Do you view your driveway as part of the road? Many people don't--and, when you think about it, that makes sense. Driveways are more a part of the home than of the road. Our driveways certainly don't have stoplights or traffic signs or yellow and white lines to tell us where to drive, and we can usually cross them without a crosswalk, and we don't have to share them with hundreds of other drivers at one time. Driveways are more personal in simple, everyday sort of ways. However, driveways are somewhat like the little siblings of the road: though smaller and less used, driveways still need all the attention that we give to their sibling the road--and seal coating is just the answer.
Driveway Care
Taking care of your driveway is a good idea for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, safety must always be maintained--and seal coating can help with that, by providing a more reliable surface in bad weather as well as protecting against further damage. Secondly, there are a lot of aesthetic considerations that go along with having a driveway, and minimizing those unsightly cracks and chips with a seal coat is one great way to keep up your home's overall appearance. Finally, seal coating is a friend to your wallet, too: a regular seal coat can help save you the high costs of repaving or replacing your driveway by providing a safe, reliable surface.
Questions on Seal Coating
So, seal coating a driveway is a good idea--but what are the details? Here's a quick look at some frequently-asked seal coat questions.
Timing. Firstly, how can you know when it's time for a seal coat vs. a new asphalt driveway? Well, the trick is to look closely at the pavement itself. There are certain types of damage that usually require a new driveway; these are characterized by a rutted, rough-looking surface and multiple areas of severe damage. Meeting driveway needs. Depending on the needs of your unique driveway, a different amount or type of seal coating may be recommended. It all comes down to the driveway itself; what kind of damage is there, and how can it be fixed instead of just covered up? Protection. Seal coating works well to fix immediate problems, but it also acts proactively. Applying a seal coat now can save you a lot of hassle, time, and money in the future, and enhance your driveway's cosmetic appearance right now. Seal coating can be tailored to meet specific needs, fix particular problems, and protect against specific hazards--all you need to do is decide what's best for your driveway.