Driveway sealing is an important part of keeping your driveway in good condition and extending its life. Sealing an asphalt driveway provides many benefits, from preventing cracking and other damage to making it easier to clean. With regular maintenance, a sealed driveway can last for up to 30 years or more.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the major pros and cons of sealing an asphalt driveway so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to seal your own.
Things To Consider
If you’re considering sealing your asphalt driveway, there are several factors to consider. On one hand, sealing a driveway can help protect the surface from wear and tear and make it look attractive. On the other hand, sealing an asphalt driveway increases the cost of maintenance and might not be worth it in the long run.
(Pros of Sealing Your Driveway)
The biggest benefit of sealing asphalt is that it creates a protective barrier against water damage. When water penetrates cracks in your driveway, it causes damage to the foundation which can become more serious over time. Sealing helps prevent this kind of damage by keeping water out and preventing small cracks from becoming larger ones.
Another advantage of sealing your driveway is that it increases its lifespan significantly. Unsealed driveways are prone to developing potholes as well as general wear and tear due to exposure to elements like sun, rain, snow and ice over time.
But with a sealed driveway, you don’t have to worry about any of these things; instead, you can enjoy years or even decades of use without worrying about repair costs.
Sealing your driveway will also improve the overall appearance of the surface; unsealed driveways tend to fade or look dull over time whereas a sealed surface will remain bright for many years if properly maintained. This makes sealed surfaces much more aesthetically pleasing than their unsealed counterparts.
Finally, if you’re looking for added value when selling a home that has an asphalt driveway, having it sealed could be just what you need to attract buyers who are willing to pay higher prices for homes with aesthetic appeal.
(Cons of Sealing Your Driveway)
The biggest disadvantage of sealing asphalt is that it requires regular maintenance in order to keep up its protective properties; otherwise, all these benefits quickly become moot points.
To re-seal a driveway usually costs around $200 every two years but this number could be higher depending on factors such as size and location (if access is tricky). The cost might seem minor now but over time it can add up significantly so be sure to factor this into your budget when deciding whether or not seal your own driveway.
Sealing mixtures also contain solvents which help facilitate bonding between the sealant material and existing surfaces but these solvents also come with their own set of environmental consequences such as air pollution (you should always read instructions carefully before using any type of sealant).
Additionally, some sealants are made from chemicals which may not be ideal for people with allergies or sensitive respiratory systems (in this case make sure you choose a low-VOC product).
And while sealed driveways usually last longer than unsealed ones they can still develop cracks over time which means that they require ongoing inspection by professionals in order to identify potential problems before they become serious issues (this won’t happen with unsealed driveways since they don’t require periodic inspections like sealed ones do).
Should You Do The Sealing On Your Own Or Should You Hire A Contractor
When it comes to sealing your driveway, homeowners have two main options: doing it yourself or hiring a professional. Both have pros and cons that should be considered before making a decision.
Doing the job yourself can save you money upfront, as well as the hassle of having to deal with a contractor. It also allows you to take your time choosing the right sealant and applying it correctly. However, you run the risk of not applying the sealant correctly or using an inferior product that could cause damage to your driveway over time.
Hiring a professional to do the job can be more expensive, but it usually results in a higher quality outcome since they have experience with the process. They also know how to properly prepare the surface and choose the right sealant for your particular needs.
However, you run the risk of hiring an unscrupulous contractor who may not do a good job or use inferior products. So you need to choose wisely with the professional you are going to hire.
In the end, hiring a contractor proves to be a more practical option because it ensures that the job is done properly and with quality materials. However, if you decide to go the DIY route, make sure you do your research first so that you can get the best results possible.
Taking these precautions will help ensure that your driveway stays in good condition for years to come.
Conclusion
When deciding whether or not to seal your own driveway made of asphalt there are several factors that need careful consideration first—from maintenance costs through environmental impact right down to personal preference at home – understanding both pros and cons is key before making any final decisions.
Sealing your driveway can be a cost effective and attractive way to increase its longevity, but it must be done carefully with the right materials and techniques in order to get the best results.
So make sure you do your research first before taking any action. And if you decide to hire a contractor for the job, choose one who is experienced and reputable so that you can have peace of mind.