If you own a home or manage a property in Utah, your driveway or parking lot goes through a lot — from hot summers to freezing winters. Asphalt looks great when it’s new, but without the right protection, it breaks down fast. That’s where sealcoating and crack sealing come in.
These two simple maintenance services can save you thousands of dollars in future repairs. More importantly, they keep your asphalt looking clean, safe, and smooth.
What Is Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is a thin, protective layer applied to the surface of your asphalt driveway or parking lot. It helps shield the surface from:
- Sun damage
- Water
- Oil spills
- Cracking and fading
In Utah’s hot, dry climate, the sun can dry out asphalt fast. Without sealcoating, your surface will fade, turn gray, and start cracking. Sealcoat gives it that fresh, black look again — and makes it stronger.
It also fills in small cracks, usually under 1/10 of an inch. These are the early signs of wear, and sealcoating locks them down before they grow into something worse.
What Is Crack Sealing?
Crack sealing is used for bigger cracks. When the crack is wide enough to fit a coin or more, it’s time for a deeper fix. We use a hot rubber crack sealant to fill and seal those gaps.
This stops water from getting in. And that’s important — because once water slips into a crack and freezes, it expands. This causes even more damage, especially in Utah’s cold seasons.
Think of crack sealing as patching a hole in your roof. Sealcoating is the new shingle layer. Both are important — but they fix different things.
Why Utah Asphalt Needs Extra Protection
Utah’s environment makes asphalt maintenance a challenge — and a necessity. Here’s why:
Sun Exposure
Intense UV rays dry out the asphalt’s binders, leading to brittleness and cracking. Without protection, a brand-new driveway can start showing signs of aging in just a few years.
Freeze-Thaw Damage
In colder areas like Ogden, water seeps into unsealed cracks, freezes overnight, then expands. This daily cycle leads to faster deterioration and can quickly turn a small issue into a major repair.
Rain & Runoff
Water penetration is asphalt’s worst enemy. When not sealed properly, moisture weakens the base and causes shifting, settling, and eventually potholes — a serious hazard for both homeowners and commercial property managers.
The Long-Term Value of Sealcoating and Crack Sealing
If you’re asking, “Is it worth it to seal my driveway?” — the answer is a resounding yes.
- Cost Savings: Routine sealcoating and crack sealing can delay expensive resurfacing or full replacement by 5–10 years or more.
- Curb Appeal: A freshly sealed blacktop looks clean, professional, and well-maintained — essential for both homeowners and businesses.
- Safety: Crack sealing smooths out tripping hazards, while sealcoating improves traction and visibility of parking stripes.
- Environmental Responsibility: Maintaining asphalt instead of replacing it reduces material waste and conserves resources.
Why It Matters in Utah
Utah’s weather is tough on asphalt. Between high heat in the summer and snow or ice in the winter, your surface is constantly expanding and contracting. This leads to:
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Fading and oxidation from UV rays
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Cracks from freezing and thawing cycles
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Water damage during rainy seasons
If you leave asphalt untreated, it won’t last long. But regular sealcoating and crack sealing extend the life of your surface by years — and for just a fraction of what full replacement would cost.
When’s the Right Time to Do It?
Sealcoating should be done about every 2–3 years in Utah. It depends on the condition of your surface and how much traffic it gets. If you start to see gray patches, light cracking, or a dry, rough texture — it’s time to sealcoat.
Crack sealing can be done more often — anytime you see a crack that’s wide or deep. The earlier you catch it, the less it costs to fix.
The best months for both services are May through September, when temperatures are warm and dry. Spring is a great time to fix winter damage, and fall is perfect for preparing your asphalt for snow and ice.
Driveways vs. Parking Lots
Both surfaces need protection — but they wear out at different speeds. Here’s how they compare:
- Driveways: Usually need sealcoating every few years. Watch for hairline cracks and faded color.
- Parking lots: Handle more traffic, so they need attention more often. Striping fades fast, and cracks grow quickly under heavy use.
No matter the size, both benefit from routine asphalt maintenance. It keeps them safe, attractive, and cost-effective.
Why Choose Asphalt Experts
At Asphalt Experts, we specialize in just two things: sealcoat and crack seal. That’s it. We don’t pour new asphalt. We protect what you already have — and we do it right.
Our team uses high-quality materials, including hot rubber for crack sealing and premium sealcoat blends designed for Utah’s climate. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners and businesses extend the life of their asphalt without breaking the bank.
You’ll get:
- Honest pricing
- Fast scheduling
- Work done by trained pros
We’re local, we know the weather, and we take pride in doing things the right way.
Sealcoating and crack sealing aren’t just extra services — they’re essential if you want your asphalt to last. In a place like Utah, where the seasons take a toll on everything outside, it pays to protect your driveway or parking lot before the damage sets in.
So if you’re starting to see cracks or fading, don’t wait. Let Asphalt Experts help you keep your surface strong, safe, and great-looking — year after year.
Trust Asphalt Experts – Your Partner for Asphalt Care Excellence in Utah
Clearfield