If you're sealing an asphalt driveway, use a latex-based sealer. Avoid oil-based sealers because they will likely crack over time. Siloxane and acrylic sealants work well with concrete driveways. It's best to avoid high-gloss, which could make the driveway surface slippery.
Homeowners need to seal their driveway every 2 or 3 years or as necessary. Keep in mind to never put off sealcoating for more than a year. Otherwise, it will only cost you more. Before sealcoating, it's important to also seal cracks and potholes.
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.
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.
Driveways with many cracks take longer; the more cracks and the deeper the cracks, the longer it takes to cure. 4. Thicker coats slow dry time. We always recommend two thin coats for best results.
While slathering seal coat over asphalt in a thick layer can be tempting, a “more is better” approach is detrimental to the pavement beneath. Too much sealer can lead to premature cracking, which will shorten the lifespan of your driveway.
Sealcoating is not designed to be an asphalt crack filler, it is made for sealing the surface and protecting it from the elements such as UV light, salts and oils. It is not flexible enough to fill a crack without re-cracking and it does not have adhesion quality's that Asphalt Crack Filler has.
Unlike oil-based sealers, water-based sealers do not have a strong odor and are easier to clean up if you make a mistake. One of the main advantages of water-based sealers is their environmentally-friendly nature.
Sealcoating involves applying a liquid sealant over your existing asphalt pavement to seal the surface and fill cracks. The process protects the sublayers and foundation from the elements and delays driveway replacement.
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.
The product of choice is oil-based sealer because it achieves more complete penetration and adhesion to old, rough asphalt surfaces and typically lasts several times as long, usually four to six years, depending on weather conditions.
Acrylic polymer driveway sealers contain mostly man-made chemical ingredients and provide all of the UV, water, gasoline and oil protection of coal tar. Synthetic sealers are on the higher end of the price scale but have lower VOC emissions and increased longevity over asphalt and coal tar sealers.
While we still recommend those with cracks developing try to get their asphalt seal coated before it gets too cold, spring is really the best time for seal coating. It means your driveways and parking lots look great for the entire year, and warm spring weather is the perfect temperature for a well-set coat.
How many coats of sealer should be applied? Low Traffic such as a typical home driveway, 1 coat is sufficient. Moderate Traffic on a parking lot, 2 coats with a third coat on the entrance and exits. Heavy Traffic 2 coats with a third coat on all travel lanes and roadways.
Asphalt Emulsion
They're just as good at staving off water damage as coal tar sealers, but they're less effective at protecting pavement from oil, gasoline, and UV rays. Asphalt-based sealers also wear down faster and require reapplication more often than coal tar sealers.
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.
Driveway sealing can protect your investment. The bottom line is that sealcoating and proper maintenance for your driveway can prevent small cracks from turning into big ones and keep water from seeping into the base material.
Choosing an asphalt contractor who adds sand and additives to their sealer means better results for your asphalt surface. Some reasons for contractors not using sand and additives include: They do not own the proper equipment. They do not have an underbuilt agitation system.
Sealcoating will protect against fading, and can even improve the appearance of your asphalt. It will restore the lustrous appearance of the asphalt, even if some natural fading has occurred. It will also fill all of minor surface flaws, giving the pavement a smooth and even appearance.