at Capital Paving & Sealcoating, we have the equipment and staff to handle your sealcoating project quickly and efficiently. Why spend days attempting to sealcoat your drive on your own when we can complete the job in a fraction of the same amount of time? Let us tackle this maintenance for you so you can focus on what you want to do instead.
When we come out to your property, we are going to inspect your asphalt for any issues and bring them to your attention if needed. We handle paving projects daily, so we are trained and prepared to handle any problem that may arise. Let us help you protect your paving investment! We always offer free estimates, so you have nothing to lose, contact us today!
