Did you enjoy playing blocks as a child? Maybe you liked stacking them up and then letting them tumble down. Or maybe you enjoyed creating the most elaborate structures you could dream of. People with this affinity for playing blocks often find that they like working as contractors and construction workers. After all, these jobs are sort of like playing blocks for grownups! You get to build things, albeit these things are much more complex than block towers. Sometimes, you also get to knock things down. If you like this analogy as much as we do, then we invite you to read more about construction and contractors on this website.
Your asphalt driveway is invaluable, and you want to ensure your investment is protected. Unfortunately, due to changes in weather, damage caused by your vehicle, and overall wear and tear, your asphalt driveway can suffer from cracks. If you do not seal these cracks, the cracks can spread, and you can wind up needing to prematurely replace your asphalt driveway. Here is what you can expect while the cracks in your driveway are being sealed.
Determining the Extent of the Damage
The professionals will inspect your driveway and determine the extent of the cracking and if the cracks can be sealed or if the cracks need to be repaired and filled before sealant is applied. For example, if the crack is minor and there is little deterioration at the edges, the cracks might just require sealant. Other types of cracks, such as block cracks or reflective cracks, might need to be filled, in addition to having sealant applied.
In addition to determining the extent of the cracking, the professional can also help you identify the underlying causes of the cracks, and to help prevent them in the future. For example, if you have block cracks, which resemble squares, the issue could be a lack of drainage.
Preparing the Site
You will be asked to move your vehicles, bicycles, and any other obstructions from your driveway for several hours to allow the sealant to cure and dry properly. Next, the professionals will thoroughly clean the asphalt driveway to remove any dirt and debris. If there are any small holes or severe cracks that must be filled, this will occur before the sealant is poured onto your driveway.
Filling the cracks involves first pulling out any weeds, dirt, and debris before pouring a hot, rubberized asphalt component into the deeper cracks. This helps prevent future cracking and water damage.
Sealing Your Driveway
Next, the driveway will be dampened with a garden hose or pressure washer before the asphalt sealant is poured onto the asphalt. The professionals will then use a specialized roller, or squeegee if you have a smaller driveway, to spread out an even layer of the asphalt sealant.
Keep your children and pets away from the area while the sealant is being applied. The driveway sealant does contain potentially toxic chemicals that can be irritating to the skin and lungs if inhaled. You will need to wait for several hours to several days, depending upon the weather, before you can park on your newly sealed driveway.
Having the cracks in your driveway sealed by professionals is the best way to protect your investment and ensure you can continue to enjoy your driveway for several years to come. Contact a local paving contractor to learn more about crack sealing.