Asphalt Maintenance Tips

Whether your driveway is new or has had an overlay put on top of an old driveway, the pavement contains aggregate (stone), asphalt, and a variety of additives designed to make it last longer. You should know that a properly constructed and maintained driveway can last more than 25 years.

Sealfast Sealcoat has been operating since 1988 and through the years have become experts in the maintenance of residential and commercial asphalt. We have provided you with the following tips to help you get the greatest return on your pavement investment.

1. Pay close attention to all pavement cracks.

Your driveway will eventually experience some type of cracking - just due to the nature of asphalt. Cracks are the first step in pavement deterioration and they allow moisture, chemicals (such as gas and oil), and the sun's ultraviolet rays to penetrate the asphalt. These elements accelerate pavement breakdown. Proper repair of cracks 1/4 inch wide or wider is the first step to successful driveway maintenance. Crack Sealing is one of our expertise's at Sealfast Sealcoat - we know the methods, have the equipment, and use the highest quality professional products. Crack sealing is an art in itself, and having it done professionally will ensure the best return on your investment.

2. Sealcoat your driveway.

Sealcoating by definition is the method of protecting your asphalt pavement by applying a coating to the pavement surface. We understand pavement, know how sealer works, and are trained to stop small problems before they become big, expensive problems. We know the proper techniques to prepare the pavement and apply sealer, as well as using the necessary equipment, and the highest quality materials. We also include aggregate in the sealcoat, which makes the sealer last longer and assures an abrasive surface for car and foot traffic. Without proper aggregate, sealed asphalt can be slick. Many homeowner try to sealcoat on their own because they don't realize the work involve and how little it actually costs to have the professional at Sealfast Sealcoat do the job.

3. Sealcoat new asphalt within the first year of construction.

Many people do not know this but you should always seal a driveway within the first yea. You always need to wait at least 90 days because asphalt needs between 60 and 90 days to fully cure. If sealer is applied before the pavement has cured, the oils in the asphalt will work their way to the surface and the sealcoat won't adhere properly.