What Is Blacktop Sealer and Why Use It?

Hey there, you with the blacktop driveway. Yeah, you. Have you been noticing more cracks lately? Feeling like it’s not quite as solid and smooth as it used to be? If so, it’s probably time for a sealcoat. Sealcoating your asphalt driveway is one of the best things you can do to protect your investment and keep that surface in tip-top shape for years to come with this blacktop sealer.

A sealcoat forms a protective barrier over your driveway that blocks water, chemicals, and UV radiation from penetrating the asphalt. Without it, water seeps in and then freezes and expands, causing cracks. Sun exposure causes the asphalt to dry out and become brittle. But a fresh coat of sealant fixes all that, filling in tiny cracks and creating an impenetrable shield.

Your driveway takes a beating from the elements year-round, so do yourself and your home’s curb appeal a favor this season. A few hours of work now will save you big money on repairs down the road. Make this the year you resolve to sealcoat your blacktop driveway—your driveway will thank you for it!

The Benefits of Sealing Your Asphalt Driveway

Blacktop sealer is a protective coating you apply to asphalt driveways and walkways. It seals the porous blacktop surface to prevent damage from weather, chemicals, and wear and tear. 

Using a sealer on your driveway has some major benefits. First, it protects against water damage. Unsealed blacktop absorbs water, which can cause cracks as it expands and contracts in freezing weather. Sealer creates a waterproof barrier, preventing this damage. 

A sealer also protects against sun damage. UV radiation from the sun can cause blacktop to fade, harden, and become brittle over time. Sealer blocks UV rays to help your driveway retain its dark, even color and flexibility.

Sealing your driveway also helps prevent stains. Oil, gasoline, and other chemicals can seep into unsealed blacktop, leaving ugly stains. A coat of sealer prevents these stains from penetrating the surface. 

Lastly, sealcoating your driveway extends its lifespan. By protecting against the major causes of asphalt damage, a good sealer can add 3-5 years to the life of your driveway. 

So give your blacktop driveway some love this season. Clean it, fill any cracks, and apply 2 coats of high-quality sealcoating. Your driveway provides parking and access all year long—it deserves an protective barrier to keep it looking and functioning its best for years to come.  Keeping it sealed and maintained is an easy and affordable way to keep your curb appeal and property value high.

How to Choose the Right Blacktop Sealer

Sealing your asphalt driveway is one of the best things you can do to protect your investment and keep it looking fresh for years to come. Here are some of the major benefits of applying a sealcoat: 

Slows Down Deterioration

Exposure to the elements—sun, rain, snow and temperature changes—causes asphalt to harden and become brittle over time. A sealcoat acts as a protective barrier, slowing the oxidation process that leads to cracking and potholes. 

Improved Appearance

A fresh coat of sealant will renew the deep black color of your asphalt and give your driveway a smooth, glossy finish. It will hide small imperfections, stains and the faded gray look that comes with age. Your home’s curb appeal and property value will get an instant boost. 

Reduced Maintenance

Sealing your driveway helps prevent water damage, potholes, cracking and other deterioration that requires time-consuming and expensive repairs. You’ll spend less time and money patching, filling and re-paving. 

Longer Lifespan 

On average, a seal coated asphalt driveway can last 2 to 5 years longer than an unsealed one. For the cost of a few cans of sealant, you can gain many years of useful life from your driveway and postpone the need for a total replacement. 

Sealing an asphalt driveway is a smart investment that provides both short-term benefits and long-term rewards. For the relatively small upfront cost, you’ll enjoy a driveway that lasts longer, requires less work and always looks inviting. Why wait? Get your driveway sealed this year!