Take a look at your driveway right now. How does it look? Is it full of cracks and looking a little run down? Your driveway may have seen better days. Months or years of rain, snow, and driving back and forth can cause numerous imperfections to form on the surface. A simple solution is to have the driveway seal-coated. Sealing a driveway simply means that a specially formulated sealant is poured over the surface to fill holes and cracks and cover up unsightly marks on the surface. When done properly, it can make the driveway look brand new again. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding if it’s a good idea to hire someone to seal your driveway today.
Wild Weather
When you live in an area like Nevada County, you know that there will be weeks in Fall and Winter where it rains nonstop. Then, when Summer rolls around, it gets extremely hot. Those swings cause the asphalt to expand and contract, leading to cracks. Also, for the times when it snows in the area, shoveling snow and putting down harsh rock salt during winter can cause significant damage to the driveway’s surface.
Oil or Fluid Leak
If one of your cars recently had a bad oil or fluid leak and stained the driveway, that’s another good reason to have the driveway sealed. Oil stains can’t be removed by simply running water over the surface — you have to get them covered.
If You’re Planning to Sell Soon
If you hope to sell your house soon, put getting your driveway sealed on the to-do list. Many real estate agents will tell you that curb appeal is crucial to selling your home at a price that will be close to your asking price. Some homes in Nevada County only have street parking, so having an attractive driveway with a smooth, black surface can be a big draw.
When to Hold Off: Is the Asphalt Fairly New?
Sealing is a good idea for many situations, but you should not seal a driveway surface that has been laid recently. You need to give a new driveway at least six months to set before seal-coating it.
The decision on whether it’s time to get your driveway sealed is mostly an aesthetic one; however, keep in mind that investing in this service can have many positive effects on the value of your home. Consider these factors in your decision before calling a professional for a quote to seal your driveway.
Looking to buy or sell in the Nevada County area? Give a Coldwell Banker agent a call today!
