Get matched with top driveway sealcoating pros in Canton, TX

When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:

• How many years of experience do you have?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Do you have worker’s compensation?

• Do you use subcontractors on your projects?

• Do you clean up after the job is done?

• Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?

• Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?

• Do you give free estimates?

• What is the timeline for completion?

• How do you handle change orders?

• Can you provide at least three references?

• Can I see some of the work you’ve done?

In general, water-based driveway sealers are considered the most eco-friendly option. Products that utilize water, limestone, and some basic binding agents have lower VOC levels and odor levels compared to sealants made with oil or tar. In recent years, soy-based driveway sealers have become available for homeowners who want fully VOC-free driveway sealers.

Yes, it’s possible to seal your driveway too much. Whether you have an asphalt or concrete driveway, sealing it every year opens your driveway to potential damage. Sealing an asphalt driveway annually may cause the seal to crack and peel even more. It may even trap oils within the asphalt that can leave you driving on a soft driveway. Avoid sealing your concrete driveway too much to prevent the concrete from cracking. If water enters these cracks, it can freeze, expand, and cause the cracks to worsen.

Maintaining a driveway depends on the material your driveway is made of. Concrete and asphalt should be sealed to protect against water and freeze-thaw cycles. Cracks and expansion joints should be filled with a flexible polyurethane caulk or asphalt sealer. Before you apply a sealant to your driveway, consider pressure washing the surface. It will take off any loose sealant and any grime that might have caused a stain. Sealing over dirt and stains will trap it under the sealer.

If you live in colder climates, consider using sand rather than salt to de-ice. Sand helps melt the snow and ice without speeding up the freezing and unthawing process of your driveway, which helps prevent cracks from forming from the constant fluctuation of temperatures.