Many homeowners have an asphalt driveway or lot on their property these days, and asphalt remains one of the more affordable yet durable options when it comes to pavement. But in order to maintain or extend your pavement's lifespan, some occasional maintenance work is necessary and that could include a regular sealcoating applied once per year or as needed by a local paving contractor. Here's why a regular sealcoating appointment is a good idea for your property's curb appeal and your property value.
Help Your Asphalt Stand Up to the Sun's Harmful Rays
If you live in an especially sunny part of the country, you might notice that your asphalt starts fading a bit faster than it otherwise would in a cloudier city or town. The sun's harmful UV rays beaming down around the clock can cause asphalt to break down or fade. If your asphalt has cracks in it that developed within the last year or a longer length of time, it will be easier for the sun's rays to penetrate even deeper into the pavement, increasing the deterioration even further. A fresh sealcoating once per year helps keep these UV rays from penetrating the asphalt and can help your driveway or other pavement remain in good condition for the next year.
Keep Water Out of the Cracks Which Can Cause Additional Issues Throughout the Year
When your pavement has cracks in it, it's not just the sun's UV rays that you have to worry about. Rain drops or even water from the garden hose you use to wash your car could end up getting down into the pavement through these hairline cracks. In the winter, water that gets into the pavement but then freezes when the temperature drops could cause a hairline crack to become a bit bigger. During the spring or summer, this water getting into pavement could encourage the growth of weeds or other unwanted additions to your pavement and property. Proper sealcoating keeps water out so you won't have to deal with an even bigger maintenance or repair hassle in the future.
Maintain Your Property's Curb Appeal By Eliminating Cracks and Keeping the Pavement the Right Color
Beyond extending the lifespan of your driveway or pavement, regular sealcoating also maintains your overall curb appeal. A faded or cracked driveway isn't going to look good to anyone and that includes your neighbors as well as any potential future buyer if you should put your house on the market one day. A fresh sealcoating restores your property's value and a fresh, black coat is much more appealing than a faded-looking gray.
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