Sealcoating is an important element to an asphalt driveway maintenance program, especially where the weather changes as dramatically as it does in Essex County with its hot summers and the cold winters. The new layer of the sealant will help protect your driveway against water, UV rays, oil spillages, and cracking. However, to make the best out of the driveway sealcoating in Essex precautionary measures ought to be taken to remove tendencies that can compromise quality and durability of the process.
Shortcutting Surface Preparation
The second common error committed by homeowners is the inability to clean up the surface prior to the use of the sealcoat. The sealant may not take hold of the asphalt because of dirt, oil stains and vegetation. Oil spot treatment and power washing should be used to ensure that the driveway is clean before sealcoating. There should be filling of cracks and repair of potholes. This prep step may be skipped in Essex County, where driveways are apt to accumulate debris (usually tree leaves or winter road salt) and, as a result, show peeling and patchiness.
Sealcoat applied Too Often
There is a myth that yearly sealcoating will give a driveway longer life. Quite on the contrary, the excess amounts of sealant may result in the formation of the layers, which may fall off with time. Sealcoating is required after every 2 to 3 years in most driveways in Essex. Using it excessively will only waste money and may cause an uneven surface and loss of traction. Always reapply after inspection of the condition of your driveway and according to the manufacturers or contractors’ recommendations.
Unlucky Timing of Conditions
In Essex, time is everything as far as driveway sealcoating is concerned. It is only possible to sealcoat when the weather is higher than 10 o C (50 o F) and no rain is expected within the 24-hour period. The curing process can be disrupted by humidity and sudden cold snaps as is not uncommon in Essex County during the spring and fall. When sealant is not applied under ideal conditions, it tends to have bad adhesion, uneven finish, or wear off too early.
Application of Low Quality Sealant
Sealants are not equal. Cost-saving may appear to be a good remedy but budget products are usually filled with materials that do not offer long-lasting protection. In Essex driveways which have to withstand the extreme traffic and the variable weather, it is useful to apply high quality and commercial grade sealant. The professional contractors of driveway sealcoating in Essex usually can work with improved products that can last longer and provide more protection against environmental stress.
DIY with Neither the Right Tools nor the Right Experience
Although they sell DIY sealcoating kits, it tends to give fewer professional results when you lack the appropriate tools or experience. Application errors are uneven application, missed spots, and improper mixing. On this, it is prudent to have a local contractor that is familiar with the local situation and materials that can be used in Essex County, in case you are not comfortable doing the job by yourself. They will make sure that the work is done in an efficient, clean and permanent manner.
Conclusion
Sealcoating driveway in Essex is a worthy maintenance procedure but it is critical to avoid some of the most crucial mistakes in order to achieve successful results. Everything matters, including surface preparation, the right time, quality materials, and assistance of experts. Sealcoating when properly applied is not only an improvement to the way your driveway looks, but it also preserves your investment in years to come.