Seal coating is an excellent investment in terms of your property’s value, as it is probably the first feature of your home that the public sees when passing by your neighborhood. Aside from that, seal coating is a wise measure in preventing the development of damages in your driveway. This includes potholes, cracks, crumbling areas, and fluid stains.
Your driveway is one important feature of your home that adds significant price value to it. With that said, you should address issues on your driveway right away. It would also help if you consider getting a fresh seal coating on your driveway as a long-term, cost-effective investment.
Guide on preparing your asphalt driveway for seal coating
Before hiring a professional to seal coat your driveway, you should make sure that it is clean, free of debris, and in good condition. With that said, here is how you should prepare your driveway before seal coating:
Step #1: Inspect your driveway
The first thing you should do is inspect your driveway for potential damages as these will affect the appearance and quality of the seal coat once it is applied to your driveway.
Common problem areas that you should look for include:
- Fluid stains
- Potholes
- Cracks
- Crumbling areas
Potholes in your driveways may be a sign of pavement fatigue caused by aging, which you should immediately address if you want to maintain the life expectancy of your driveway.
It will also be best if you keep documentation of the damaged parts. This will let you quickly identify potential problem areas in the event of future damage.
Step #2: Remove dirt and trim surrounding grass
You should clean up your driveway and remove debris as these will be evident under a seal coat if they are not removed. Some things you should do when preparing for seal coating are:
- Trim grass surrounding and extending to the driveway
- Sweep away any visible dirt and dust
- Remove other debris and fallen leaves
- Wash away fluid stains with soap and a scrub brush
Step #3: Repair and apply asphalt to potholes and depressed areas
Potholes, when not repaired immediately, will continually grow and cause significant damage. If you notice a pothole in your driveway, you should apply a cold patch or ready-to-use asphalt to quickly remedy it.
For depressed areas, applying asphalt using a shovel will work fine as well. Compact the area and continually repeat the process is as necessary. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours, then check if additional applications are needed.
Step #4: Seal visible cracks
Once the fresh asphalt has dried up, the oxidation process causes asphalt to break down and develop cracks on its surface. Additionally, water entering through cracks on your driveway can penetrate asphalt and the stone base, creating more serious issues. Therefore, you should address any cracks in your driveway immediately.
You can do so by sealing them with a filler, which prevents the seal coating from seeping into the stone base. Make sure that you level the filler to the surface of your driveway. In most cases, a second layer is needed to ensure an even surface.
Conclusion
Sealcoating is a wise investment for your property, but you should prepare your driveway properly before doing so. You should initially inspect it for potential damage. If you find any, you should repair it immediately. Preparing your driveway is an essential step in seal coating as this affects the final outcome.
If you are a homeowner looking for asphalt driveway paving contractors in New Jersey, contact us now. We offer high-quality paving services that your driveway deserves!