Is Sealcoating Required for My Asphalt Driveway?

When it comes to maintaining your asphalt driveway, you might wonder if sealcoating is really necessary. You’ve probably heard of the process before, but what does it actually do? And is it worth the investment?

Asphalt driveways take a lot of wear and tear, especially here in Durham, Raleigh, and surrounding areas, where the weather can be unpredictable. From hot summers that cause cracks to form to rainstorms that can seep into those cracks and create potholes, your asphalt driveway goes through a lot. Sealcoating can protect it from damage, extend its lifespan, and even save you money in the long run. But before we get into the benefits, let’s first break down what sealcoating is and why it’s important.

What is Sealcoating?

Sealcoating is a protective layer applied to the surface of your asphalt driveway. It acts like a shield against elements such as water, oil, chemicals, and UV rays. Over time, asphalt breaks down naturally due to exposure to the sun, rain, snow, and the wear and tear of vehicles driving over it. Sealcoating slows this breakdown process by adding a durable layer that helps to preserve the asphalt underneath.

The sealant typically consists of a mixture of asphalt emulsion, water, and other additives. This mixture creates a dark, smooth surface that not only looks great but also provides a protective barrier that keeps out moisture and harmful chemicals. Without sealcoating, your asphalt driveway is left vulnerable to cracking, potholes, and other costly issues.

The Benefits of Sealcoating

Now that you know what sealcoating is, let’s talk about why it’s a valuable investment. Here are some key reasons why sealcoating is essential for protecting and maintaining your asphalt surfaces:

1. Protects Against Weather Damage

Weather is one of the biggest factors that can damage your asphalt driveway. In North Carolina, we experience everything from scorching summer heat to heavy rainstorms. These weather conditions can wreak havoc on your driveway.

• UV rays from the sun cause the asphalt to dry out, leading to cracks. Once these cracks form, they allow water to seep into the surface, which causes even more damage.
• Rainwater that enters these cracks can freeze during colder months, causing the asphalt to expand and form potholes.
• Sealcoating provides a protective barrier that shields your asphalt from UV damage and prevents water from penetrating the surface. This helps prevent cracks and potholes from forming in the first place.

2. Extends the Life of Your Driveway

Asphalt driveways can be expensive to replace. While no driveway lasts forever, sealcoating can help extend the life of your asphalt significantly. By protecting it from the elements, sealcoating reduces the need for costly repairs and replacements. Without it, your driveway will break down much faster, requiring more frequent maintenance or, worse, full replacement.

Think of sealcoating as a small investment that saves you money over time. Instead of paying for patch repairs or new asphalt, you can keep your driveway in good shape with regular sealcoating. In fact, most driveways should be sealcoated every 2 to 3 years to maximize their lifespan.

3. Prevents Chemical and Oil Damage

Your driveway is exposed to more than just weather. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles can leave behind oil, gas, and other chemicals that can seep into your asphalt. Over time, these substances break down the asphalt, causing cracks, crumbling, and other damage.

Sealcoating creates a protective layer that prevents these chemicals from penetrating the asphalt. If you have a business parking lot or manage a property with heavy vehicle traffic, sealcoating is especially important to prevent damage from oil spills and chemical leaks.

4. Improves Curb Appeal

Let’s be honest—an old, cracked driveway doesn’t make a good first impression. Whether you’re trying to sell your property or simply want to maintain a clean, professional appearance, sealcoating can make a big difference.

Sealcoating gives your driveway a smooth, dark finish that looks brand new. It’s an easy way to enhance your property’s curb appeal without investing in costly repairs or replacements. If your driveway is looking worn out or faded, sealcoating can give it a fresh, clean look in just a few hours.

5. Saves Money on Repairs

Asphalt repairs can be expensive. Filling cracks, patching potholes, and resurfacing an entire driveway all cost significantly more than regular sealcoating. Sealcoating helps prevent the need for these repairs by sealing small cracks before they become bigger problems.

If you manage multiple properties or oversee a large parking lot, the cost savings can be even greater. Regular sealcoating helps maintain the integrity of your asphalt, reducing the need for major repairs that can disrupt business operations or inconvenience tenants.

6. Environmentally Friendly Option

When it comes to maintaining your asphalt driveway, it’s important to choose environmentally friendly options whenever possible. Our company is dedicated to choosing sustainable processes at every turn, and sealcoating is no exception. Read all about why we don’t use Coal Tar Sealer over here. 

By preventing cracks and potholes, sealcoating reduces the need for more intensive repairs that often involve replacing large sections of asphalt. This helps cut down on the amount of new asphalt needed, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of asphalt production. In addition, we use environmentally friendly sealant materials that are free of harmful chemicals.

Is Sealcoating Right for Your Driveway?

So, is sealcoating really necessary for your asphalt driveway? The short answer is yes. Whether you manage a commercial property or own a home, sealcoating is an essential part of maintaining your asphalt surfaces. It protects your driveway from weather damage, extends its lifespan, and saves you money on costly repairs.

If you’re still unsure, here are a few signs that it might be time to consider sealcoating your driveway:

• Your asphalt has faded from black to gray.
• There are small cracks starting to form on the surface.
• You notice puddles or water pooling on your driveway after it rains.
• Your driveway looks worn out or has lost its smooth texture.

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to schedule a sealcoating service.

How Often Should You Sealcoat?

As mentioned earlier, most driveways should be sealcoated every 2 to 3 years. However, this can vary depending on the amount of traffic your driveway sees and the weather conditions in your area. High-traffic areas or driveways exposed to harsh weather may need to be sealcoated more frequently.

Why Choose Us for Your Sealcoating Needs?

At Green Street Blacktop, we’re not just another asphalt repair company. We take pride in offering high-quality sealcoating, crack filling, infrared asphalt patching, and line striping services that are tailored to your property’s needs. Our team is known for providing excellent customer service, and as a women-owned business, we’re dedicated to choosing environmentally friendly processes whenever possible.

We understand that your asphalt surfaces are an investment, and we’re here to help you protect that investment for years to come.

Get Your Free Quote Today

Whether you’re ready to schedule your next sealcoating service or just need some advice, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today for a free quote or a friendly opinion on whether sealcoating is the right choice for your property.Protect your asphalt, enhance your curb appeal, and save money in the long run by choosing sealcoating. Contact us today, and let’s get started on making your driveway look as good as new!