Is It Bad If You Don’t Seal Your Asphalt?

Asphalt is an incredibly durable material, so it’s no wonder why it’s used for paving roads, parking lots, driveways, and more. You may have heard some debate about the pros and cons and asphalt sealing and wonder whether or not you truly need to seal your asphalt. You may wonder whether asphalt sealing is just one of those add-on services that can certainly help to spruce up your asphalt, but ultimately, isn’t necessary. 

You’re in the right place! If you’re considering whether or not you need to seal your asphalt, continue reading to learn more about asphalt sealing and what it can and cannot do for you.

What Is Asphalt Sealcoating?

In order to better understand whether or not to seal your asphalt, it’s helpful to gain a better understanding of what asphalt seal coating even is. Asphalt seal coating is essentially a layer of protection laid on top of your asphalt. It helps to preserve the condition of your asphalt, as well as prevent damages from the weather and wear and tear. 

That all sounds great, but here’s why some people question whether or not you really need to seal your asphalt: asphalt is already durable, and if you have your asphalt seal coated, it’s a service that will need to be redone every few years. 

What Happens If You Don’t Seal Your Asphalt?

If you’re trying to save some money, naturally you want to know if it’s bad if you don’t seal your asphalt. If this is truly just a bonus service, then it seems like not doing it will save you money in the long run. As you’ll find through talking with a wide range of professionals, whether or not asphalt sealing is even necessary is quite a controversial topic. 

People who advise against sealing your asphalt say that it is a waste of money and that it can lead to harmful side effects. You must decide whether or not the benefits outweigh the money expenditure, and whether or not you are willing to maintain the seal coating.  

This depends on a variety of factors. The major determinant is the condition of the original asphalt and how well it was laid down. A professionally installed asphalt pavement can last for years on end. However, if your asphalt is subject to significant wear and tear or your area has lots of inclement weather, this can shorten your asphalt’s lifespan. 

Is Asphalt Sealcoating Worth It?

If you do decide to seal your asphalt, this can extend its lifespan. Since seal coatings already necessitate maintenance and you need to have your asphalt resealed every few years or so, they encourage you to stay on top of the condition of your asphalt. If you didn’t seal your asphalt, it would be easy to ignore issues until they become major problems.

Seal coating can also help you to save money by preventing damages and needing to prematurely replace your asphalt. This is because seal coating prevents water penetration (and potholes), resists chemical damages, and makes a smooth, easy surface to clean, while normal asphalt could prove more difficult.

While there are those who advise that you don’t seal your asphalt, most experts recommend that you have this service done. It’s important to note that in order for your seal coating to perform well, your existing asphalt needs to be in good condition. A seal coat is not a magic fix for an old, deteriorating asphalt parking lot. However, it can help a new or in good-condition asphalt parking lot stay in good condition for longer. 

Should You Seal Your Asphalt?

Technically, you don’t need to. However, it is highly recommended that you do. Not only can a seal coat beautify your asphalt pavement, but it can also prevent damage to it and help it last longer. In order to prevent premature deterioration, you should indeed seal your asphalt. 

Precision Asphalt Maintenance provides professional asphalt sealing services. We can help you with all of your asphalt needs, from fresh pavement to asphalt repair to crack sealing and more. Contact us today to learn more about our asphalt services or to schedule yours today!