Upon laying down a new batch of asphalt, you should consider sealcoating it. There are many benefits to doing so; however, many homeowners put this off due to the uncertainty that a job like this entails. You do not want to jump the gun and cause the sealant to damage the asphalt. Here’s how long you should wait to sealcoat new asphalt.
Why you Should Sealcoat Your Asphalt
Even though you risk damaging your asphalt by sealcoating it too early, you should not let this stop you from doing it sooner than later. If the asphalt is given the proper time to set in and you have installed everything properly, then the benefits far outweigh the risks.
- Increased Durability
Your pavement has to endure a lot, such as heavy vehicles, bicycles, kick-stands, rocks, weather, etc. Over time, as your asphalt takes a beating, it’s not uncommon for cracks and potholes to appear on your pavement.
Once a problem appears in your asphalt, it is only a matter of time before it starts growing, and if you don’t take care of it, you risk having to replace your entire driveway. Sealcoating adds additional resistance to wear and tear; this increases both its durability and lifespan.
- Limits Sun Exposure
The sun is one of asphalt’s toughest enemies. Sealcoat protection is more crucial than ever as we move closer to the summer’s warmer months. Your asphalt paving warms up and expands each day as the sun shines down on it. Cracks start to appear when the asphalt stretches beyond its usual limit.
Because of this, it is important to keep a backup plan in mind when your pavement is going to need to start enduring the heat. Thankfully your asphalt will stay cooler and be less prone to warp and fracture when exposed to the sun’s rays, thanks to sealcoating.
- Cold-Weather Protection
Asphalt may condense in cold weather, similar to how hot heat causes it to expand. But when it becomes chilly outside, water will seep into your driveway or parking space and freeze. When this occurs, your pavement will crack and deteriorate because the internal pressure will become too great.
Waiting to Sealcoat New Asphalt
Once you have laid down a fresh set of asphalt, you are going to want to wait 90 days to a year before applying a sealcoat. Although you may be in a hurry to pile on as much protection as possible, you can rest easy knowing that your asphalt will likely be durable enough to last that amount of time without any issues. The reason that you have to wait is that you risk trapping fresh oils in the asphalt, causing it to turn soft or flexible.
If you are unsure as to whether enough time has passed to where you can start sealcoating, then consider getting a professional’s opinion.
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