Tips for DIY road sealing in Gold Coast and Dubbo.
Home and property owners always want their properties to look attractive and inviting, and property driveways are no exception. However, keeping the pathways clear and crack-free often takes time and effort. Because driveways and entryways are thought to last many years before requiring repair, they are often neglected when it comes to home maintenance.
It’s recommended to regularly maintain the driveway through road sealing to keep it looking new. Otherwise, cracks and crevices may form after a few years and lead to unavoidable damage in the future.
Road sealing is undertaken by professionals, but if budget is an issue, doing it yourself is a popular solution. DIY road sealing is cost-effective and practical for budget-conscious property owners.
What is driveway sealing, and why is it important?
Road sealing involves applying a thin layer of liquid coating product over a road or pavement to fill in cracks and holes. When cracks and crevices are not immediately addressed, they may become bigger and cause further damage to the driveway.
Here are other reasons to conduct road sealing:
Road sealing can also protect the driveway from different types of damage.
Pathways are always exposed to harmful weather conditions and other environmental factors. The thin layer applied over the pavement can help protect the road from the damage caused by harsh wind, rain, extreme heat, and other weather elements.
Sealing the driveway extends the life of the driveway.
Cracks are one of the most common issues of driveways. When not immediately addressed, cracks may cause the deterioration of the road. Preventing these from forming through road sealing can eventually help extend the lifespan of the driveways.
Sealing the driveway is cost-effective in the long run.
With the right amount of knowledge, the proper tools and equipment, and the appropriate products, road sealing is a very economical way of maintaining a property’s road and driveway.
It helps retain the look of the driveway.
Road sealing coats the driveway with a thin layer of product. The product helps preserve the driveway’s condition by providing an extra layer of protection against harmful weather, traffic, and vehicle fluids.
9 DIY Road Sealing Tips
Road sealing can provide the driveway protection from everyday wear and tear. If you are looking for a cheaper way to seal your road in the meantime, here are some tips to you can consider when undertaking a DIY road sealing project:
1. Know what kind of sealant to use.
It would be a costly project if the homeowner would be purchasing the wrong product for the driveway. There are various types of driveway sealants depending on the kind of driveway. For example, concrete driveways require epoxy, silicate, or acrylic sealants. Asphalt driveways should be applied with coal tar, rubberised sealer, or asphalt-based sealant.
2. Know how much sealant to purchase.
Measure the driveway to determine how much sealant to buy from the hardware store.
3. Gather all the tools and equipment to be used.
Among the supplies required for the DIY road sealing include the following:
- Power washer or hose with spray nozzle
- Detergent soap, oil-degreasing detergent
- Gloves
- Brush (stiff-bristled)
- Squeegee or sealant applicator
- Duct tape
4. Prepare the driveway first.
Preparation includes cleaning and sweeping the driveways and removing overgrown weeds, grass, and shrubs.
Applying the sealant without conducting proper cleaning first is one of the most common DIY road sealing mistakes. Remember, the sealant will not stick properly on a dirty driveway. Make sure to wash the driveway using a power washer or a garden hose and apply detergent soap to get rid of all the dirt and debris on the driveway. Also, scrub the driveway to remove oil stains, grime, and gas residue.
Removing plants and weeds is also necessary, as these growths can interfere with the road-sealing process.
5. Fill in the cracks and depressions.
Buy crack sealers or patching compounds from home improvement shops to fill in the cracks and holes. Using sealant alone will not be able to fill in the holes or cracks, so there is a need to patch the holes first before doing the actual sealing process. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to mix and apply the compound. Let the compound dry before proceeding.
6. If there are stained areas in the driveway, apply it with oil spot primer.
The primer will help bind the sealer to the oil-stained parts of the driveway. If the particular area of the driveway is heavily stained with oil, apply two coats of primer for better binding. Let it dry. Oil spot primer is available from a home hardware or automotive shop.
7. Undertake the DIY project on a sunny day.
Check the weather for at least 24 hours to allow proper drying of the sealant. However, ensure that the weather is not too hot (avoid temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit) since extremely sunny days will cause the sealant to dry too fast. There should be no forecast of rain for the next three days.
8. Follow the instructions on how to mix the sealant.
The sealant needs to be mixed accordingly; otherwise, it will not be able to work as expected.
9. Start sealing on one corner of the driveway and move about 10 to 20 square feet at a time.
There are proper techniques to apply, depending on where one is comfortable. For instance, some would like to apply a thin layer first and then do another coating the following day. A clean push broom will help make it easier to spread the sealant evenly. Watch YouTube video tutorials for some techniques on how to properly apply a sealant.
Contact Northern Highways Bitumen for Road Sealing Projects.
While DIY road sealing is an exciting undertaking, home and property owners can benefit from the expertise of professionals from Northern Highways Bitumen. Learn more about professional and economical road sealing from the pros at Northern Highways Bitumen.
We offer our services in Toowoomba, Ipswich, Dubbo, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Call us on 1300 858 751 or email sales@northernhighwaysbitumen.com.au for enquiries!
