Driveway sealing
#1
06-22-20, 01:12 PM
Driveway sealing
Is driveway sealing ever worth it?
our driveway has some minor crack and no holes.....but the surface is quite rough. Dried grass clippings are difficult to remove with a broom or a hose.....they just seem to grab onto the driveway.
is there any solution other than a new driveway to help “smooth” it out and get a few more years out of it?
thanks
j
our driveway has some minor crack and no holes.....but the surface is quite rough. Dried grass clippings are difficult to remove with a broom or a hose.....they just seem to grab onto the driveway.
is there any solution other than a new driveway to help “smooth” it out and get a few more years out of it?
thanks
j
#2
06-22-20, 03:51 PM
Member
Absolutely sealing is worth it, the sun and UV light really tears it up, the coating protect and repairs the small issues before they get too bad.
Norm201
voted this post useful.
#3
06-22-20, 05:18 PM
Member
Yes you want to seal it about once every two years. Most people do it once every year. Only apply one coat. Don't buy the cheap stuff, but you don't need airport quality. Middle of the road is fine. If you never did it before (say within 3 to 5 years) it will take about twice the amount if done once a year. If the driveway is new, wait a year before coating. If the cracks are wide enough, say about greater than 1/8 then buy a crack filler first. let dry about a day then coat the whole driveway.
tips...Doing it in the mid to late morning hours is the best time. The day before clean the drive with a power wash if necessary. Let dry then that evening using about a 6 to 8 inch brush and brush the perimeter of the drive with sealer. Next morning just as the sun begins to rise go out and using squeegee or a roller apply to complete drive. By noon you can walk on it, by evening you can drive on it.
tips...Doing it in the mid to late morning hours is the best time. The day before clean the drive with a power wash if necessary. Let dry then that evening using about a 6 to 8 inch brush and brush the perimeter of the drive with sealer. Next morning just as the sun begins to rise go out and using squeegee or a roller apply to complete drive. By noon you can walk on it, by evening you can drive on it.
#4
06-22-20, 05:25 PM
I’m a little surprised at the strong recommendations. I’ve always thought there was a big debate about this.
if it’s so important and life-lengthening, why aren’t the public roads sealed?
what do you think about the “pro”s who come around offering to spray it........is that just cosmetic?
if it’s so important and life-lengthening, why aren’t the public roads sealed?
what do you think about the “pro”s who come around offering to spray it........is that just cosmetic?
#5
06-22-20, 06:08 PM
Member
The roads are built different (but still under engineered and under funded) and yes they do resurface and seal them. Ever go on fresh oiled road? Most municipalities will go with the cheapest bid regardless if it does not meet the best standards. That's why many of our roads a so crappy. It doesn't have to be that way. There new and better methods to maintain roads and prevent pot holes. But it's expensive. But most town would rather spend large amounts of money to do roads every few years instead of spending a a slightly larger amount that will last many many years and resist cracking and pot holes. Old rubber tires infused with asphalt has been proven to last a long long time, but it's expensive. Penny wise pound foolish.
Some are and some aren't. Buyer beware. $50 to do a typical half yard drive in a typical suburban neighborhood, means they might be using just water.
Spraying is OK, but I prefer to brush, roll or squeegee to work in the sealer. Spray just lays a layer on top and it may or may not fill all the microscopic gaps.
Also most people prefer to seal in the summer to make their drive look good. I prefer to seal in the fall for best protection in the winter.
Some are and some aren't. Buyer beware. $50 to do a typical half yard drive in a typical suburban neighborhood, means they might be using just water.
Spraying is OK, but I prefer to brush, roll or squeegee to work in the sealer. Spray just lays a layer on top and it may or may not fill all the microscopic gaps.
Also most people prefer to seal in the summer to make their drive look good. I prefer to seal in the fall for best protection in the winter.
#6
06-23-20, 03:03 AM
It's fine to spray the sealer on BUT it still needs to be worked into the asphalt with a squeegee or roller. The sealer will work better and last longer if it's worked in. IMO every yr is overkill, every 2-3 yrs should be fine.
