Best driveway sealcoating pros near Springfield, MI

If you notice minor cosmetic problems with your driveway, you should seal it. Look out for cracks and holes on the surface, faded asphalt or concrete, and stains from oil and other chemicals. Replacing your driveway may be necessary if you’re dealing with significant problems—¼-inch cracks, large potholes, and puddles from drainage issues. The cost to install an asphalt driveway typically ranges between $4,200 and $9,000, significantly more than resealing. Consider talking to a professional to discuss whether resurfacing your driveway—a midway project between resealing and replacing—is a better option for you.

What causes driveways to crack can vary by driveway material. Sealcoating with the right formula creates a protective "shell" over a driveway. Resealing a driveway on schedule helps to preserve its lifespan substantially by keeping it protected against damage from UV rays, motor oil, chemicals, hail, rain, snow, and more. If you don't reseal your driveway, this will lead to brittleness, cracking, and potholes that can eventually cause your driveway to fall apart.

Chip seal lasts only 5 to 8 years on average. This lifespan is significantly shorter than asphalt. It is also less durable. Therefore, chip seal driveway only works if the traffic volume is extremely low. Chip seal is also less resistant to storms and hails. As impact builds up, the chips may become misplaced, creating an uneven driving surface that sometimes becomes hazardous and may damage your tires or cause your vehicle to lose balance.

Instead of a set number of types, asphalt comes in variations designed for different needs. Some are categorized by temperature—hot mix, warm mix, and cold mix. Others are sorted by composition, like dense-graded, gap-graded (such as Stone Matrix Asphalt), porous, and mastic asphalt. There are also modified versions with added compounds like polymers, rubber, or emulsions. Instead of focusing on a number, it may be more useful to understand how contractors customize asphalt for durability, climate, and traffic conditions.