Get matched with top driveway sealcoating pros in Marks, MS

There are more pros than cons, but there are a few disadvantages to sealing your driveway to be aware of. Sealant can make the surface slippery, which can be a hazard, especially when the driveway gets wet. Look for sealants with abrasive additives to help counteract this. You’ll also need to remember to reapply your sealant every two years and budget for the expense that comes with it.

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.

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.

You should plan on sealing your driveway about once every five years, although you should plan to do it once every three years if your area experiences frequent rain or snow. Sealing your driveway protects it from moisture, UV rays, and chemicals from your car, like motor oil and antifreeze. If you find that your driveway stains easily or appears to be cracking or fading, you may want to schedule a sealing service regardless of when you last sealed it.