So you just had your new driveway installed... First off, congrats! It is one of the best investments you can ever make for your home and if it is installed and mantained properly it could last 30 years or more.
Now what?
Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance... Asphalt is not like concrete or pavers. It it much more porous and needs a bit more attention to keep it looking healthy. Usually, the paving company will recommend that you do not drive on it for about 1-2 weeks. This is simply because it needs to cool and cure enough for it to be able to bear the considerable weight of your vehicle(s).
After 1-2 weeks, be aware that even though you can park on the new asphalt, you need to exercise caution when turning your wheels or the aggregate (stones) will ravel and be loosened leaving tire marks that will blemish the surface. One way to avoid this is by making sure that the vehicle is moving while you are turning the wheel, especially on hot days!
After about a month, your driveway is mostly cured. SealTECH recommends that you seal the driveway during this time frame. (30-60 days)
"But the paving guy told me I had to wait at least one year before I have it sealed. Why?"
Simply put, A lot can happen to your driveway in a year. Oil spills, gas spills, and even standing water can do a number on new driveways. The reason that you are told to wait one year is simply because the driveway needs to cure completely and the sealant (usually latex-based) that most of the paving and sealing companies use will prevent the driveway from 'breathing' since it smothers the asphalt by getting applied too thick.
Acrylic is one of the few sealants that can be applied this early in the curing process since it will allow the new asphalt to breathe while preventing the permeation of water into the porous surface of the driveway.
If you seal your driveway in this time frame, you will prevent it from ever fading to a gray color, protecting the original binder and added years to the life of your new asphalt.
The bottom line:
You can save thousands of dollars in the long run by not having to pave your driveway every 15 years or so. That's money in your pocket!
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2 comments:
Thanks for this informative entry. I didn't know other contractors suggest waiting for a year.
Asphalt Driveways
We get that a lot...Most paving professionals do advise waiting one year or more before sealing which is correct if they are using any of the 'emulsion' sealers on the market. Those sealants go on way too thick and they do not let the new asphalt breathe while it cures. Acrylic goes on as a VERY light spray which allows for proper curing during the first year while preventing water from ever reaching the actual asphalt itself and prevent the driveway from EVER turning gray in color. It's a beautiful thing!
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