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Asphalt & Sealcoating Articles & Resources
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A driveway installed by a knowledgeable asphalt and sealcoating contractor can last for several decades, but only if it is properly maintained. Aside from simple and obvious 
maintenance measures like removing stains and debris, having a driveway sealcoat applied every few years is also vital for several reasons.
Freshly-installed or newly-sealcoated asphalt driveways are very pleasant to look at. They are free of stains and have a dark black color. Driveways that are not sealcoated, on the other hand, often take on a grayish color, primarily because of oxidation. This dull and dirty appearance can have a negative impact on the overall look of your property.
When you sealcoat a driveway, you will notice that it has a smooth appearance and repels water well. Over time, however, your driveway will lose the ability to repel water. As water and ultraviolet light from the sun reacts with asphalt, it eventually breaks down through a chemical process known as oxidation. Once this occurs, the driveway will no longer be 
able to repel water. In addition, the asphalt will also begin to dissolve petroleum products like motor oil and gasoline. This causes unsightly stains and can also result in the surface becoming very brittle, which increases the likelihood that the driveway will be damaged. Periodic driveway sealcoating ensures that this important part of your property will be able to repel water and stains.
Simply put, it costs far less to sealcoat a driveway than it does to call in a professional to repair huge cracks or replace large portions of asphalt. Making a small financial investment today can help avoid substantial costs down the road.
Whether you’ve installed your own driveway or contacted a professional who is an expert in asphalt and sealcoating to do it for you, chances are you want your driveway to last as long as possible. One of the most effective ways to do this is through regular sealcoating. In fact, many experts claim that it can actually double the life of your asphalt driveway!
That smooth and uniform surface is great for repelling water, but it also makes other tasks easier as well. For example, if you sealcoat a driveway, the flat surface will be much easier to remove snow from, and there will be less chance of damaging the driveway with the shovel. Similarly, sweeping dirt from the surface will require much less effort.
Driveway sealcoat provides so many benefits: a longer life span for driveways, easier maintenance, and protection against damaging substances. However, perhaps the biggest benefit is that it dramatically improves the appeal of your entire property.
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