Driveway Sealcoating Services
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Introduction to Driveway Sealcoating
A well-maintained driveway enhances safety, adds value to your property and extends the driveway’s service life. Your driveway adds to the aesthetics of your home or business. As homeowners in the Twin Tiers area of Pennsylvania know, the local climate can damage a driveway. Snow, ice, rain and summer sun can cause asphalt to spall, crack or deteriorate. Oil, salt and other chemicals can discolor the surface and percolate into the substrate to damage the foundation.
There is a solution. Applying a topical sealant creates a membrane that protects your driveway from damage. Sealant combines bituminous or acrylic liquids mixed with sand, water, fillers and additives to create a protective surface that can double the life of your driveway. When sealcoating is done on a timely basis, your pavement may last 45 years before it needs to be replaced. Working with a qualified, experienced professional ensures you get the best product and treatment possible.
Importance of Sealcoating
Sealcoating performs several important functions.
• Applying a weatherproof barrier to your driveway helps keep it in good condition during all kinds of weather.
• Sealant prevents water and chemicals from percolating into the driveway substrate and helps prevent cracks from forming.
• Sealcoating extends the life of the driveway. You will not have to resurface or replace your driveway as often.
• A professionally installed sealcoat adds aesthetic value to your property and enhances street appeal.
Impact of Twin Tiers Weather on Driveways
The climate of the Twin Tiers area can damage a driveway. Over time, rainwater, snow and ice degrade the substrate, causing it to loosen, crack or spall. Ice and snow create a freeze-thaw cycle that allows pores in the driveway foundation to retain water. Water expands when it freezes, which dilates the pores and can cause ruptures, cracks or crumbling. As cracks expand, the material may thrust upward or develop potholes. Sealcoating provides a waterproof barrier that prevents this.
Ultraviolet radiation can make asphalt brittle, shrink or crack. If not repaired before the winter freeze-thaw cycles, your driveway can deteriorate. Although sealing will not repair existing cracks or damage, sealcoating protects surfaces from experiencing more damage. When applied over an undamaged surface, sealant protects the substrate.
The Value of Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a cost-effective way to prolong the service life of your driveway. Mixing sand into the sealer improves traction, important when ice, snow and rainwater cover the driveway surface. Sealcoating creates an attractive driveway and can make an older drive look new without the expense and hassle of reinstalling a new drive. You save money and enhance the appearance of your property.
Long-term Benefits
Replacing a driveway is messy, time-consuming and expensive. Sealcoating offers a cost-saving option that prolongs the use of an existing drive. Sealcoating a new drive prevents moisture and chemicals from infiltrating the pores of the material, which protects the substrate. By sealcoating every three years, you can extend the life of the pavement by approximately 300%. An unsealed asphalt driveway will last approximately 15 years. Sealcoating extends the service life to approximately 45 years.
Cost Comparison: Sealcoating Versus Repairs
Sealcoating your driveway before it develops cracks or other defects helps keep it from degrading. The cost depends on the size of the area to be covered, the type of sealant and how many coats are applied. Average sealcoating costs range from $250 to $770. Nationwide, sealing averages $470.
In contrast, driveway repairs average between $800 and $2,670. The cost depends on the extent and type of damage, the type of material to be repaired and the landscape and slope of the drive.
As these figures demonstrate, keeping your driveway in good repair, making timely repairs and sealing the driveway save money and extend its service life.
Sealcoating Frequency in Twin Tiers
The frequency of resealing should be according to the conditions and use patterns of the driveway. If the pavement gets a lot of traffic or is exposed to elements that degrade the material, you may have to reseal more often. In general, experts recommend resealing every two to five years. If you are unsure about your situation, call NWS House Washing and Asphalt Sealcoating. Our experienced technicians can evaluate the condition of your driveway and recommend when to reseal. Sealing too often may result in a buildup of sealant, which can crack or peel.
Factors Influencing Sealcoating Frequency
Several factors affect how often you should sealcoat your driveway. A new driveway can be sealed no earlier than 90 days after installation. Some professionals recommend waiting six months to a year before sealcoating to allow the asphalt to cure. Sealing too soon can trap moisture, oils or chemicals in the substrate, which can cause it to be too flexible or soft. Sealing a new, well-constructed driveway protects it from moisture, chemicals and sunlight.
