Common Questions About Sealcoating Your Driveway
Most home and business driveways are clearly visible to visitors and passersby, either installed at the front or down the side of the house or building. Driveways are multifunctional, acting as walkways, parking areas and driving surfaces. Your driveway probably gets a lot of use on a daily basis, which is why you need to take measures to protect it. Let’s take a look at the most common questions property owners have about driveway sealcoating in Phoenix, AZ.
Why should I sealcoat my driveway?
A newly installed asphalt driveway looks nice, but it won’t stay that way without a proper sealcoat. Sealcoating is a liquid sealant that goes on top of a paved asphalt surface as an extra layer of protection. It protects your paved driveway against things like water, oil and the damaging effects of the elements—especially ultraviolet sunlight and rain—so your surface stays looking nice and structurally sound for a long time. Regular sealcoating can extend the life of the asphalt and decrease the chances of needing a replacement surface sooner than necessary.
How often do I need to sealcoat, and how long does it last?
Even though sealcoating usually lasts a few years, professionals recommend reapplying new sealcoating every other year, but this is not a set-in-stone rule. Just don’t wait until your asphalt driveway is a faded gray or covered in big cracks or pits. Many factors come into play when deciding to reapply sealcoat—such as the type of traffic your driveway is regularly subjected to and the level of exposure to motor oil, fuel and sunlight. The amount of damage on your paved surface will also determine how often it needs protection. On the other hand, overusing sealcoating—coating every year, for example—can cause peeling, flaking and cracking.
When is the best time of year to sealcoat my driveway?
The best time of year to do asphalt driveway sealcoating in Phoenix, AZ is when the outside temperature is projected to be around 70 degrees early in the day, getting warmer as the day goes on. It’s important to note that a brightly shining sun is a crucial factor in the drying speed. Never start a sealcoating project if it has recently rained or might rain, as water will keep the sealcoating liquid from adhering and drying properly.
When can I use my driveway again?
You cannot immediately use a newly sealcoated driveway. The drying and curing time of asphalt sealer depends on the humidity level, outdoor temperature and the amount of available sunlight, with ideal weather conditions being low humidity, lots of sun and high temperatures—this combination speeds up the process. Even in perfect conditions you should plan to stay off the pavement for a minimum of 24 hours, or longer if you can. In total, from start to finish, you should plan to not have access to your driveway for at least a few days.
Professional driveway sealcoating in Phoenix, AZ is a great way to protect your investment, increase its safety and boost its appearance. Call Sunstar Seal Coating, Inc. today for more information or to schedule an appointment!
Categorised in: Sealcoating
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