The maintenance needs of asphalt are well documented. This is frequently listed as one of the drawbacks of an asphalt pavement compared to other materials. However, asphalt maintenance isn’t very difficult and it’s not that expensive. This makes it one of the best all-around paving materials.
One of the maintenance needs of asphalt is the need to occasionally seal the pavement. Sealing asphalt makes it harder for water to penetrate the surface and cause extensive damage. How often should you seal your asphalt pavement to get the best results?
The Typical Scenario
When you’re dealing with an asphalt pavement in a climate that’s moderate for the majority of the year, you can take as long as 3 or 4 years before resealing your asphalt pavement. However, if you’re in an environment where the ground freezes in winter and summer temperatures are through the roof, you’ll need to seal the asphalt more often. You may need to perform this exercise as often as once every one or two years.
These extreme temperatures increase the likelihood of cracks forming in the pavement, hence the need to reseal more frequently.
Variations in Individual Cases
Although experts may recommend certain durations between reseals, the reality is that the need for resealing varies from one pavement to the next. What works for your neighbor may not work for you. Factors that cause these variations include:
- One pavement may be used more frequently than others
- Some pavements will be subjected to loads that are much closer to their weight limits
- Paving work done on some pavements may not be as good as it should be
- The type of soil on your property may be at greater risk of shifting
Because of factors such as these, it’s important that you don’t restrict yourself to the recommended sealing schedule. Instead, you should assess your pavement regularly to determine if it needs sealing.
Ask a Professional
It’s always important to get the opinion of a professional before making a decision such as resealing your asphalt driveway. An asphalt contractor will be experienced enough to tell you if there’s a need to seal the surface immediately. If there are sizeable cracks in your asphalt, resealing alone may not be the best solution. It may be necessary to fix these cracks first before resealing. Contact us for help deciding what you need to do next for the best results with your asphalt pavement.