Existing driveways should be sealed according to the condition of the asphalt and amount of use. Commercial driveways with heavy traffic or driveways that are exposed to oil or chemical spills should be resealed more often. However, longer intervals between resealing may be appropriate for residential driveways and other low-use areas.
Ideal Sealcoating Schedule for Twin Tiers Climate
Snow, ice and rainwater can accelerate pavement degradation. If your driveway gets snow, ice and rain, experts recommend resealing every two to three years. If you notice the pavement developing cracks, holes or other problems, repair it and reseal.
How to Sealcoat a Driveway
Prepare your driveway for sealcoating by repairing cracks and other damage. Select a qualified, experienced contractor who specializes in driveway sealcoating services and guarantees their work. Talk with the contractor about the best time to sealcoat in your area. Sealcoating should be done when temperatures are above 50 degrees F and no rain is forecast.
Preparing Your Driveway for Sealcoating
Your driveway should be clean and dry before sealcoating. A clean surface allows the sealant to adhere.
•Cut back vegetation along the edges of the driveway.
•Clean out dirt, vegetation and other debris in cracks or depressions.
•Fill cracks and holes with crack sealer or the appropriate repair mix.
•Spot-treat stains that may show through the sealant.
•Wash the driveway to remove oil, chemicals and dust. If needed, use a pressure washer on low pressure.
If your driveway has cracks or holes, ask NWS House Washing and Asphalt Seal Coating to fill them. We guarantee our work for one year.
Best Time to Sealcoat in Twin Tiers
The best time to sealcoat is during late spring, summer and early fall. Sealcoating must be done when temperatures are at least 50 degrees F and below 95 degrees F during the application process and overnight. Verify that there is no forecast of rain for at least two days after the sealant is applied. The driveway surface must remain dry for the coating to adhere and cure. As the sealant dries, it releases moisture. If there is a chance of early morning dew, sealant should be applied before 3 p.m.
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Our Sealcoating Service Areas
Sealcoating Services The Following New York Communities:
- Binghamton
- Elmira
- Corning
- Vestal
- Johnson City
- Endicott
- Owego
- Horseheads
- Sidney
- Oneonta
- Norwich
- Sidney
- Deposit
- Bainbridge
- Cooperstown
Sealcoating Services The Following PA Communities:
- Williamsport
- Sayre
- Towanda
- Wellsboro
- Mansfield
- Bradford
- Tunkhannock
- Montrose
- Honesdale
- Carbondale
- Scranton
- Wilkes-Barre
- Dallas
- Bloomsburg
- Lewisburg
Call today to see if we serve your community.
Choosing the Best Driveway Sealcoating
There are several types and grades of sealants in a wide price range, including:
•Coal tar.
•Asphalt emulsion.
•Latex-acrylic.
•Fast-dry.
Each has its pros and cons. The professional technicians at NWS House Washing and Asphalt Seal Coating will evaluate the condition of your driveway and other factors that may affect which type you select. We use commercial-grade sealants that last longer than do-it-yourself sealants available in home-improvement stores.
Understanding Different Types of Sealants
Coal tar is a common sealant, made from the byproducts of manufacturing coal, such as coking and gasification. However, many states and municipalities have banned coal tar because of its health and environmental hazards. Coal tar contains high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, which break down over time into dust particles that are carcinogenic. They can enter households as dust, percolate into the soil and contaminate waterways.
Asphalt emulsion is more environmentally friendly than coal tar. These sealants repel water well but are more susceptible to staining from oil and other chemical leaks.
Latex-acrylic sealants cost more but are highly durable, non-toxic and stain-resistant. They are available in several colors, are UV-resistant and can last up to 10 years.
Fast-dry sealants cure in less than one hour and are highly water-resistant. Fast-dry additives can be mixed into asphalt sealer products.
Recommendations for the Twin Tiers Climate
Each driveway sealcoating project is unique. Our trained technicians come to your home or business for a free consultation to assess the condition of the driveway and your needs. We recommend products that hold up under local climate conditions and are UV-, freeze-thaw- and moisture-tolerant.
