Best driveway sealcoating pros near Ellington, MO

If your asphalt driveway shows cracks, potholes, or standing water, it’s likely time for a repair. Cracks, big or small, let water seep in, weakening the base and causing further damage. Potholes are a sign of this weakening process in action while standing water suggests your driveway has poor drainage, which can cause even more issues. You may also see warping or buckling—a sign of a compromised base layer—or sinking pavement. Spotting these signs early on can help you save yourself a bigger repair bill in the future.

Ideally, you should seal your driveway when there won’t be rain for several days, but at a minimum, there can’t be rain for at least 24 hours. If it rains shortly after you seal your driveway, the water can wash away the sealer and render your work useless. You’ll have to wait for your driveway to dry out and try applying again. Note that some sealers—like oil-based sealers or specialty fast-drying sealers—may cure faster. Ask your contractor for information on timing before the install, and if there’s rain in the forecast, postpone the job.

Asphalt driveways last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, but if you don’t stay on top of repairs, you may find yourself spending extra to replace your driveway before its typical lifespan. Stay on top of repairing cracks and potholes by routinely inspecting your driveway once or twice a year. It’s a good idea to pressure wash your asphalt driveway at least once a year to keep it clean. Apply a sealer every one to five years, based on your climate.

Maintaining a driveway depends on its material. For concrete and asphalt, it's best to clean the surface thoroughly twice a year with a stiff broom and a pressure washer to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Sealing the driveway is crucial to protect it from water damage and freeze-thaw cycles. Before applying a sealant, pressure wash the surface to remove any loose sealant, dirt, or stains, as sealing over them will trap them. Any cracks or expansion joints should be filled with a flexible polyurethane caulk or asphalt sealer. In colder climates, use sand instead of salt for de-icing. Sand helps melt snow and ice without accelerating the freeze-thaw process, which can cause cracks.