Asphalt driveways are designed and constructed to be able to withstand a substantial beating from traffic, sun, and inclement weather. However, property owners should not assume that means they don’t require routine maintenance. Read on to find out about the importance of driveway sealcoating in Madison WI to learn how property owners can avoid cracks and dramatically increase the expected lifespan of their asphalt surfaces.
How Do Sealers Work?
Asphalt sealers shield driveways from rain, but they also shield it from sunlight. Surprisingly, the UV rays from the sun can actually do more damage than rain or even snow. That’s because prolonged exposure to UV rays leads asphalt to lose its flexibility and the aggregates within it to begin coming apart, leading to cracking.
How Should Homeowners Choose a Sealer?
It’s always best for property owners who don’t have dedicated industry experience to ask for advice from a professional regarding which type of sealer to use, but it doesn’t hurt for them to get a feel for what options are available first. Traditional sealers are composed of an emulsifier and water, giving them a short lifespan and lowering their ability to protect against UV light and making them fairly impractical despite their lower cost. Coal tar is slightly more effective, especially when it comes to protecting against oil and gas, while acrylic polymers are all-synthetic sealers that provide maximum protection and can last for up to twice as long as coal tar.
When Should Sealant be Applied?
Driveway Sealcoating in Madison WI should be performed one year after the asphalt has been applied, as asphalt usually contains certain oils that cause it to remain malleable for up to twelve months after application, making immediate sealcoating ineffective. The frequency with which new coats of sealer must be applied is largely dependent on what type of sealer is used, what the weather has been like, and how much sun exposure the surface gets. Most of the time property owners will be able to tell they need to apply a new coat of sealant once the old layer starts to turn gray, as this is a sure sign that it is beginning to wear out.
Who Can Sealcoat Driveways?
The best way for property owners to ensure that their driveways are protected is to entrust an asphalt contractor with sealcoating and other maintenance needs. Get more information about one company that can help online today to get started.
