Is Your Driveway In Need Of Sealcoating? 3 Signs That Point To Yes

Sealcoating your asphalt driveway is an important part of protecting it from serious damage. Unfortunately, the seal on your asphalt will naturally wear off over time and need to be replaced. The problem is that not every driveway will need to be resealed at the same intervals. Consequently, you will not be able to simply mark the date on your calendar in order to remind yourself to contact a paving contractor. Thankfully, there are still some ways in which you can easily tell when it is time to have your driveway sealcoated. You can learn more about some of these warning signs below. 

Warning Sign #1: Widespread Cracks In Your Driveway

Cracks in your asphalt driveway are usually the result of either impact damage or a failing seal. Impact damage is often localized and can be easily repaired without the need to sealcoat your entire driveway. Cracks resulting from a failing seal on the other hand will typically be widespread. These types of cracks will often resemble the appearance of alligator or reptile skin. Consequently, you will often hear this type of cracking being referred to as alligator cracks. 

Warning Sign #2: Your Driveway Has Faded In Color

Many people simply assume that all asphalt driveways naturally fade in color over time and that the issue is no cause for concern. However, the fact is that asphalt driveways will maintain their deep black color as long as they are properly sealed. This is because the sealcoating used on an asphalt driveway will protect it from the fading damage that is often caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Consequently, if you have noticed that your asphalt driveway has begun to take on a gray tone, it is definitely time for you to have your driveway resealed.

Warning Sign #3: Your Neighbors Are Having Their Driveways Resealed

While it is true that not all asphalt driveways will require sealcoating on the exact same schedule, you will often find that your driveway needs to be sealed on approximately the same schedule as your neighbor's driveway. This is because most of the homes on your street will have been built around the same time as yours and have been exposed to the same weather conditions. Consequently, many of the factors that determine how quickly your driveway's seal wears down will be the same when looking at your own driveway and your neighbor's driveways. This means that if you have noticed several of your neighbors getting their driveways resealed recently, there is a good chance that yours needs to be resealed as well.