Your driveway has a lot of enemies. Most of them appear perfectly harmless, but in plain view they are attacking the appearance and structure of the asphalt that was so carefully installed at your home. Natural elements such as the sun, heat and cold beat on your driveway incessantly. In southeastern Pennsylvania, the worst offender is water. While it gives the impression of washing away dust and dirt during a heavy rainfall, it is in fact tearing your driveway apart. Your best defense is to sealcoat your driveway, but it must be done under proper conditions.

The Best Months for Sealcoating Your Driveway

Most driveways can last two to five years between sealcoating applications. If you can see the color of the stones in the asphalt, it means the sealant has worn off.

Have your driveway professionally sealcoated between April and October to avoid colder temperatures. You do not want to sealcoat if the temperatures are forecasted to drop below 40 degrees at night. Late in October, the colder temperatures and less sunlight can have negative effects on the sealcoat curing process. It is not recommended to sealcoat in November unless we have an unusually warm week. You should never sealcoat in December, January, February or March.

In Montgomery, Chester, Delaware and Bucks counties we get plenty of sunny days, so choose a week when there is no rain in the forecast. Remember that you will not be able to walk or drive on the newly coated asphalt for at least 48 hours while it cures. There are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Neatly trim the grass at the edges of your driveway and any that has grown up through cracks. Blow away the clippings.
• At Maintain It All, we have the expertise to remove stains and grease from your driveway, but you can remove nearby objects such as potted plants or outdoor furniture.
• If your driveway needs repairs, we will take care of filling cracks and potholes.
• Make sure all vehicles, bicycles, children's toys and sports equipment have been moved away from your driveway.

What Is Sealcoating?

Sealcoating creates a protective membrane between your driveway and the elements. It prevents water from seeping through into the lower substrate. Sealcoating is only as effective as its application, making it best to ask the professionals to do it for you.

Professional Sealcoating for Your Driveway

At Maintain It All, we are the experts in asphalt maintenance and repair. Contact us today to book the best time for sealcoating your driveway.