If you have recently had an asphalt driveway installed on your property, then you probably want to do everything you can to protect your investment. After all, it can cost over $10,000 to have a basic driveway installed. Sealing your new driveway is a great way to protect it. You can and should seal your driveway for the first time within 6 to 12 months after the initial installation is completed.
Your asphalt driveway can last from15 to 20 years, as long as it has been installed properly and you maintain it by applying a seal coat every two years. To help your asphalt driveway last as long as possible, here are tips to help you install a new asphalt driveway, and how to make repairs to your existing asphalt driveway.
Prepare the Foundation
If you are laying a new asphalt driveway, then you have the added benefit of making sure the driveway's soil foundation is prepared the right way.
When someone pulls into your driveway, the first thing they're likely to notice about your house is your driveway. With winter, spring, and summer temperatures expanding and contracting your asphalt driveway, it's important to give your driveway a little TLC every year. Even the smallest crack can quickly grow into a yawning and dangerous eyesore.
Here's a quick guide to help you tackle even the biggest cracks in your asphalt driveway:
If you have a seal coating planned for your driveway, then the professionals you hired will be able to properly place the sealer across the asphalt. However, if you do not prepare your driveway first, then the material may not last nearly as long as it should. Asphalt sealers can last anywhere from 3 years to 10 years. To make sure the sealer lasts close to 5 or 10 years, consider the preparation tips in this article.
