| Article Index |
|---|
| The Benefits of Driveway Sealing |
| Driveway Sealing |
| Doing it Yourself |
| Going with Professional |
| Beware the Fly-by-Night Sealers |
| Understanding Driveway Sealing |
| All Pages |
Asphalt pavement is a mixture of graded stone aggregate and asphalt. The asphalt is the binder or glue that holds the pavement together. If left unprotected, asphalt is subject to degradation from oxidation and water penetration. Ultraviolet rays from the sun begin to break down the asphalt binder, changing the pavement surface color from black to gray. Gas, oil and other petrochemicals will dissolve the asphalt binder, causing holes and raveling.
As the asphalt binder is further broken down from the sun's rays, water begins to penetrate the surface. Water begins to erode the binder between the individual stones in the pavement. If cracks are present, water will begin to erode the base beneath the asphalt, causing the cracks to enlarge and eventually causing base failure in the form of potholes.
In Canada, pavement is subject to further damage from normal freeze thaw cycles. Water, in the form of melted snow and ice, enters the pores and cracks in the pavement. When temperatures fall below 32ยบ the water freezes, expanding and causing additional surface erosion and widening of cracks.
Regular application of crack filler and pavement sealer prevents damage by sealing in the asphalt binder that holds the driveway together and sealing out Ultraviolet rays and water penetration. Your driveway, and the investment it represents, is protected. The rich, black color of pavement sealer provides a beautiful, like new appearance. The sealed surface is easier to clean gas and oil resistant and helps to melt snow and ice faster.
