When it comes to sealing an asphalt driveway or parking lot, there are pros and cons to consider. On the one hand, sealing your asphalt can protect it from damage caused by oil, UV rays, water, and salt. However, on the other hand, sealing can take time and cost resources you don’t have. Learn the pros and cons of sealing your asphalt surface and find out the best time to seal coat asphalt driveways and parking lots!
Sealing Asphalt Driveway Pros and Cons
Warm weather comes fast in South Carolina, and an asphalt driveway sealer can protect your asphalt surfaces from expensive repairs down the road. As a general rule, applying sealant every couple of years to your pavement can protect it regardless of the weather forecast.
Left unsealed, your driveway or parking lot can end up severely damaged from the elements. UV rays and water can cause cracking, while salt and oil can deteriorate the asphalt itself.
Sealing your driveway every few years helps prevent this damage, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
On the other hand, sealing your pavement requires a certain level of effort. First, it must be cleaned before sealing begins. Your contractor then must apply the sealing agent. Additionally, sealing your asphalt can take several hours to an entire day, depending on the square foot area of the surface area you’re sealing.
Other Cons of Sealcoating
1. The weather must be above 50 degrees and stay that way for a few days.
2. There is no rain forecasted within that same time period.
3. It’s crucial to apply TWO coats
4. No vehicles can drive on the surface until it has cured (typically about 24 hours).
However, the pros of sealing asphalt outweigh the cons if you’re serious about helping your asphalt last for decades. There are a few disadvantages to sealing your asphalt driveway or parking lot!
In fact, the only real disadvantage tends to be the curing time or waiting period after the sealant is applied. It needs to cure correctly, which involves letting it dry completely.
Protect Your Investment
Paying to seal your driveway or parking lot now saves you money in the long run!
Sealing your driveway or parking lot gives it a protective layer. An asphalt sealcoating adds a barrier from harmful factors such as:
- Chemical spills
- Hot weather with extreme heat and intense sun
- Water pooling or extensive rain seeping into your asphalt
- Wear and tear from heavy vehicles
- Oil spills
- Salt damage from winter ie or snow road applications
Avoid Repaving Asphalt Driveways and Parking Lots
You can avoid the need to repave your entire driveway or parking lot by staying on top of maintenance or applying a seal coat protective coating every few years!
Potholes and larger cracks form when you don’t stay on top of your asphalt maintenance. Repaving your asphalt surface costs much more than applying a fresh seal coat every few years.
However, if you already have potholes and larger cracks, an experienced contractor can often repair potholes and larger cracks and then apply a seal coat to keep your asphalt looking like new.
A Sealed Driveway Helps Avoid Future Repairs
A quality sealing job restores asphalt binders and fills in small cracks. Minor asphalt repairs become unnecessary with asphalt sealant seeping into the asphalt and filling in where your driveway or parking lot needs it the most.
Small cracks cause more damage over time, leading to larger cracks and potholes! Sealcoating your driveway every few years protects it by sealing the small cracks and repairs before they become more extensive.
If you see signs of wear or tear on your driveway, sealing it is the best way to protect and prolong the life of your asphalt.
Save money in the long run by bringing in a contractor to seal an asphalt driveway or parking lot. Over time, it’s worth sealing your asphalt to keep it durable for decades! Your wallet will thank you later!
Environmentally Friendly
There are many asphalt driveway sealants out there, but working with a professional contractor to can keep your driveway’s surface safe with eco-friendly and durable asphalt seal coating. Don’t use coal tar sealers that pollute the environment and can bring a sticky mess into your home!
At AMP Paving, the eco-friendly benefits of our asphalt sealer keeps your investment safe from weathering and other damaging factors.
Our seal coat solution, Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealer® “is non-toxic, non-flammable, and the perfect eco-friendly alternative to coal tar. No Solvents. No Petroleum Distillates (i.e. Kerosene, Gasoline, Diesel).
With 60+ years of use, Pitch Black® asphalt emulsion seal coat has been used since the 1980s. Robert Archie is the inventor of Pitch Black® and founder of U.S. Seal International, Inc. He has 61 years of experience in the asphalt and sealcoat industry.”
In addition, “Lab tests prove that Pitch Black® has 0.00% PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). But don’t take just our word for it, check out the official USGS lab test results on CoalTarFreeUSA.com.” (1)
Keep the Curb Appeal of Your Asphalt Surface
Left untreated, the darker shade of your asphalt can fade. Sealcoating prevents oxidation. Oxidation causes faded asphalt.
With a sealed asphalt driveway, the deep dark color of your asphalt can be restored! Sealcoating your asphalt every two to three years is also an effective way of beautifying your outdoor space.
A driveway sealed regularly against oxidation damage can hold its deep color and smooth surface for decades!
The seal coat creates a smooth, black surface that looks sharp and makes businesses and homeowners proud! When it comes to sealing asphalt driveway pros and cons, the pros of sealing your asphalt are clear. To protect your pavement from oxidation, sealing your asphalt driveway is essential.
Let AMP Paving Professionally Sealcoat Your Pavement
As the summer months approach, consider bringing in AMP Paving to handle all of your asphalt driveway or parking lot needs! Sealing an asphalt driveway or parking lot in the spring makes the most sense before the harsh summer months arrive!
Finding the right contractor to get the job done properly and safely is essential. At AMP Paving, we have the experience and professionalism to tackle any sealing asphalt driveway job. We specialize in sealing asphalt driveways, parking lots, roads, and more.
We’re here for all your asphalt needs, including crack repair, asphalt repaving, line striping and signage, and ADA compliance. Our work across South Carolina gives us the experience you need for your project, no matter the size!
Contact us online or give us a call at 803-237-4563 for a free seal coating quote to get started on your sealing project today!