Difference between asphalt sealcoating and asphalt paving
Summer is here and you want to do some driveway maintenance work. However, you are confused whether you need to do asphalt sealcoating or asphalt paving. Don't worry, you are not alone. Indeed, many homeowners tend to confuse sealcoating with paving, and vice versa. As asphalt contractors serving Toronto and the GTA, we will explain the difference between the two.
Asphalt Sealcoating
Asphalt sealcoating is the process of applying oil-based or water-based sealer to the asphalt surface. Asphalt sealcoating protects your driveway from UV rays, water, and cracking. It has been studied that, sealcoating your driveway can prolong your asphalts lifespan by 10-15 years.
It is recommended to sealcoat your driveway before the winter. This will protect your driveway from natural winter hazards such as salt and snow. We recommend you check our post about 3 major benefits of driveway sealing.
Even though asphalt sealcoating can help protect your driveway, it is essential to inspect the state of the driveway before applying sealer. This is because some driveways are in a condition which requires Asphalt Paving instead.
Asphalt Paving
I am sure the definition, Asphalt Paving gives away that it is the process of applying hot or cold asphalt to the surface. Asphalt paving can be done to repair damaged part of your driveway or when one decides to have a brand new driveway. Let's discuss when do you need partial asphalt paving and when do you need full asphalt paving.
- Partial Asphalt Paving (asphalt resurfacing)
Contractors usually choose to perform partial asphalt paving whenever a part of the driveway is at unrepairable point and needs bottom up care. In such cases, usually, the contractor makes symmetrical cut on your driveway . Afterwards, the cut area's base is cleaned and sealed with oil-based sealer. Only afterwards, hot or cold asphalt, depending on the size of the cut, will be applied to the surface and tampered later.
- Full Asphalt Paving
Usually, when your driveway's lifespan has come to and end it is better to fully tear it up and put a layer of fresh asphalt. Asphalt paving can be costly depending on the size of the area and the asphalt grade used. There are many other factors that contribute to the price.
How Long Do You Have To Wait To Drive Over The Surface?
Based on our industry experience, if you had your driveway sealed we recommend not using your driveway for 24 hours for reap the maximum benefits of the sealcoating. Keep in the mind that the drying time of your driveway also depends on the humidity of the air.
On the other hand, it is recommended to not use the driveway for 72 - 120 hours if you had your whole driveway paved newly. For small patches, Ark Services Group recommends avoid the patched area for 72 hours.
Conclusion
If one of these procedures sounds like something you need to be done on your driveway or parking lot, Ark Services Group is here to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to get a free quote if you are interested in getting an asphalt service done for your property. We look forward to helping you with your driveway or parking lot!