Asphalt driveways are not only long-lasting but also offer many benefits to users. They are cost-efficient, comfortable, reduce noise pollution, and give better road visibility to drivers in different weather conditions. But what’s the best time to seal a new asphalt driveway?
Many people seal asphalt driveways at the wrong time, which ends up hurting them in the process. For instance, asphalt that is sealed immediately after installation won’t last. This is because it needs to cure before it can be sealed.
Therefore, the best time to seal a new asphalt is after six months of installing the asphalt. Some people seal it after three months, but it’s not advisable, and the asphalt won’t last long.
Why seal a new asphalt after six months?
With proper care and attention, your asphalt driveway can last for at least 30 years. And this starts with proper installation, sealing, and maintenance. So, if you’ve just installed a new driveway, allow the asphalt to cure before applying the fresh coat. On top of that, you should use at least two coats, and they should have an 8 hour difference coating time.
Apart from waiting for at least six months to seal your asphalt driveway, you should also apply the coat during warm weather like summer or fall. This will ensure that the coat seals appropriately and lasts longer. Sealing the driveway in cold weather is good, but you won’t get the same results as warm weather. It would assist if you sealed your driveway on a warm summer day, towards evening.
Why seal the driveway?
Sealing the driveway is crucial as it protects it from extreme climatic conditions such as ice, snow, and UV light. These elements are lethal as exposure can make the asphalt become delicate and break after some time. As a result, the stones and sand within the mix become exposed, and cracks start to develop.
Unfortunately, if water gets into the cracks and then freezes, this can lead to decay. Luckily, the new asphalt is highly elastic and can maintain this feature for an extended period. All in all, sealing a new driveway very fast can cause issues. If the driveway has not cured, the sealing coat will lock in the hydrocarbon oils that give the asphalt its flexible quality.
The biggest demerit of applying a sealant on a driveway asphalt before curing is that it will always be sensitive to imprints and marks, such as the ones brought about by bicycle kickstands, twisting tires, and other heavy objects.
Related article: How Frequently Should You Seal Your Driveway?
When your new asphalt driveway has finished six months or more, you can now apply a driveway sealer. For the best results, consider getting a driveway sealer made up of coal tar. But first, you should ensure that the driveway is in order and ready to receive a sealer. What you have to do is to seal up holes, get rid of grass & mold, make necessary repairs, and thoroughly clean the driveway.
Last but not least, make sure to seal the driveway on a warm day. Also, use a large squeegee to apply the sealer on the entire driveway properly. What’s more, the sealer shouldn’t be too thick or too thin. Follow instructions on the sealing coat very carefully. Additionally, make sure you apply a second coat after applying the first one.
N/B: You should never seal your asphalt driveway during winter if you want it to last for many years. Always wait for summer or fall to seal your driveway. The main reason is that the temperature has to be at least 50 degrees for the sealing coat to stick and dry faster.
Conclusion
After installing a new asphalt driveway, ensure to add a sealing coat to protect your driveway for years. However, it would be ideal if you didn’t seal the driveway immediately after installing it. Wait for at least six months to seal your driveway. Besides, you need to apply two coats when the time and weather are suitable for using the driveway sealer.
If you apply the driveway sealer too early, your driveway won’t last long. However, if you wait for the right time and conditions, your driveway will last for at least 20 years. And if you maintain the driveway exceptionally well, it can last for over 30 years. So, only apply the driveway sealer after the asphalt has been cured.
