But unlike sealcoating, which is essentially a preventative and protective treatment, resurfacing is more of an emergency cost-saving measure used when asphalt shows serious signs of failure. There are other options, of course. Sections of the pavement can be patched or replaced, and cracks or potholes can be repaired.
The Difference Between Resurfacing and Sealcoating
You should get your driveway resealed every 3-5 years. Resurfacing (also called overlaying) your driveway is the process of ripping up the driveway a few inches down.
The Drawbacks of Seal Coating
One is that it can be messy and difficult to apply evenly. It's also important to note that sealants will not repair significant damage to your driveway; they will only protect it from further damage. If your driveway is damaged, you'll need to have it repaired before sealcoating it.
Resurfacing Your Asphalt Driveway
Shallow cracks and constant patching may signal it's time to resurface your driveway. Driveway resurfacing is when you replace the top layer of asphalt with a fresh layer. Driveway resurfacing helps extend the life of your driveway for another eight to 15 years.
Asphalt: Asphalt contains gravel and small stones that can be removed with a high-pressure stream of water, however, many people prefer not to wash asphalt this way because it can damage its surface.
He added that sealing a driveway could yield unwanted consequences: Oil from the bitumen (the black glue that holds the asphalt together) will be tracked into the home, or the sealant could wear away unevenly, making the surface look as if it's peeling.
Jetcoat 10-year
10 years, however, is a long, long time and it's how long you'll have in between coats if you get Jetcoat's 10-year sealant. This long-last sealant is designed to last, with a patented formula that'll cover your driveway for 10 years.
Upon completion, we recommend to keep vehicles off for a minimum of 48 – 72 hours. You may walk on the driveway after 24 hours.
The best time to sealcoat your driveway is during summer when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It's not advisable to seal coat in the winter as the colder season will negatively affect the performance of the sealer. The sealer may not bond with the asphalt or will not cure correctly.
Acrylic Sealers
Acrylic is the top choice when it comes to concrete sealants for driveways, as it offers the perfect blend of durability and affordability. The best options are virgin and pure acrylic resins, as they'll last the longest and won't yellow in direct sunlight.
There Are Cracks or Holes in the Surface
Another sign that your driveway needs to be sealed is cracks or holes in the surface. These can be caused by several things, such as tree roots, weather damage, or normal wear and tear. If you notice any cracks or holes, it's important to have them repaired as soon as possible.
Not sealing your driveway leads to bitumen loss which leads to water penetrating down to the base causing it to fail which in turn causes potholes and cracks. Once the cracking and pothole cycle begins it's very difficult or impossible to stop.
Tarmac (Asphalt) Driveways
It is also one of the most popular materials for driveways due to its durability. Axtell specialises in resurfacing tarmac driveways in Surrey by using hot-rolled asphalt, bituminous macadam and an extra durable 'SMA' surface.
Sealcoating not only extends the life of your asphalt pavement, but it's also an effective way to save money. Unprotected asphalt leads to cracks and potholes which will cost you more in repairs.
Applying two coats of any sealer will dry and create a better finish much better than one thick coat. These sealers are water based, and they cure and form a film primarily during the evaporation of water from the coating. A thin coat will evaporate much faster and create a single uniform layer.
Squeegee applications typically produce a better bond between the pavement's surface and the sealant. The pressure exerted by the squeegee forces the sealant into surface cracks and voids, creating a bond that is of higher quality while often yielding a smoother appearance.
Using acrylic for seal coating asphalt is an expensive choice. In fact, it is the most expensive choice. Despite the cost, acrylic sealer has a number of benefits. It is durable, UV resistant, weather resistant and classified as environmentally friendly.
How often do I need to reseal my asphalt driveway? We recommend that you have your asphalt driveway resealed every 2-3 years at maximum. Waiting any longer could result in faster deterioration of your pavement. And doing it too often (i.e. annually) could result in chipping and flaking.
Rain can wash away all of the hard work that you put into your driveway. The sealer will be washed away by the rain if you don't wait long enough for it to dry.
Seal coating allows for a smoother, crack-free driveway, and because smoother pavements extend pavement life by as much as 10% to 25%, you won't have to worry about replacement or repairs for a much longer period of time.
It All Begins With Pressure Washing the Driveway
However, getting out all of the dirt and grime along with stains is a must before permanently securing them onto the driveway's surface with a sealer. Beyond prepping for sealing treatments, there are numerous reasons for pressure washing driveways on a routine basis.
No matter what maintenance you need to perform with your asphalt, cleaning and asphalt prep is always the first thing to do! If using a pressure washer or water to clean your asphalt, make sure to let dry for 24 hours before continuing with crack and pothole repairs, sealcoating, etc.
Before applying seal coating, the driveway needs to be cleaned and power washed. Any stains from oil, transmission fluid, or other substances must be cleaned away.