Should I repair or reseal my paved driveway in Seminole, FL?

Regular maintenance is a must if you have a paved driveway.  Cracks and chips on the surface of your pavement or asphalt are not only unsightly but will also be costly in the long run. The longer you neglect those small splits and hairline cracks, the more expensive it will be to have them fixed.

But the question is, do you repair or reseal your driveway? If you live in Seminole, Florida, Anderson & Sons Asphalt can help you assess the extent of damage on your driveway and help you choose what’s your next step should be.

When to Repair or Reseal Paved Driveways?

Based on the assessment results, your contractor should be able to tell you whether you need simple resealing, spot repair, or total resurfacing. A professional asphalt contractor would usually advise resealing your paved driveway if small signs of issues start to appear. Small cracks and chips can be spot repaired with asphalt filler and then resealed to prevent further damage from setting in.

Splits and openings on the surface of your asphalt driveway, however, may need more than just resealing. When the damage is more advanced, there is a possibility that the foundation of the asphalt has also degraded. Water, automotive fluids, or motor oils may have already seeped in and broken down the binders that hold the aggregate together. In this case, total resurfacing is necessary.

• Sealcoating An Asphalt Driveway. Your contractor may recommend sealcoating to seal the surface of existing asphalt to fill small and hairline cracks. This is a way to protect the foundation and sublayers of your driveway from harsh elements and extends the asphalt’s lifespan.

It is highly recommended that you apply a sealant to your asphalt driveway every three to five years. For a newly installed driveway, wait at least 90 days before sealcoating. This ensures the sealant doesn’t cause damage to the asphalt. Premature sealcoating may also trap oils in the asphalt which could result in your asphalt being too soft or flexible.

• Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing. When you’re at the stage of constantly needing to patch shallow cracks on your driveway, sealcoating isn’t going to cut it anymore. Your contractor will need to replace the top layer of the asphalt with a fresh layer. This process extends the life of the paved driveway for about 8 to 15 years more.

Resurfacing a driveway will only work if the asphalt foundation is still in good condition and when it’s less than 20 years old. If your driveway has cracks that are more than 2inch deep, more than a quarter-inch wide, and more than 30% of it needs repair, resurfacing is not the way to go.

• Asphalt Driveway Repair or Repaving. If your driveway has more than 30% damage, then repaving and total repair may be necessary. You have to keep in mind that even the most regularly maintained driveway will eventually need repairs. Asphalt materials break down over time and patching or resurfacing becomes impossible.

Asphalt driveways that are more than 25 years old will need repaving. As years go by, the foundation of the asphalt becomes unsteady. When this happens, it’s time to start planning to repave.

Always Consult the Professionals

You may think you know everything about resealing or repairing your asphalt driveway after reading up articles or watching videos about it. However, repairing your asphalt is better left with professionals. There are some technical aspects in asphalt repair that need years of training and knowledge.

Improper resealing or resurfacing of an asphalt pavement may lead to more problems and expenses. To avoid such hassles, make sure to seek the advice of a professional asphalt contractor.