Asphalt driveway cracks are infuriating, but nearly can't be avoided in the long term. The major culprits are the changing weather, water, and age. Asphalt melts and expands when hot in the summer and is cold and tight in the winter, so it softens and cracks. Water makes the situation worse by seeping in and freezing, creating larger cracks. Asphalt also becomes more brittle and vulnerable as it ages.
A good oil-based sealer keeps out by keeping the surface flexible and pushing away water. Water-based sealers sound great, but they crack and wear more quickly. The best you can do is to quickly seal those cracks before they become big problems—frequent sealing is great to keep your driveway in top shape.
Reasons Why Your Asphalt Driveway Cracks
1. Weather Extremes
One of the biggest offenders when it comes to cracking asphalt is the weather. Temperature changes can really wreak havoc on your driveway.
Asphalt doesn't stay still when the weather is changing. In warmer weather, the material will expand, and in colder weather, it will shrink. This constant give-and-take action can lead to the structure weakening over time, causing cracks.
By applying an oil-based sealer, you can stop this process from destroying your driveway. The sealer creates a flexible surface that can move with the asphalt, protecting it from cracks that would otherwise take place.
2. Water Penetration
Water is also a major enemy of your driveway. When water enters the asphalt driveway cracks, it can cause a lot of destruction.
Over time, the water will freeze in cold temperatures, and when it freezes, it expands even more, further opening up the cracks. Freezing and thawing is a recipe for disaster.
An oil-based sealer seals out water by creating a barrier that keeps moisture from seeping into the asphalt. With this protection, the chances of water-induced cracks are significantly reduced.
3. Ageing
Ageing happens to all things and all people, with asphalt being no different. As the asphalt gets older, it loses natural flexibility and becomes brittle. This makes asphalt driveway cracks more likely to happen, especially when exposed to heavy use or normal wear and tear.
Continued use of oil-based sealants keeps the asphalt flexible so that it can withstand pressure without cracking. Not only does this extend the life of your driveway, but it keeps the surface looking better for longer.
4. Water-Based Sealants
All sealants are not equal when it comes to sealants. Some homeowners might be tempted to use a water-based sealant because they sound like the convenient option, but this is not always the best choice.
Water-based sealants harden into a hard, brittle coating. Even though it seems to be protecting the pavement at first, this sealant is not as flexible. With changing weather patterns or with trucks driving over it, that rigid coating breaks and causes more damage.
This inflexible coating will not last like oil-based sealants that expand and contract when the weather varies. Sealants oil-based are tougher and can give your driveway the long-lasting protection it needs.
What Do You Do If Your Asphalt Driveway Is Cracked
When asphalt driveway cracks begin to form, it may be tempting to do nothing or delay repairs. But small problems have a way of becoming really big ones if left unchecked.
Resolving cracks in their early stages is significantly easier and cheaper than allowing them to develop further. Spending some time to reseal your driveway with an oil-based sealant can be a world of trouble avoided in the long term.
The good news is that you don't need to become a driveway expert in order to maintain your asphalt properly. With some basic understanding of how weather, water, and time affect the surface, you can take preventive measures to avoid cracks from forming or getting worse.
Applying the right type of sealer at the right times is a simple and efficient way of prolonging the life of your driveway, protecting your investment, and avoiding the hassle of having to work with enormous repairs.
The best you can do is respond immediately once you notice something wrong. Do not allow asphalt driveway cracks to get larger or your driveway's condition to deteriorate further. By applying a good-quality, oil-based sealer regularly, you're giving your driveway the care it deserves. And, it will save you the hassle of having to deal with cracks that just continue to get worse and worse. A little bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way in keeping your driveway looking smooth and solid for years to come.
