The short answer is yes. However, short answers rarely convince anybody, especially those looking to save money on their home upkeep budget. Driveway sealing is not only easy but reduces long-term maintenance costs, protecting and prolonging the life of your asphalt driveway. Asphalt is almost uniquely vulnerable to weathering and damage from automobile traffic. Asphalt graded for driveways is especially susceptible to wear and tear. A regular sealing regimen gives your driveway the protection it needs. Sealant helps to resist the elements and serve you throughout the years. Here are some basic facts to keep in mind about your asphalt driveway and its maintenance. Hopefully these facts will convince you to start regularly sealing your asphalt driveway.

Your Driveway Needs Upkeep

Your asphalt driveway is, as a surprise to nobody, made of asphalt. So are many of the roads you drive on in town. Consider how often you see road work crew repairing the asphalt. The asphalt used on roads is likely a higher grade of asphalt than what you have at home, to boot. It’s easy to see why your driveway needs regular maintenance to help delay a significant repair project.

There Are Many Benefits

Regular sealing has many benefits when it comes to extending the life of your asphalt driveway. A properly sealed driveway repels water, which is one of the most harmful things your driveway can come into contact with. Water can penetrate untreated asphalt and add on top temperature changes; cracks are fast to develop when saddled with the weight of your automobile moving back and forth over it day after day. Once a crack forms, more and more water can enter and permeate through your asphalt driveway, damaging it further as the year goes on.

Sunlight and oxygen both attack your driveway as well. These agents serve to hasten the corrosion of your asphalt driveway. By applying a regular, quality seal to your asphalt driveway, you can prevent damage from water, sunlight, and even the air itself. An added benefit is that a properly sealed driveway repels oil spills and leaks, making cleaning up after your automobile much more manageable.

When to Seal

As a rule of thumb, you should apply a new seal every one to three years. Depending on the climate and use of your asphalt driveway, you may be able to delay resealing your driveway, but you may also have to do it sooner. If you can make out the color of stones that make up the asphalt in your driveway, you should look into sealing your driveway as soon as possible.

However, it is possible to seal a driveway too soon. A new driveway should never be sealed, as the asphalt oils are still evaporating – The asphalt is still curing. The less oil there is in your asphalt, the harder your driveway is, and the more durable it will be in the long run. Most driveways will require a minimum of six months to cure, after which time a seal can be safely applied.

You will want to plan ahead before applying your seal. A minimum of 48 hours is required for the seal to adhere to your driveway fully, and a minimum temperature of 50° F is also required for the adhesion to apply. Ensure that the weather is clear for a few days before you apply your seal, as rain can damage your seal prematurely and the change in temperature can interfere with your seal’s adhesion.

Once your  driveway has been sealed, you can use it confidently, knowing that you have given it the best odds of surviving whatever nature can throw at it. Be ready to repeat the process once your asphalt driveway shows bald stones, and you can enjoy your driveway for decades to come.