Winter in Zion, IL, is no joke. The freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and salt can wreak havoc on your driveway, leaving it cracked and weather-beaten by the time spring rolls around. If you’re a homeowner in Zion, you’ve probably noticed your asphalt driveway looking worse for wear after a few brutal winters. The good news? There’s a solution that can protect your driveway from the harsh elements: sealcoating. In this blog, we’ll explore how driveway sealcoating in Zion, IL can help protect your asphalt and why it’s a smart investment for 2024. Plus, we’ll give you some key tips to ensure you get the best results when sealing your driveway after a harsh winter.

The freeze-thaw cycle is a major culprit when it comes to driveway damage. In Zion, IL, winter temperatures drop below freezing at night and then rise slightly during the day. This constant freezing and thawing can cause the water beneath your driveway to expand and contract, leading to cracks in the asphalt. Over time, these cracks worsen, allowing more water to seep in and further damage your driveway.

In addition to the freeze-thaw cycle, the salt and chemicals used to melt snow and ice can degrade the surface of your driveway. These substances cause the asphalt to break down faster, leaving it vulnerable to potholes and further cracking. The more winters your driveway endures without proper protection, the more damage it will accumulate.

Sealcoating is a process where a protective layer is applied to the surface of your asphalt driveway. This layer serves as a shield, protecting the asphalt from the elements, including moisture, UV rays, chemicals, and, of course, the freeze-thaw cycle.

If your driveway has just made it through a particularly tough winter, sealcoating can help to:

• Extend the life of your driveway: By sealing small cracks and providing a protective layer, sealcoating helps prevent further damage and deterioration.
• Enhance curb appeal: A freshly sealcoated driveway looks dark and smooth, instantly boosting your home’s curb appeal.
• Save money on repairs: Regularly sealcoating your driveway can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for major repairs or even complete resurfacing.

In 2024, homeowners are becoming more conscious about their impact on the environment. This shift has led to an increase in the use of eco-friendly driveway sealcoating products. Many companies now offer low-VOC (volatile organic compound) sealants, which are less harmful to the environment while still providing excellent protection for your driveway.

Choosing a company like Armored Asphalt for your driveway sealcoating in Zion, IL ensures you’re getting high-quality, eco-friendly products that not only protect your driveway but also reduce your environmental footprint. It’s a win-win situation for both you and the planet.

Timing is everything when it comes to sealcoating your driveway. After a harsh winter, spring is usually the best time to start thinking about sealcoating. However, it’s important to wait until the temperatures are consistently above 50°F to ensure the sealant adheres properly. In Zion, IL, this typically means waiting until late spring or early summer.

2024 weather predictions indicate longer winters and more unpredictable temperature swings, so homeowners should keep a close eye on the forecast and book their sealcoating services as soon as conditions are right. Don’t wait until the heat of summer, when scheduling can be tight and prices may rise due to increased demand.

Not sure if your driveway is ready for sealcoating? Here are a few signs that it’s time to call in the professionals for driveway sealcoating in Zion, IL:

• Fading color: If your driveway has lost its rich black color and turned a grayish hue, it’s likely due for a sealcoat. The fading color is a sign that the asphalt is drying out and losing its flexibility, making it more susceptible to cracks.
• Cracks and small holes: Sealcoating is ideal for addressing small cracks and holes. However, if your driveway has large cracks or deep potholes, you’ll need to repair those first before applying the sealcoat.
• Water pooling: After a rainstorm, check to see if water is pooling in certain areas of your driveway. This could be a sign that the asphalt’s surface is becoming less porous and needs a sealcoat to restore its protective properties.

To get the most out of your sealcoating, it’s important to follow the right steps. Here’s what you can expect when you hire a professional company like Armored Asphalt for your driveway sealcoating in Zion, IL:

1. Thorough cleaning: The driveway needs to be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and oil stains. This ensures the sealant adheres properly to the asphalt surface.
2. Crack filling: Any cracks or small holes in the driveway will be filled before the sealcoat is applied. This step helps prevent water from seeping into the asphalt and causing further damage.
3. Sealant application: The sealant is applied evenly across the driveway, creating a smooth and protective barrier. It’s important that the sealant is applied in the right conditions (i.e., warm weather and no rain) to ensure proper curing.
4. Drying time: After the sealcoat is applied, it needs time to dry and cure. This typically takes 24-48 hours, depending on weather conditions. During this time, it’s important to keep cars and heavy equipment off the driveway.

While some homeowners may be tempted to tackle sealcoating as a DIY project, hiring professionals like Armored Asphalt offers several advantages:

• Experience and expertise: Professionals know exactly how much sealant to apply and how to properly prepare your driveway for sealcoating. They can also spot potential issues that you might miss, ensuring your driveway is in top condition before the sealant is applied.
• High-quality materials: Professional companies use commercial-grade sealants that last longer and provide better protection than the products available at your local hardware store.
• Saves you time and effort: Sealcoating is a labor-intensive process that requires the right tools and equipment. By hiring professionals, you save yourself the time and hassle of doing it yourself.

Sealcoating your driveway not only helps to repair damage after winter but also prepares your driveway for the next one. By adding a protective layer to the surface of your driveway, you’re preventing water, snow, and ice from seeping into the asphalt and causing further damage during the freeze-thaw cycles that Zion homeowners are all too familiar with.

In 2024, with the possibility of harsher and longer winters, sealcoating becomes an even more crucial step in maintaining your driveway’s longevity. By investing in regular sealcoating, you can extend the life of your driveway and avoid costly repairs down the road.

If you’re a homeowner in Zion, IL, and you’ve noticed your driveway showing signs of winter damage, now is the time to act. Armored Asphalt specializes in driveway maintenance, and we’re here to help you protect your investment with professional driveway sealcoating in Zion, IL. Our team uses the latest eco-friendly sealants and techniques to ensure your driveway looks great and withstands the elements for years to come.

Call us today to schedule your sealcoating appointment and give your driveway the protection it deserves!