Tarmac driveways are very popular amongst property owners in Ireland. The top reason for this is that it is cost-effective.
The overall cost of building it is cheaper as compared to other types of drives. But despite its low price, it is very durable – lasting up to 25 years with proper installation and regular maintenance.
When it comes to maintaining a tarmacadam driveway, one of the common questions property owners have is whether they have to periodically seal it or not.
So, should you? Yes, sealing your tarmac driveway should be part of your maintenance to-do list if you want your drive to last many years.
Importance of Sealing a Tarmac Driveway
Just like other types of drives, those made of tarmac degrades over the years. Exposure to various elements breaks down the binder that holds the aggregate together. The tarmac surface dries up and becomes brittle, making the surface prone to cracking.
When these cracks are not immediately fixed, water is going to penetrate the surface and cause more cracks and potholes. Eventually, the problem becomes more extensive, and the driveway breaks down.
Proper and regular maintenance is key to preventing tarmac driveways from deteriorating rapidly. If you fail to do this, you might end up repairing or even replacing your drive which can be expensive.
Applying a tarmac sealer is one of the most effective and cheapest ways of protecting a tarmacadam driveway from premature wear and tear.
To understand the importance of this process, you have to know what a tarmac sealer is. Sometimes referred to as a tarmac restorer or tarmac paint, it is an emulsion that combines liquid binder and stone aggregate. It is specially formulated to restore the colour of the driveway and more importantly, keep the tarmac surface weather resistant and flexible.
It works by reintroducing the lost protective resins of the structure. In a newly built tarmac drive, the resins play a key role in binding the stone aggregate together and protecting the drive from cracking and other damages.
Benefits of Sealing Your Tarmac Driveway
Using a high-quality sealer on your drive keeps the surface flexible, enabling it to bend when temperatures fluctuate. As mentioned earlier, when the surface becomes inflexible, it is going to be more susceptible to cracking.
Applying the sealer also gives the tarmac surface a water-resistant coating. This prevents water or moisture from seeping through the surface into the substrate and base.
Sealing your tarmacadam drive can improve surface friction which is essential in reducing fretting or loosening of the aggregate. It can also help restore your driveway’s colour, making it look good as new.
Tips on Sealing a Tarmac Driveway
To keep your tarmac driveway in tiptop condition and prolong its lifespan, ensure that you apply a sealer every 3-5 years. But if you notice that your drive’s colour is fading and more cracks are appearing, there is no need to wait for the 3 or 5-year mark.
Simply applying a tarmac driveway sealer is not enough though. The quality of the product you use matters.
You may be tempted to go for a cheap tarmac sealer to save money, but this decision can cost you more later on. While it may make your drive look good after it’s applied, a low-quality sealer won’t last long. In most cases, the coating quickly peels off, resulting in property owners resealing their drive sooner than expected.
Admittedly, choosing the best sealant is quite challenging as there are many options to choose from. Make sure you do your research before buying any product to avoid wasting your money.
Lastly, sealing your driveway is not as easy as it seems. It can be a time-consuming and laborious project. This is because you cannot proceed to apply the coating without addressing other existing issues like cracks and potholes. So, unless you have the know-how and time, it is best to let professionals do this task.
Thinking of sealing your tarmac driveway? We have qualified driveway pavers who are experienced in building and maintaining tarmacadam drives in Dublin. Call us now on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 to get a free quotation!
