We put in 5000 square feet of asphalt driveway/parking lot three years ago. It's starting to fade but still looks good, is in good shape, and there aren't many cracks or spalling....I gave the driveway and parking lot a year to stabilize after we built the house before we paved it. Should I seal it? My wife has been poking me about it since the spring and a local contractor who seals other driveways in the neighborhood stopped by last week and told her it would take 90 gallons to seal the whole thing and he would do it for $750. The Forman of the asphalt crew that initially paved it recommended that instead of sealing it every year or two just wait 8-10 years and put another 1" ? 11/2" top coat of asphalt on it, saying that was more cost effective. I live in Southern Maryland so it gets cold but not like up north. Is sealing it going to prolong the life other than the cosmetics? Or should I take the asphalt Forman's advice? If I seal it myself do I have to pressure wash it first or just slap it on after sweeping? Is the price quoted by the contractor a fair one, he says when he works alone he usually charges $10 a gallon, materials and labor included?
- posted
19 years ago