Can You Seal The Gap Between Concrete And Asphalt?

You know that gap between your driveway and your garage floors? Or between your driveway and the sidewalks and paths around your property? Many homeowners wonder if you can seal the gap between concrete and asphalt to improve the aesthetic appeal of their home. You’ll be pleased to learn that yes, you can indeed seal the gap between concrete and asphalt. Sealing this gap is important not only to enhance the curb appeal of your home, but also to increase the lifespan of your concrete and your asphalt, as well as to prevent damages.

Here’s what you need to know about what that gap even is, why you should seal the gap between concrete and asphalt, and what you should do if you need to have said gap sealed. Let’s get into it!

What Is The Gap Between Concrete And Asphalt?

The gap between your asphalt driveway and your concrete driveway, sidewalk, paths, and the like is called an expansion joint. The expansion joint is what allows for the expansion and contraction of concrete as temperature changes, in order to prevent it from cracking due to the stress of not having room to expand.

Should You Seal The Gap Between Concrete And Asphalt?

Expansion joints sound pretty important, so should you even seal the gap between concrete and asphalt or is it better to leave them be? You don’t want to interfere with their function, after all, or end up causing your concrete or asphalt to develop cracks that will make them more unsightly and cause them to have a shortened lifespan due to the damages. You’ll be relieved to learn that yes, you both can and should seal the gap between concrete and asphalt. 

There are a number of reasons why you should seal the gap between concrete and asphalt. One of which is for aesthetic reasons, yes, but sealing the gap between concrete and asphalt is also important in order to help both your concrete and your asphalt last longer.

Here’s why you should seal the gap between concrete and asphalt.

Aesthetic Appeal

Most people ask if you should seal the gap between concrete and asphalt because they simply don’t like the look of it. This is completely valid. Sealing the gap between your concrete and your asphalt boosts your property’s curb appeal by making it appear smoother and more uniform and cohesive. 

Prevent Damages

When you seal the gap between concrete and asphalt, you’re not only enhancing the curb appeal of your property, you’re also protecting it from damages. This is because left unsealed, water can get into these joints and the base materials and structure of your home. This can cause all sorts of problems, such as cracks, structural damages, and more. 

Water can damage your concrete in multiple ways, such as corrosion of the rebars, creating a chemical reaction that causes the concrete to crumble, and causing a freeze-thaw cycle that can lead to cracks snaking their way through your concrete and asphalt. 

Keep Plants And Insects Out

Plants and insects can cause damage to your concrete and asphalt as they grow and expand their colonies. This can lead to cracking, heaving, water accumulation, and more. By sealing the gap between your concrete and your asphalt, you’re keeping these things out and protecting your property. 

What Should You Be Mindful Of When Sealing The Gap Between Concrete And Asphalt?

If you’re going to seal the gap between concrete and asphalt, your goal is to protect your property and make it look better. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to having this project done. For instance, you don’t want to use any hard materials, as these will end up cracking too, and cause stress on your concrete and asphalt. You also want to ensure the gap is clear of any debris prior to having it sealed.

It’s important that the material used to seal the gap between concrete and asphalt is flexible, so that it allows for the expansion and contraction of your materials, while still keeping water, insects, and debris out. 

Additionally, both sides on either side of the gap should be roughly the same height. If they’re not, they’ll need to be leveled before you can seal the gap between concrete and asphalt. 

Do You Need To Seal The Gap Between Concrete And Asphalt?

Precision Asphalt Maintenance can seal the gap for you and improve the aesthetic appeal and safety of your home. Contact us today!