Maintaining Your Driveway
As a homeowner, we often feel a sense of pride looking at our well-maintained home. We take time to mow the lawn, trim the hedges and even pull the weeds. Surely, we should also spend time on maintaining our driveway – after all, it is one of the first things visitors see when they come to our home.
But how do you keep your driveway in good condition? One of the best ways to do so is to seal it. When you consider sealing a driveway the benefits go beyond what meets the eye. Boasting a number of benefits, we outline the top reasons you should seal your driveway.
What Is Driveway Sealing?
A lot of homeowners do not realise the amount of care involved in making sure that their driveway lasts for as long as possible. Most driveways are made of asphalt or concrete. These materials are strong and durable, but they can still suffer from wear and tear over time.
The sun and heat can break down the material, causing it to crack and crumble. Water can also seep into cracks and cause the material to erode from within.
Sealing a driveway is the process of applying a protective coating to the surface in order to prevent damage. This coating forms a barrier between the driveway and the elements, protecting it from water, sun and dirt. Sealing also fills in any cracks or holes, further preventing damage.
Driveway seal-coating offers a number of mitigating benefits including:
Keeps the Driveway Looking Good
Applying a seal-coating to your driveway will help to keep it looking good. Overtime, many driveways and concrete surfaces begin to fade, resulting in a dull and dingy appearance. However, when applying sealant, the driveway surface is protected from the fading effects of the sun, keeping the areas crisp and clean.
Extends the Life of Your Driveway
A sealed driveway is more durable than one that has not been treated. The sealant creates a protective barrier, stopping water and dirt from damaging the surface. This protection also helps to prevent cracks and holes from forming as the material will not be able to break down as easily.
Costs Less Than Repair or Replacement
Repairing a damaged driveway can be time-consuming and costly. especially when it needs to be done prematurely. By sealing a driveway, you are extending its lifespan, ensuring you only need to replace or repair it when it reaches the end of its natural cycle, saving you and your wallet!
Easy to Maintain
A sealed driveway is easy to maintain as the surface finish is more level and smooth. This makes it easier to sweep and clean as there are no cracks or holes for dirt or water to gather.
What To Consider When Sealing Your Driveway
Sealing a driveway is a great protective measure to take when you want to make the most out of the driveway. Before you decide to seal your driveway, there are a number of considerations to take into account, namely:
Clean The Driveway
The first step to take before applying driveway sealant is to clean your driveway. If you have a concrete driveway, use a power washer to remove any dirt, stains or debris. For asphalt driveways, use a stiff broom to sweep the surface clean before beginning the sealing process.
Consider The Sealer
Depending on your needs, there are a number of different sealants available. Where some sealants are more focused on the appearance of the driveway itself, offering a clean and stylish finish, others focus more on functionality and protection. Fortunately, there are sealants that offer both benefits.
Prepare For After Care
As with any part of your home, regular maintenance is important to keep it in good condition. After you have applied the sealant to your driveway, make sure to sweep it regularly and wash away any dirt or stains that may occur. You should also check for any cracks or holes and repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Plan For Drying Time
After applying the sealer, you will need to allow it to dry before using your driveway. Depending on the sealer used and the weather conditions, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Plan ahead and make sure you have an alternate plan for parking during this time.
Need Professional Help?
Driveway sealant is not as easy as it seems! It can be strenuous and time-consuming. Why not enlist the service of a professional? Here at Water Attack Pressure Washing, we specialize in all things driveway related, from driveway pressure cleaning to sealing. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, ensuring your driveway looks great and lasts for years to come. For a free estimate, get in touch today!