Pros and Cons of Sealcoating
When sealcoating becomes part of your maintenance program, you save money, save time and keep your property looking attractive. However, there are some reasons that sealcoating might not be appropriate for your situation. Here are the details.
Advantages of Sealcoating
Sealcoating has many advantages:
• Protects against salt, oil, gasoline and chemical spills.
• Adds to the aesthetics and value of your property.
• Lasts several years before retreatment is needed.
•Extends the service life of the driveway.
• Saves money on resurfacing or replacement costs.
• Protects the driveway against water, snow and ice damage.
•Easy to clean.
•Attractive texture and color.
Potential Drawbacks and Mitigation
There are a few reasons why sealcoating may not be the best choice for your situation.
• Sealant cannot repair cracks or extensive damage. If your driveway is damaged, you should repair it before sealing.
• Although it saves money in the long run, the upfront cost can be several hundred dollars.
• Resealing must be done every two to five years depending on the condition of your driveway and how it is used.
• Sealant can make the driveway hotter.
• Sealing cannot be done in cold or wet weather.
• Sealcoating does not prevent all types of damage. If your driveway was not laid correctly, it can develop cracks under the sealant.
• Some sealants emit volatile organic compounds and contain chemicals that harm the environment.
Our professional team can evaluate your driveway and recommend the best treatment and materials to refresh your driveway and make it look new.
Driveway Repairs Before Sealcoating
If your driveway has cracks, potholes or other damage, it must be repaired before sealcoating. Sealcoating does not repair existing damage. NWS House Washing and Asphalt Sealcoating’s asphalt repair services can prepare your driveway for sealcoating. We will come to your home or business, evaluate the condition of your driveway and give a free estimate.
Identifying and Repairing Driveway Damage
Before sealcoating, you must inspect your driveway for damage. Cracks, potholes, loose asphalt or other damage must be repaired before sealant can be applied. Our professional team will come to your home or business and examine your driveway and inform you of any required repairs. We look at the condition of the pavement surface, edges and cracks that expose the substrate. Repairs must be made before applying sealant. Homeowners may choose to make repairs to small cracks themselves. However, large cracks and other damage are best left to professionals who have the experience, tools and high-grade materials to ensure the repair is well done and will last.
Importance of Repair Before Sealcoating
Repairing your driveway before sealcoating is essential to the sealant’s performance and longevity. If the driveway surface is dirty, wet, pitted or damaged, sealant will not adhere. If not repaired, cracks will continue to grow under the sealant, which will shorten the lifespan of the sealant and the driveway. After repairing, the filler must dry before applying sealant.
Cost of Sealcoating in the Twin Tiers Area
Sealcoating is more affordable than resurfacing or installing a new driveway. Nationally, costs for professional sealcoating range between $1.21 and $1.53 per square foot, which includes materials and labor.
Costs in the area we serve vary slightly from the national average. At NWS House Washing and Asphalt Sealcoating, we give free estimates for our driveway sealcoating services. Before we start work, you know how much you will pay for a professionally sealed driveway.
Average Cost of Sealcoating
The average cost to seal an asphalt driveway in the U.S. is approximately $470. Average prices range from $355 to $600 for a standard two-car, flat driveway. Coal tar is the least expensive type of sealant, ranging between $.08 and $.10 per square foot. Environmentally friendly sealants cost more, approximately $0.25 to $0.35 per square foot. They last longer than other types and can fill small holes and cracks. Labor costs depend on the amount of time required to apply the sealant.
Factors Influencing the Cost
Several factors influence the cost of sealcoating your driveway:
- Size of the area.
- Type of sealant.
- Number of coats.
- Condition of the driveway.
- Slope and configuration.
- Labor, which accounts for 50% to 70% of costs.
If your driveway needs repairs, this increases the cost. However, repairs are an important part of driveway maintenance. The longer you wait to repair problems, the more expensive it will be.
NWS House Washing and Asphalt Sealcoating offers commercial and residential asphalt repair and driveway sealcoating services. We give free estimates and back our work with a one-year warranty. We also give discounts to the active military and seniors. Call today to find out more about how sealcoating can protect your driveway and enhance the street appeal of your home or business.