The Difference Between Asphalt Overlay and Asphalt Sealcoat

If your driveway is worn and faded, it could probably use an asphalt sealcoat. If it’s cracked and riddled with potholes, it would likely benefit from an asphalt overlay. An asphalt sealcoat is more of a preventative measure, while an asphalt overlay is more of a repair.

But before you call a sealcoating service in Damascus, MD, it would be helpful to know a bit more about these two asphalt treatments. This article will cover the differences between an asphalt overlay and an asphalt sealcoat.

Asphalt sealcoat

The asphalt sealcoating process is more akin to putting a coat of paint on your house. It provides a nice, clean black sheen atop your asphalt that guards against wear and tear, keeps water out and reflects the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays.

In addition to being preventative, an asphalt sealcoat can also fill in shallow cracks. Despite this, it is best to have an asphalt sealcoat applied early in the lifespan (within one to three years) of your asphalt being installed. This makes sense in the same way you wouldn’t apply a fresh coat of paint to your house if large portions of the siding were cracked or broken.

Applied regularly (every two to four years), an asphalt sealcoat is a terrific, cost-effective way to keep your driveway looking great and free from cracks and potholes.

Asphalt overlay

If your driveway or parking lot has become rife with cracks and potholes, an asphalt overlay is a possible temporary solution. This process shouldn’t be taken for a permanent solution, and shouldn’t be used on asphalt that is so far gone that it should be replaced.

The way this process works is that a paver comes through and puts down a hot layer of asphalt over the top of any existing problem areas, offering a new top layer. While this means cars won’t be driving into and over potholes for the time being, it still doesn’t address the root cause of those potholes.

Unfortunately, this means the underlying structural integrity issues that are causing the cracks and/or potholes will eventually resurface in the next year or two. In these cases, spot repair and complete asphalt replacement are both options you should consider.

Which one should I choose?

If you’ve just had your asphalt driveway installed, or you’ve just had it patched or fixed, an asphalt sealcoat may be right for you. It’s a great way to protect against the elements and preserve your beautiful driveway.

If you have a parking lot or driveway with a fair number of cracks and potholes, but you don’t want to have it replaced just yet, an asphalt overlay may be right for you. While not a long-lasting solution, an asphalt overlay could buy you a year or two on your existing parking lot or driveway, which could come in handy due to the economic hardships caused by the pandemic.

Call today for a consultation

Knowing the difference between an asphalt sealcoat and asphalt overlay should help you when you decide to call a sealcoating contractor in Annapolis Rock, MD. Whichever solution you decide is right for your parking lot or driveway, give Maryland Asphalt LLC a call. Whether it’s an asphalt sealcoat or an asphalt overlay, we can provide you with quality paving services at a reasonable price.

Categorised in: Asphalt Contractor, Sealcoating