Environment plays a huge role in terms of what maintenance is required around your home. Driveway maintenance and repair is no exception. Driveway sealing in cold climates is much different than in warmer climates simply due to the freezing / thaw cycle. Anytime you have a crack in your driveway, there is an opportunity for water to penetrate. If that water freezes, it forces the cracks wider and the asphalt to further deteriorate. Warm climates do not have these same issues and you can get away with not sealing your driveway.
Driveway Sealing in Cold Climates
We strongly recommend that all cracks should be filled with the appropriate products for crack sealing to prevent further damage. At the very least you will prevent further damage.
Some people prefer to also place a sealant over the entire asphalt driveway. There are several advantages. First you fill all of the miniature cracks and holes which prevents them from becoming larger. This is a long term maintenance advantage.
Secondly, your driveway just looks better. Esthetics are important and a great looking driveway improves your curb appeal and home value. Our own driveway is 28 years old. We have sealed it and filled cracks several times over the years. It looks great to the point that our neighbors are amazed.
They have spent thousands of dollars to replace their own black top driveways. Instead of doing some basic maintenance every couple of years and saving this money. For more details about looking after your asphalt driveway, click here.