How to Properly Seal Your Asphalt Driveway in Ottawa

It has been observed that asphalt driveway installation is much in demand among the residents of Ottawa because of their endurance and beauty. Nevertheless, these facility requirements should be frequently cleaned and maintained to continue performing their purpose and to retain their aesthetic appeal. Sealing is one of the best practices that a homeowner should take to ensure that his or her asphalt driveway enjoys a long duration. In Ottawa, for instance, with the extreme weather conditions that ravage the area, an asphalt sealing in Ottawa is needed as it deteriorates the performance of your driveway. Below are the proper steps to follow when sealing your asphalt driveway so that it will remain in good condition all the time.

 

The Importance of Asphalt Sealing

 There are several issues that are associated with the climate of Ottawa in regard to asphalt driveways. Temperature variation in the city is rather dramatic: summer is very hot and winter is rather cold; this puts strains on the asphalt, which expands during summer and contracts during winter, leading to mere cracks. Also, de-icing agents containing road salt and UV radiation exposure may damage the surface even more. Sealing prevents your driveway from contracting these elements, which cause cracks, potholes or general deterioration of the areas that get in contact with them.

 

 How to Seal Your Asphalt Driveway: A Beginner’s Checklist

 

 Preparation

 

 Thus, in order to produce good seal that will last for a long time one must prepare himself and the work area adequately. Begin by washing the surface of the driveway with a lot of attention. Sweep it with a broom or blowing it with a blower to wash off debris, leaves and dirt. For tough stains, it is possible to use a pressure washer to get through them. Make sure that the surface is properly dried up before beginning the sealing process because moisture will always hinder the adhesion of sealant.

 

 Repairing Cracks and Holes

 

 By applying the sealant, the existing crack or holes in the asphalt should be first repaired. This will work well once it has been painted over so do the same for these imperfections: Use a crack filler or patching material. There are, however, some cases, where a larger number of cracks of potholes that would require a more significant repair. When using any filler or patching material ensure that you adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions as well as wait until it has fully cured before proceeding to the sealing process. Closely managed repair of cracks and holes will make the surface to be smooth and guarantee that no moisture will be trapped in the sealant.

 

 Choosing the Right Sealant

 

 Choosing the right sealant type is very important for sealing services in the asphalt beach. Different categories of sealants are categorized depending on their composition; these include the coal-tar, asphalt and polymer modified sealants. There are sealers that are prefabricated and are polymer modified to ensure that they are elastic to weather conditions in Ottawa, UV rays and other conditions that lead to cracking. Make sure that the sealant you buy is right for your asphalt and is also legal in your locality.

 

 Applying the Sealant

 

 Sealant application should be done during dry and clear day when the temperature is above 10°C (50°F) owing to the fact that it will cure faster at such conditions. Spread the sealant using a squeegee or any sealant applicator so as to make the surface of the driveway slippery. Beginning with one point of the driveway and move towards the other side applying the sealant in small amounts at a time. Do not apply it too often in one area because this will only result to accumulation and formation of pools. Ideally, one should go by the manufacture’s recommendations in terms of how to apply the material and the thickness expected.

 

 Curing Time

 

Another issue which is important after applying the sealant is to ensure that the sealant cures adequately. Generally, for the newly coated driveway it has been advised that one should not drive on it especially for 24-48 hours from the time of sealing as directed by the manufacturer. It is actually a cure period that offers the best protection of the sealant to the asphalt allows the sealant to bond to it thoroughly. Never allow anyone to park in the driveway or drive on it during this period as this will ruin the surface and texture of the driveway.

 

 Regular Maintenance

 

 To ensure that the lifespan of your driveway is stretched for as long as possible after the sealing process you should ensure that you do some routine maintenance. Generally, perform routine checks on the driveway to ensure that any signs of wear and tear, or any possible damages are noticed. Here we recommend that any issues that arise should be addressed to avoid any deterioration of the situation. Even experts stress that one must reapply this sealant every 2-3 years or whenever a current coat wears off to preserve that protective barrier and keep the driveway in top shape.

 

 Conclusion

 Sealing your asphalt driveway is a very important process when it comes to its durability and appearance that should not be taken lightly especially if you are from Ottawa. If own proper preparation, repair and application, and select the right high-quality seal, the way can survive the weather conditions of Ottawa. Sealing of the driveway not only helps in expanding its durability but also make your driveway to have an appealing look and worth. It will then be possible to maintain your driveway well to make sure that it is sealed at the right time, thus having a long-lasting driveway that will be able to be attractive and smooth all through.