Asphalt sealcoating is the best way to repair surface wear while protecting your driveway against more serious damage. If you do it too frequently, however, you may worry about losing money on unnecessary repairs. American Asphalt is a paving company with extensive experience serving a wide range of commercial clients in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Here, we discuss how often to sealcoat asphalt for the best results.

Why Does Asphalt Need Resealing?

Asphalt paving lasts a long time, but not forever. When exposed to weather and heavy traffic, wear and tear will eventually break down your asphalt surface. Major culprits for driveway damage include:

• Sun exposure: Sunlight includes ultraviolet (UV) rays that slowly oxidize the binder materials in asphalt. This makes them brittle and susceptible to cracking.
• Precipitation: Water is a powerful force of erosion. Rain can enter even tiny cracks, breaking the asphalt down and eventually washing away its sand or gravel base.
• Ice: When water freezes, it expands. This creates pressure on and underneath your pavement, widening cracks and putting its structure under stress.
• Traffic: Commercial driveways are built to withstand heavy traffic. Many years of vehicle use, however, can still create wear and tear on the asphalt surface.
• Construction: A driveway’s longevity also depends on its construction. Cheap materials create a surface that is less durable and more vulnerable to damage.

Over time, all of these pressures gradually break down your asphalt surface. Cracks, rough patches, and potholes appear, affecting the aesthetics and function of your driveway. This may in turn impact your business’ reputation. Severe damage can even become a safety hazard, leading to accidents and liability risks. Repair is necessary to restore your asphalt and prevent more severe complications.

How Often to Sealcoat Asphalt

How often asphalt needs sealcoating depends on its environment and usage. The industry standard is to sealcoat every two to three years to keep the surface smooth and prevent major damage. If your driveway faces extreme weather and heavy use, however, it may require more frequent maintenance to stay in good condition. American Asphalt recommends paying close attention to the state of your asphalt. Consider resealing whenever you notice any of these warning signs:

• Visible cracks, even small ones
• Rough or pitted surfaces
• Asphalt that dries unevenly after rain
• Color has faded to grey
• Oil stains or other marks

Remember that sealcoating isn’t only done to repair the asphalt surface. It also protects your driveway against further wear and tear. By ignoring minor damage, you allow it to get exponentially worse. Responding promptly with sealcoating is the best way to avoid more severe damage that requires more expensive repairs.

The Sealcoating Process

When you contact American Asphalt about driveway wear and tear, we’ll send an experienced team to your location. They will assess your driveway’s age, condition, and usage to determine the best solution. If they decide sealcoating is ideal, then it’s time to move forward with the process. Here is how commercial asphalt sealcoating works:

1. The team cleans your driveway surface to remove dirt, grime, and debris. This allows the sealcoat material to adhere properly.
2. We apply the sealcoat material to the areas that need it, using either a spray technique or specialized spreading tools that resemble squeegees.
3. A sealant layer is added on top of the sealcoat material. This holds the sealcoat together and creates a smooth and attractive driving surface.
4. After the finished surface has dried and cured, we return to apply fresh paint and line striping. This finishes your driveway for use.

If your asphalt has taken more severe damage, we may perform a crack sealing. This process involves using a caulk gun to fill deep cracks with sealant material and then smoothing the surface using a trowel or putty knife. Sealcoating can then proceed as normal.

How Long Does Sealcoating Take?

American Asphalt recommends setting aside one to two days for sealcoating. Surface preparation and sealcoat application take several hours, depending on the scale of your project and whether any crack sealing must be done beforehand. After sealcoating, the surface takes 12 to 36 hours to dry and cure. During this time, the driveway should not be used to ensure the sealcoat cures correctly. Larger projects may be completed one section at a time to ensure that part of your driveway always remains useable.

Protect Your Driveway Today with Sealcoating from American Asphalt

Don’t put off driveway repairs—regular sealcoating is the best way to repair minor surface damage and protect your asphalt against more serious damage. American Asphalt is a paving company serving NJ and eastern PA with high-quality repairs and outstanding quality control, ensuring a finished product you can rely on. Contact us with any questions about how often to sealcoat asphalt or to learn more about our services.