Your asphalt driveway is more than just a place to park your car—it’s an essential element of your home’s curb appeal and overall value. However, similar to any outdoor surface, it is vulnerable to the elements, changing weather conditions, and daily wear and tear.
Regular sealing is among the most effective methods for preserving your driveway.
So what if you don’t do this essential maintenance?
At Absolute Exterior Pros, we’ve personally witnessed the destruction that occurs when property owners fail to seal their blacktop driveways. Today, we’ll walk you through the dangers, expenses, and lasting effects of letting your blacktop go unsealed.
Faster Deterioration from Weather Exposure: Because the petroleum that provides its base is organic, it will oxidize on contact with light, oxygen, and water. Over time, this leads to:
- Fading (deep black to matte grey).
- Loss of flexibility
- Surface brittleness
Your driveway is exposed to UV rays, rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles that accelerate its decline without sealing.
Water Damage and Cracking: When your asphalt isn’t sealed, water can seep in through tiny cracks and pores in the surface. This is particularly dangerous in northern parts of the country, where freezing and thawing occur.
- Expansion and contraction of the asphalt.
- Formation of bigger cracks and holes
- Broken on the driveway edges
In the long run, this can cause significant structural damage and be costly to repair.
Oil, Gasoline, and Chemical Stains: Your driveway is exposed to oil drops, spilled gasoline, and other chemicals from cars and trucks.
If the pavement surface is unsealed, viscous petroleum spills will leave “stick out” marks in the asphalt binder, and these marks are virtually impossible to eliminate, even if it is scrubbed and power-washed.
When you seal your asphalt, you create a barrier that protects it, makes it easy to clean, and prevents permanent damage.
Costly Repairs and Shortened Lifespan: An unsealed driveway will require more frequent repairs. Common issues include:
- Crack filling
- Pothole patching
- Full resurfacing in extreme cases
These repairs will come quickly and be much more costly compared to regular sealing maintenance.
A well-kept and sealed asphalt driveway can last for 20-25 years. Without staining, you can reduce that lifespan by half.
Reduced Curb Appeal and Property Value: A faded, cracked, or otherwise damaged driveway doesn’t just look bad — it can decrease the resale value of your property.
Sealing helps your driveway maintain a sleek, black, and polished appearance that enhances curb appeal and leaves a better impression on visitors, neighbors, and prospective buyers.
Weed Growth in Cracks: Cracks or voids in unsealed driveways also encourage weeds to grow. Once weeds come, they spread the cracks wider and amplify the damage over time.
When water and dirt are kept from penetrating the material, it reduces the likelihood of weeds growing in the first place.
Protect Your Investment with Absolute Exterior Pros
At Absolute Exterior Pros, we offer a highly popular asphalt driveway sealing service that protects asphalt driveways from further damage.
We only use premium-quality sealer that will last and provide a protective coating that can withstand the elements, spills, and everyday wear and tear.
Nip minor problems in the bud before they turn into pricey fixes. Call us now for a free quote on asphalt sealing!
