A newly paved asphalt driveway has a distinctly smooth and black texture, which plays an important part in improving the curb appeal of your property. However, like everything else, asphalt driveways deteriorate with time. Heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions are the most causes of asphalt deterioration. Also, there are other environmental factors, like gas and oil leaks and road salt, which can cause asphalt pavement to deteriorate.
Now, this is where asphalt sealcoating comes in, as it protects your driveway from the above elements and ensures that it lasts longer. However, choosing the right type of sealer for your driveways isn’t that easy—considering the number of grades and brands out there. That means you must take your time to learn about the different types of sealers out there, their benefits, and other factors to choose the best sealer for your property.
This post will discuss the top 5 hints to help you choose the best sealer for your driveway. Let’s delve in.
Consider the type of sealer you want to use
It is important to decide whether you want a permanent or a temporary sealer for your driveway. Permanent sealers are durable and can last up to ten years—which means that they provide greater protection from harsh elements compared to a temporary sealer. On the other hand, a quick sealer is easier to apply and less expensive than a permanent one.
Common types of asphalt sealers include:
- Coal tar sealers – coal tar sealers are popularly known for their ability to last longer—which makes them perfect even in the harshest weather conditions. These types of asphalt driveway sealers can be easily applied with a brush or sprayer and provide quick coverage over large areas. This type is often preferred by contractors who know exactly what they’re doing. But make sure to ask your contractor about the specifications of this kind before purchasing it.
- Acrylic sealer – acrylic sealers are among the most popular types among homeowners. They contain a high percentage of solids and can be easily mixed with water or thinner, as they provide quick coverage over a large area. This type is often applied by spraying it onto the driveway; it dries quickly and protects against oil stains, heat, cracks, dusting, fading, and discoloration. However, this type isn’t very durable—and has to be reapplied every two years for maximum protection.
- Elastomeric sealer – this type consists of elastic materials like rubber or silicone—which make them ideal asphalt driveway sealer choices for extreme temperature conditions (heat or cold). Many contractors recommend this type for regions with extreme winter seasons. These types are often applied by spraying the driveway, making the surface more durable. Most people use this type on their driveways after resurfacing them (overlays); however, some contractors also recommend applying these coats over top of old acrylic or rubber-based sealers.
- Rubberized sealer – rubberized sealers are quite similar to elastomeric types. The only difference is that they usually contain more solids, making them thicker and inconsistent. Thus providing better protection against oil stains and fading, cracking, dusting, and discoloration of any kind. Like other asphalt driveway sealer options on this list, rubberized ones can also be applied over the top of old acrylic or polyurea-based products (provided that your contractor uses it correctly). However, many contractors recommend not applying these coatings on asphalt containing large stones.
The weather conditions in your area
Different weather conditions require different kinds of asphalt driveway sealers—which might not be so obvious at first glance. One must also consider the amount of sunlight their region gets and the temperature fluctuations in the winter season. In addition, it’s also important to find out about any extreme conditions that may affect your sealer later on. One should also consider the reputation of the contractor they plan to hire and check for any complaints against them for their services.
Research about different types of sealers
The sealcoating contractors at ABC Paving say that research is an important part of choosing the right type of sealer. The Internet is a good source to find out about the top-rated brands and grades you can use for your driveways—it can also provide other relevant information like their benefits and cost. This way, you’ll be able to make a more informed choice while selecting your sealer. Also, it’s important to research the product you want to buy; read reviews, compare prices and quality before purchasing or investing in anything. If possible, speak to people who have used different kinds of sealers before and get their feedback about how it worked for them—it can help you immensely while choosing your sealer.
Ask an expert
It’s important to work with a professional sealcoating contractor when hiring asphalt driveway sealers services. A good contractor will provide you with the top-rated brands and grades that fit your budget and property. You may even get advice from other satisfied clients. Professional contractors also ensure that they use the right equipment and tools while applying the sealer. This means there is less risk involved in damaging any surface or part of your property while applying the sealer compared to doing this alone—and you don’t want that either.
Find out about the warranty provided for asphalt driveway sealers
There are many different warranties available with other brands and grades, so ask your contractor or research it before buying or investing in anything. You can also choose a product that comes with the longest warranty possible, which means that you won’t have to pay additional money for any repair or replacement after applying their sealer. There is much less risk if you choose a permanent sealer than a temporary one; however, one should still avoid using cheap and low-quality products, as they could damage their property over time.