What Is the Difference Between Sealcoating and Paving
Paving places new hot-mix asphalt; the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association recommends a 2-inch bottom course and a 1.5-inch surface course over a crushed-aggregate base for a residential driveway. Sealcoating is a protective coat on existing asphalt; SealMaster says it prevents oxidation of the asphalt binder and weather damage, and that cracks should be filled and repairs made before sealing.
Paving
Paving builds or replaces the pavement itself. For an ordinary residential driveway, the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association recommends 6 to 8 inches of crushed aggregate base, then a 2-inch hot-mix bottom course and a 1.5-inch surface course, placed by machine and compacted with rollers.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a protective coat applied over existing asphalt. SealMaster says it prevents oxidation of the asphaltic binder, prevents weather damage, reduces maintenance costs and adds years of life to the pavement. It also says pavement should be repaired and cracks filled first, so sealcoat protects sound asphalt; it does not rebuild it.
How often each happens
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says a well-designed asphalt driveway gives trouble-free service for up to 20 years, and that sealer applied every two to five years can extend that. SealMaster typically recommends sealcoating every 3 years.
Keep reading
Sources
- Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association (via the Asphalt Institute), “Best Practices” for the Use of Asphalt Driveways, Technical Brief
- SealMaster, Sealcoating FAQ
- SealMaster, How often should you sealcoat a parking lot or driveway?
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Paving places new hot-mix asphalt over a base. SealMaster describes sealcoating as a protective coat on existing asphalt that prevents oxidation and weather damage.
SealMaster says cracks should be filled with crack filler and the pavement repaired before sealcoat is applied.