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As a homeowner you want your property to look good – and everything starts with an impressive driveway.
The driveway is the very first part of a property that visitors will set foot on. You have to make sure that it is always clean and in good condition. While this sounds simple, taking care of the driveway is actually not easy. In fact, paving contractors from ABC Paving and Sealcoating Company noted that the driveway is among the parts of your house that is most exposed to the elements hence often gets easily damaged and deteriorates fast.
One way to maintain and extend the life of the driveway’s pavement is by asphalt sealcoating – a solution that is definitely worth every cent.
Here are some reasons that make asphalt sealcoating a necessary investment for your property:
1. Extends life of the pavement
Asphalt sealcoating adds a shell-like layer that protects the pavement from the elements thereby extending its life span. This is particularly useful in areas where winter months cause thick snow for a long time, as well as in areas where summer months are characterized by scorching sun. Sealcoating also protects the pavement from many other potential problems listed below thereby adding more years to its life.
2. Provides protection from water
It might sound silly but the foremost enemy of something as impermeable as asphalt is actually water. This is how water damages asphalt. Without sealcoating, the pavement’s surface develops micro-cracks where water seeps through. During winter, the water that has been trapped in the pavement expands causing the cracks to widen. Once the ice thaws the now-enlarged-cracks fill up again with more water, and when the temperature drops, it freezes again and the crack expands further. This repeated cycle, if not stopped, can lead to large unsightly and potentially dangerous fissures and potholes. Sealcoating prevents this problem by adding a waterproof barrier and stopping micro-cracks from forming thereby avoiding water seepage and further damage. It can effectively put a halt to the damaging freeze-thaw cycle.
3. Avoid unnecessary, costly repairs
By now, you know that exposure to the elements, particularly frequent changing of temperatures, can lead to damages including potholes, fissures, and cracks that require pavement repairs. Depending on the nature of damage, contractors may recommend replacing parts of driveway or re-paving it. In cases of severe damage, replacing the entire driveway may be necessary. Either way, these repairs would require shelling out huge sums. If you invest in asphalt sealcoating, you could avoid all these unwanted and expensive repairs.
4. Blocks sun’s drying effects
Contrary to what many people think, the sun is a year-round threat to your pavement – not just during winter. It can damage asphalt by causing it to dry out, creating mini cracks. Sealcoating prevents this potential problem by providing year-round protection and filling up surface voids. Think of sealcoating as wearing a sunscreen that fends off the harmful effects of the sun on our skin.
5. Keeps the driveway looking spotless and new
The deep black color of asphalt adds to the impressive look of your property. Because of its uniform dark color, any unwanted stains, spots, grey areas or cracks are easily noticeable. Asphalt sealcoating can help preserve the brand-new black asphalt look. It also helps maintain the lines in your car park. Moreover, sealcoating helps retain the smooth, non-porous surface of the pavement which makes washing up debris and dirt easier.
6. Protects from corrosive chemicals
Asphalt has the same composition as petroleum products. Obtained from petroleum oil refining process, the main constituent or asphalt, called bitumens, is not impervious to corrosive chemicals. When it gets in contact with corrosive chemicals, the surface can dissolve and soften, resulting in cracks, stains, corrosions, and fissures. Unfortunately, the likelihood of auto fluids (such as motor oil, gasoline, de-icing, and anti-freeze products) getting in contact with your pavement is inevitable. Seal coat is impermeable to most corrosive chemicals. To prevent potential damage to your asphalt driveway, you can sealcoat your driveway and car park.
Given the numerous benefits of sealcoating, it’s clear that it is a necessity. Although asphalt sealcoating definitely mean additional expenses, the long term benefits make this a sensible investment!
