When you are selecting driveway supplies for your custom residential construction project, asphalt is likely to be your top preferred material. And this is not surprising. This material offers many benefits ranging from quick and affordable installation to longevity and enhanced kerb appeal. Nevertheless, to maximise on the lifespan of an asphalt driveway, you need to ensure that you provide it with the right maintenance, or you will find that you have to engage in recurrent repairs due to the formation of cracks and sun damage. Thankfully, maintenance does not have to be arduous. To supplement occasional professional inspection and repairs, you can prolong the longevity of your asphalt driveway by having routine spray sealing done. Below are just a few of the reasons why driveway spray sealing should be considered essential upkeep for an asphalt driveway.

Protection from the changing elements

Australia's tropical climate means you will experience climatic change irrespective of your location. And in some parts of the country, the weather changes can be severe. If your driveway is not sheltered, direct exposure to these changing weather patterns will increase the rate of deterioration. For instance, extremely high temperatures followed by a drastic drop in temperature will cause rapid expansion and contraction of the asphalt, and this will lead to the formation of cracks. Moreover, when left unaddressed, the freeze and thaw cycles of ice in winter will cause the progressive expansion of any pre-formed cracks. To prevent any of this damage in the first place, it is important to spray seal the driveway fairly routinely. The sealing fills minor cracks as they happen, and this helps mitigate water damage.

Safeguard against contaminants

The second threat posed to your asphalt driveway is a vast range of contaminants. To begin with, debris such as organic matter, dust, dirt and more is constantly collecting on the surface of the asphalt. Additionally, the driveway itself is constantly subjected to oil leaks, fuel leaks, coolant leaks and leaks of other automotive fluids. When left bare, the asphalt will gradually begin to degrade since these toxic chemicals will steadily corrode its surface. Before you know it, driveway replacement may end up being the only way to restore functionality. Spray sealing is a cost-effective and time-efficient method of safeguarding your driveway against a majority of potential contaminants. In addition to forming an even layer over the surface of the driveway, the spray sealant permeates into the minor cracks that have formed, preventing the chemicals from pooling inside them.