How Often Should You Be Sealing Your Driveway?
Frequency is a common topic when it comes to maintaining several areas of your property, and any asphalt surfaces are a great example. A common question down these lines: How often should you seal your driveway?
At Asphalt Masters, we’re here to provide a wide range of asphalt contractor services across Ogden, UT and nearby areas, including asphalt seal coating, asphalt driveway repair services and more. Here are some basics on why driveway sealing is important to begin with, the general average for sealing frequency, and some additional factors that could affect whether you seal your driveway more or less often than this average.
Driveway Sealing Importance and Average Frequency
So why is driveway sealing considered so important for maintaining it and keeping your asphalt surface in top shape? Here are several reasons:
- Preventing Damage: First and foremost, seal coating helps protect against damage from external factors like water or UV rays. Without this protection, these elements can degrade the asphalt over time.
- Appearance: Along similar lines, a freshly seal coated driveway will look much better than one that hasn’t been touched up in several years. This is especially important if you’re looking to sell your property soon – potential buyers will often judge a home by its exterior appearance.
- Cost Savings: By preventing damage and extending the lifespan of your driveway, you could save significant amounts on repairs or replacements down the line.
Given these factors, most experts recommend sealing your driveway around once every two years or so. However, there are a few factors that could cause you to seal more or less often than this.
Traffic and Usage
As you might expect, one of the largest variables here is the amount of traffic your driveway sees. If you have a large household with multiple cars frequently pulling in and out, this will naturally wear down the asphalt faster than if you live alone or have minimal traffic.
Another factor here is usage – do you park heavy vehicles on your driveway regularly? This can also cause more wear and tear that may require more frequent sealing.
Climate and Weather
The climate in your area can also play a role in how often you need to seal your driveway. For example, areas with harsher winters or high levels of UV rays may require more frequent sealing to protect against damage from ice, snow, or intense sunlight.
On the flip side, areas with milder weather or less direct sunlight may not require sealing as often.
Quality and Condition of Asphalt
The quality and condition of your asphalt can also affect how often you seal it. If the initial installation was done poorly or with low-grade materials, you may need to seal more frequently to make up for this. On the other hand, if your driveway is made with high-quality asphalt and regularly maintained, you may be able to extend the time between sealing sessions.
Simple Aesthetics
In certain cases, basic aesthetics may dictate how often you seal your driveway. If you’re someone who takes pride in the appearance of your property and wants it to look its best at all times, sealing more frequently than average may be a good choice for you.
On the other hand, if you’re less concerned with appearance and just want to protect against damage, you may be able to get away with sealing every three years or so.
Why Professional Sealing Services Are Valuable
No matter what your reasoning or frequency, hiring a professional asphalt sealing company is important for getting the best results. There are a few risks of trying to seal your own driveway without proper training:
- Equipment knowledge: Professional companies have access to high-quality equipment and know how to use it properly, ensuring a smooth, even seal coating.
- Proper product selection: There are different types of sealers available on the market, each with their own benefits. Without professional knowledge, you may end up using the wrong type for your specific driveway needs.
- Safety precautions: Sealing can involve hazardous materials and processes – without proper training and safety measures, you could put yourself or others at risk.
In addition to these risks, hiring professionals can save you time and hassle. They will have the experience and tools necessary to complete the job efficiently and effectively, leaving you with a beautiful, protected driveway without all the stress.
While sealing your driveway every two years is a good general guideline, it’s important to consider your specific circumstances and adjust the frequency accordingly. And when in doubt, always trust a professional sealing company for the best results.
At Asphalt Masters, we have the expertise and top-of-the-line equipment to provide you with high-quality seal coating services that will keep your driveway looking great for years to come. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment anywhere in Ogden, UT or nearby areas!
