[raam]

I had my driveway put down 3 year ago and have had it spray sealed every year. I got to thinking ... is this even nessessary ?? The DOT doesn't "seal" major roadways do they. So is it more of a cosmetic thing ?

 

[ccarlisle]

Well, eventually, the sun will degrade the organics in the asphalt and make it weaker and less resistant. The asphalt become brittle and cracks...So there are sealers out there (mainly for residential use not really a 'municipal' product) but avoid the $20/5gall acylic, cosmetic "paints" that probably do more harm than good. Buy asphalt-containing products, or contract it out...up here, a guy goes around with hot asphalt in his truck and will coat a single driveway for $40...makes the driveway last 50% longer in years.

 

[Mikey Palmice]

Well, eventually, the sun will degrade the organics in the asphalt and make it weaker and less resistant. The asphalt become brittle and cracks...So there are sealers out there (mainly for residential use not really a 'municipal' product) but avoid the $20/5gall acylic, cosmetic "paints" that probably do more harm than good. Buy asphalt-containing products, or contract it out...up here, a guy goes around with hot asphalt in his truck and will coat a single driveway for $40...makes the driveway last 50% longer in years.

wow, that is great. How thick a layer does he put down? 40 bucks? I would do that every year.