There are many ways to add curb appeal to your home. Consider starting by sprucing up your driveway to completely refresh your home’s look.
Sealcoating: The Upside
A cracked and faded driveway can really destroy the appearance of your home. Keep your driveway smooth and shiny with sealcoating. Sealcoat is used on driveways to form a protective barrier above the asphalt. This helps avoid damage from the sun, salt, water, and oil. Sealcoating Pittsburgh PA not only looks great but is also cost-effective. Fresh asphalt, which is more prone to crumbling over time, can cost twice as much as sealcoating if not more per square foot. Once your driveway is sealcoated, it will be better protected from potholes and less likely to become brittle over time.
Sealcoating: The Downside
Before you jump into sealcoating your driveway, be sure you are properly prepared. Sealcoating will not repair crumbling pavement, so it is important to be sure your current asphalt is in good condition. If there are cracks, be sure to repair them and patch up any potholes before having the sealcoat applied. Fresh asphalt takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months to cure. Be careful not to rush into sealcoating, as you cannot sealcoat over asphalt that has been freshly laid. Once you do sealcoat your driveway, be prepared to budget for maintenance. Sealcoat lasts for about two or three years before it requires some repair.
Other Ways to Spruce Up
If you’re not sure about sealcoating, there are plenty of other ways to spruce up your driveway. Plant shrubs and bushes around your driveway to add color and life. Keep your hedges trimmed so they are not blocking any windows or doors to your house. Over time, pollen and dirt can build up and cover the entire outside of your home. Power washers are a great way to quickly remove dirt build-up from your driveway, porch, siding, patio, and more.
When adding curb appeal to your home, focus on repaving and sprucing up your driveway.