Driveway sealing is primarily used to ensure the longevity and maintain the appearance of your driveway. It can be used across many different driveway materials such as asphalt, tarmac and block paving. This article will describe what exactly driveway sealing is and what the benefits of sealing your driveway are.  

What is driveway sealing?

Driveway sealing is a process where a protective coating (sealant) is applied to the surface of the driveway to protect the material underneath. The aim of using sealant is to preserve the driveway material so it does not need to be replaced or maintained as frequently and, therefore, saves you money in the long-term. There are a few different types of sealants available and these will vary in suitability depending on the type of driveway you have. These different sealants have different properties, for example how long-lasting they are or how quickly they dry, and can vary a lot on price too – generally the more you pay, the more good features you get!

Sealant works by shielding your drive from conditions which can be damaging to the driveway material, such as water penetration, weather damage, staining and corrosion.

Advantages to driveway sealing:

Prevents water penetration:

Generally, driveways are made of a porous material which means that water can seep through it and damage the surface, often ending up with cracks and erosion, especially when the water goes through freeze/thaw cycles. In block paved driveways, water can create additional problems by loosening the sand between the bricks. Sealing your driveway prevents these problems occurring by creating a waterproof layer over the driveway and by securing the sand.

Protects from staining:

Due to the porous materials used in driveways, staining is a frequent issue. Small amounts of the contaminant, e.g. oil, grease or dirt, can seep into the driveway and become near-impossible to clean away. Applying sealant is a preventative measure to stop this as it seals off the little pores in your driveway. If your driveway does need a clean, it will subsequently be easier to lift the dirt from a sealed driveway as the contaminants won’t have seeped into the material.

Protects colouring and increases lifespan:

The protection driveway sealing provides means that the drive surface, including the colouration and finish, is maintained for longer. This means that your driveway will look better and stay in a good condition for a greater amount of time. Reapplying sealant every few years should notably extend the lifespan of your driveway.

Prevents plant growth:

A factor particularly relevant to block paving driveways, plant growth can make your driveway look untidy and increase the formation of cracks. Driveway sealing can really minimise plant growth by sealing off the pores where plants can take root.

In conclusion, driveway sealing is an excellent option to increase the longevity and finish of your driveway. Although it is not essential, sealing has many great benefits and can save you money from repairs in the long-term. If you would like more information about driveway sealing at your property or the services UK Surfacings Ltd provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.