Signed, sealed, delivered:

When was the last time you had your driveway sealed? Are you sealing your driveway too much? Depending on whether you have an asphalt or concrete driveway will tell you when and how often you should be sealing your driveway.

The common misconception with homeowners who have concrete driveways is that you don’t need to have them sealed at all. Concrete driveways compared to asphalt are less maintenance and only need to be sealed once every 4-5 years, to prolong its life and keep water from penetrating through. Age concrete ages it becomes more porous and absorbs materials quicker. By applying a sealant to the driveway it will be absorbed quickly but prevent any other liquid from being able to penetrate your driveway. 

On the opposite end, Asphalt driveway owners tend to seal their driveways too often. Asphalt driveways need to be sealed every 2-3 years to ensure that it is protected. Sealing the driveway gives it a fresh black finish which could be the reason why some homeowners are sealing so often. Your driveway will be prone to hairline cracks and peeling if it is sealed yearly.

If you’re thinking of having this be a DIY project research the products that you’re thinking about using, and keep in mind what kind of protective gear you will need to keep yourself safe. The best time to seal your driveway is when the weather is dry and there aren’t any seeds or leaves being blown around.

By regularly applying a sealant to your driveway whether it be asphalt or concrete you can prevent water, sunlight, and air from pretreating your driveway and getting between the cracks to cause more damage underneath. Whether you want to tackle this project on your own or consult a professional do your research and make a plan for your driveway, it needs a little bit of TLC too!