Should I seal my concrete or asphalt driveway?

Your vehicle, or vehicles, spend more time on your concrete driveway or asphalt driveway than any other single piece of road. As such, it should come as no surprise that driveway damage is a regular occurrence for vehicle-owning families. Like many other home improvement projects, early attention can help prevent a small problem from escalating into something major. Crack sealing in your driveway, if addressed regularly, can be a quick and easy fix. If cracks are allowed to grow and spread, however, the resulting damage could be devastating for both your driveway and pocketbook. The experts at Burnaby Blacktop have been tackling all levels of crack sealing projects for years and are confident in their ability to address the needs of both concrete driveways and asphalt driveways. Continue reading to learn more about the crack sealing process and to see if it is something that your driveway may need. Then, waste no time in contacting the professionals at Burnaby Blacktop to take it from here.

What causes cracks in concrete or asphalt?

In general, most driveway damage and cracking come down to the age of the surface in combination with extended exposure to inclement weather. If a driveway is unsealed, moisture from rain and snow will work its way into the porous concrete or asphalt, pool up, and eventually weaken the material to the point of cracking. This is especially common in geographical areas that are prone to regular melt-freeze cycles, such as much of British Columbia. In addition to the uncontrollable effects of weather, creeping tree roots can create cracking from underneath and heavy vehicle use can weaken driveway surfaces from above. Driveway sealing can help protect the integrity of your driveway even when faced with the challenges provided by rain, snow, roots, and cars. Crack sealing focuses on damaged areas to strengthen them to their near original quality.

Can you seal your concrete driveway or asphalt driveway on your own?

While generally a big undertaking, it is absolutely possible to handle any driveway crack sealing on your own. The biggest concern here is that the process tends to be fairly expensive. As such, you want to make sure it is done correctly the first time and that no irreversible damage is done along the way. The experts at Burnaby Blacktop are more than happy to provide any tips and advice you may want, but our professionals are also always eager to take these projects on themselves. After all, it’s what we do!

What should you consider when hiring a contractor to take care of your driveway?

There are many different ways to seal a driveway and each company will handle each job slightly differently. As you explore your options, there are a few things to take into consideration. For one, there are many different options for chemicals to use when sealing your driveway, and each has its own set of pros and cons. Ask your contractor what they plan to use, why, and what some of the “side effects” maybe. Additionally, good contractors will repair driveway cracks before sealing them. You should either ensure this is the case with your team before signing any contract. Alternatively, you can easily repair the cracks yourself by cleaning them and filling them with an “over the counter” concrete or asphalt sealer. Finally, as with any home improvement professional, you should seek someone with clear and honest communication that will keep you in the loop throughout the entire process. It is really helpful to get cost and time estimates upfront, be notified of any changes throughout and generally be walked through the process from start to finish.

If you have noticed cracks in your driveway or other developing damage, waste no time in working to fix it. Whether that means taking on the project on your own or hiring experts like those at Burnaby Blacktop, the most important thing is to not put it off any further. Around the house small problems can, and often do, turn into big issues. If you have any questions about the condition of your driveway, give Burnaby Blacktop a call today. We are more than happy to provide a professional opinion and help you find the most effective and affordable fix for whatever the problem may be.