As a or business owner, you may be familiar with the term “sealcoating” if you are looking to protect and maintain your asphalt pavement. It involves applying a protective coating to the surface of the asphalt to prevent damage from natural elements. But just how long does sealcoating last?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including environmental conditions, traffic volume, and the quality of the sealcoat materials used. And if you’re interested to know more, we suggest you continue reading as we’ll explore these factors and provide you with an in-depth understanding of how long you can expect a sealcoat to last.
Environmental Conditions
Over time, the environmental conditions to which asphalt surfaces are exposed, such as sunlight, rain, and extreme temperatures, can cause them to deteriorate. The sealcoat will degrade more quickly with harsher conditions, meaning you may need to reapply it sooner.
If you in a region with extreme temperatures such as hot summers and freezing, your sealcoat may crack deteriorate within a few years Conversely, if you live in moderate climate with less variation temperature, your sealcoat can last up to five years before requiring reapplication.
Additionally, if your asphalt surface is constantly exposed to direct sunlight for a substantial part of the day, the sealcoat can fade and weaken due to UV rays. In turn, this can result in the sealcoat deteriorating at a faster rate than in a shaded area.
Traffic Volume
The durability of a sealcoat is also impacted by the volume of traffic on your asphalt surface; greater traffic will result in quicker wear and require more frequent reapplication of the sealcoat.
If you have a low-traffic area, such as a residential driveway, your sealcoat can last up to five years. However, if your asphalt surface is in a high-traffic area, like a commercial parking lot, expect to reapply the sealcoat every two to three years.
Quality Of Materials
The durability of your sealcoat depends on the quality of materials used. Sealcoats come in different grades, and the higher the grade, the longer the sealcoat lasts. A lower-grade sealcoat needs to be reapplied after one or two years, while a higher-grade one can last up to five years. Furthermore, the durability of the sealcoat can be influenced by the quality of the application. If the sealcoat is applied poorly, it will deteriorate more quickly compared to one that was professionally applied.
Other Underlying Factors
Apart from the factors mentioned earlier, the longevity of a sealcoat can also be influenced by other underlying factors, such as the age of your asphalt surface and any existing damage or cracks. An older surface may require more frequent reapplications than a newer one, and any prior damage or cracks can result in quicker deterioration of the sealcoat.
The Average Lifespan Of Sealcoating
Sealcoating typically lasts around five years before requiring a fresh application. It is worth noting that this estimate assumes perfect conditions, including low traffic volume and no existing damage.
How Can A Professional Help You With The Maintenance Of Your Driveway
To protect asphalt surface from damage caused by elements, it is essential to it sealed regularly. You can in touch with a professional sealating contractor for an inspection of your driveway; they will then recommend suitable products and services to maintain the surface’s integrity. The services offered may involve repairing cracks, filling potholes, and applying sealcoating. Additionally, they can perform maintenance measures such as weed and moss removal.
If you reside somewhere in the state of Florida, residents from Orlando can call Baraco Paving for all types of asphalt work that you may require. From sealcoating to paving, they provide the highest quality service in a timely manner and with the best customer care. Visit their website today for more information about our services and how we can help you maintain your driveway.
More Tips For Maintaining The Sealcoated Driveway In Pristine Condition
In addition to having a professional sealcoat your asphalt surface regularly, there are some other tips you can follow to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
- Use an asphalt cleaner twice a year to help keep the sealcoat clean and free of debris.
- Inspect your driveway for cracks or potholes and fill them in right away.
- Avoid driving on the asphalt surface when it’s wet or icy, as this can cause damage to the sealcoat.
- Keep trees and other plants trimmed back from the driveway to reduce root damage and cracking.
- Sweep up any dirt or debris that accumulates on the driveway regularly.
- If you have oil stains on the driveway, have a professional steam clean it to remove them.
- If there is snow or ice the driveway, use a plastic shovel to avoid damaging the sealcoat.
Conclusion
Sealcoating your asphalt surface is a great way to protect it from the elements, but how long the sealcoat lasts will depend on various factors, including the traffic volume and quality of materials used. Generally speaking, you can expect sealcoating to last up to five years before needing to be reapplied.
However, if you adhere to the tips mentioned above and get regular professional help, you can extend the lifespan of your sealcoat. Contact a professional sealcoating contractor today to get started.