What To Know About Sealcoating Your Driveway
Asphalt driveways are popular throughout the country. They are durable, weather-resistant, and attractive. Asphalt is a popular material in areas with large temperatures swings and intense winter weather. It can expand and contract with less cracking than other materials such as concrete. However, it's important to note that asphalt does require maintenance in the form of sealing. Adding a coat of sealant will extend your asphalt's lifespan and keep it looking its best. Here's what to know about sealcoating your driveway.
DIY Versus Hiring a Professional
The first thing that you should know about sealcoating your driveway is that it is a project you can do yourself, but in many cases, it may be best to leave the work to a professional. There are some benefits to sealing your driveway yourself. Mainly, it can help you save money. However, for the best results, you will want to hire a professional for the sealing process. A professional will use the right sealant for your driveway and ensure that it is applied properly. A professional sealcoat will also last longer.
How Much It Will Cost
Another thing to know when it comes to sealcoating is that it is affordable, even when you hire a professional. It's also not something that needs to be done on an annual basis. How much it costs will depend on what type of sealant is used as well as whether you decide to tackle the project yourself or choose to hire a professional. On average, sealcoating materials cost between $0.14 and $0.25 per square foot. If you hire a professional, labor will add around $36 per hour to the total.
How Long It Will Take
Knowing how long the process of sealcoating takes is also essential. Not only do you have to wait until the sealcoat is applied, but you also have to wait until it is dry to use your driveway. Applying the sealant to your driveway can take a few hours, and dry time is upwards of 24 hours or longer. You'll also want to check the weather before you start the process. Waiting until a dry day with mild temperatures is ideal. The good news is that sealcoating only needs to be repeated every three to five years to be effective.
If you have an asphalt driveway, sealcoating is a must, and there are a few things to know. First, while it is possible to tackle this project on your own, it may be better to hire a professional. Costs vary, but overall, sealcoating is an affordable way to maintain your driveway. It should be done every few years, and the process itself will only take a few hours of work and a little more than a day of dry time.
For more information or to schedule your own sealcoating service, contact a professional business, such as AAA Asphalt Paving.