How Sealcoating And Resurfacing Restore The Appearance Of Your Faded Asphalt Driveway
One of the problems with asphalt as it ages is that it fades and becomes unsightly. The problem is more than just cosmetic because fading is a sign of asphalt deterioration. By addressing fading, you could help your driveway last longer.
If your driveway is still in fairly good shape with only a few scattered cracks, it's probably better for your finances to repair the asphalt rather than tear out your driveway and put in another one. Replacing the entire driveway is an extreme choice when a sealcoat or resurfacing could give your asphalt a new look at a much lower cost than getting a new driveway. Here's how these asphalt paving services compare.
Both Options Require Repairs First
Whether you decide to put on a sealcoat or resurface your driveway, the asphalt paving contractor needs to clean the asphalt and repair cracks and holes first. Cleaning can be done with a broom or pressure washer to get grit and dirt off of the surface and out of cracks.
Then the cracks can be filled and sealed. Potholes and crumbled areas need to be repaired too. If your driveway has drainage issues, the contractor may want to add a drain or slope the land so water will run off of your driveway once repairs are done.
A Sealcoat Provides A Protective Coating
A sealcoat is a black coating the contractor spreads around your driveway with a squeegee or that they spray on. The black color makes the driveway more appealing since it covers the faded asphalt. A sealcoat makes a waterproof covering for your driveway to protect it from rain. The coating also blocks UV rays so aging of the asphalt slows down.
The coating lasts a few years, but it gradually wears off due to traffic on your driveway. When the coating wears down, it should be applied again to keep the asphalt dark and protected.
Resurfacing Puts Down New Asphalt
Resurfacing restores the color and appearance of the asphalt too, but rather than a thin coating, resurfacing puts down a few inches of new asphalt over your old driveway. This makes your driveway look new. Resurfacing costs less than getting a new driveway, but it costs more than getting a sealcoat. Your asphalt paving contractor may recommend putting a sealcoat on after resurfacing to help the new asphalt overlay last longer.
These asphalt paving services can extend the life of your driveway by keeping rain from draining down to the base. Protecting the base is important or the soil could shift and lead to more cracking. Plus, both sealcoating and resurfacing restore the dark color of your driveway.
Since a sealcoat is thin, repaired areas might show through. Resurfacing is a more attractive option, but it may be more than you need to have done, and sealcoating is easier on your budget. An asphalt paving service can help you decide on the right way to repair your asphalt driveway so it looks nice and lasts longer.