How often should you apply a sealer on your asphalt?

3 July 2021
resealed asphalt in driveway

Has your asphalt driveway faded to grey?
Are you worried that your asphalt is showing the first signs of cracking?
Has it been more than 3 years since you’ve treated your driveway?

If your answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’ then it might be time for you to have your asphalt resealed. In this article, Gatineau’s paving and sealing specialists at Pavage Massie will shed some light on:

● why it’s important to reseal your asphalt
● the different types of asphalt sealant
● when it’s time to reseal your pavement

If you live in the Gatineau region and have any questions about the condition of your asphalt driveway, patio, sidewalk or pathway, don’t hesitate to reach out. We know our stuff, and we’re here to help!

Why it’s important to reseal your asphalt

Even though it is a hard, solid surface perfect for paving driveways, patios, pathways and sidewalks, asphalt has a high liquid composition and over time, it begins to dry out. An important first step in maintaining your asphalt so that it has a longer life is having it resealed.

If applied correctly and at the right time, sealcoating extends the life of your asphalt. Especially in Gatineau’s extreme climate, applying sealer helps asphalt to maintain it’s moisture balance during the hot summers and to ward off damage by de-icing and shovelling in the winter.

Related: 5 THINGS THAT DAMAGE YOUR ASPHALT AND HOW TO LIMIT AGING

Asphalt that is not properly maintained and resealed on a regular basis will begin to age prematurely and need to be repaired or replaced earlier. Sealing a driveway is a much less invasive and expensive process than having the asphalt resurfaced or replaced so it is important that homeowners remember to follow the recommended maintenance schedule for their pavement.

Types of asphalt sealant

Although there are a variety of blends, there are basically two types of asphalt sealer: acrylic and bitumen. Let’s look at the difference.

Acrylic Asphalt Sealant

Composed of acrylic resin, aptly named acrylic sealants are water-based sealants and are well suited for very smooth asphalt surfaces. Acrylic driveway sealant is effective for extending the longevity of asphalt while also giving the driveway a fresh, black sheen again.

It comes in a variety of types depending on how matter or shiny you want your asphalt surface to be. Applying acrylic sealant to your asphalt is an effective way to protect your driveway from damage due to exposure to chemicals, fertilizers, gasoline, motor oil, salt, and extreme weather conditions.

Bitumen Asphalt Sealant

Asphalt sealer with bitumen is a more heavy-duty option for sealing asphalt. It is an oil-based sealer and is designed to adhere and bond to the asphalt to allow for natural breathing.

Knowing which type or blend of asphalt sealant is best for your driveway, pathway, patio or sidewalk can be complicated and confusing. Always discuss the best treatment for your specific situation so that you’re spending your time and money wisely when resealing your asphalt to help it last longer.

When to reseal your pavement

We recommend that you have your asphalt driveway resealed every 2-3 years.

● Waiting too long = pavement will deteriorate and need to be resurfaced completely
● Doing it too often = sealer will chip and flake
● Not doing it at all = you will need to replace your asphalt sooner than necessary

If you are unsure about whether or not it is time to have your pavement sealed, contact us and we’ll steer you in the right direction. The asphalt experts here at Pavage Massie have tools to measure the moisture in your asphalt, and have the know-how and experience to be able to interpret the signs of premature cracking or crumbling that might not be obvious to homeowners.

Protect your investment

Sealcoating is instrumental to making your asphalt driveway last longer. By sealing your pavement on a regular basis, you will be able to go longer between repairs and resurfacing. A small investment in having your driveway sealed will help you save much more in the long run.

Take advantage of our free estimate service and rely on the advice of qualified professionals. We will be able to better advise you on the next steps for your asphalt maintenance regime and help you protect your investment with a driveway that will look great for years to come. Contact us today!