How often should you tar your driveway?
For lifespan and curb appeal, homeowners must maintain their driveways. Tar seals and preserves driveways. How often should you tar your driveway? This guide will help you establish tar application frequency and maintain a tarred driveway.
What is driveway tar?
- Driveway tar, a sticky, black substance made from coal tar or asphalt, seals and protects your driveway.
- It protects the surface against water, oil, and other pollutants.
Signs that indicate the need for driveway tar
Signs that your driveway needs tar include:
- Cracks. As your driveway ages, cracks may form and worsen.
- Potholes form. Weather and traffic cause potholes.
- Fading surface color. Over time, your driveway’s color may fade, making it unattractive.
Factors that affect the frequency of tar application
Driveway tar frequency depends on several factors. These are:
- Climate. Extreme heat or cold can accelerate driveway deterioration, needing extra tar.
- Traffic. More traffic wears down your driveway, requiring more frequent tar application.
- Driveway surface. varied materials require varied tar application frequencies.
- Age of the driveway: Older driveways need tar more often.
How often should you tar your driveway
- Experts advise tarring your driveway every three to five years.
- The above factors may affect frequency.
- If you live in a severe climate or have considerable driveway traffic, you may need to apply tar more often.
Preparing for driveway tar application
Preparing your driveway for tar involves:
- Sweeping or pressure washing the surface removes debris, dirt, and oil stains.
- Fill driveway cracks and potholes using patching compound.
- Level the surface using a scraper or leveling tool.
How to apply tar to a driveway
Steps to tar your driveway:
- Clean and dry before adding tar.
- Mix the tar and any additives according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Apply tar with a squeegee or brush in parts.
- Before traffic, let the tar dry.
Maintenance tips for a tarred driveway
Follow these maintenance measures to prolong your tarred driveway:
- Regular cleaning: Keep your driveway clean to avoid dirt buildup.
- Avoid high traffic to prevent driveway wear and strain.
- Fill cracks and potholes quickly. Fix fractures and potholes immediately to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Tar treatment protects driveways from many factors.
- Tar should be applied every three to five years, depending on numerous circumstances.
- To prolong the life of your tarred driveway, prepare the surface well before applying the tar, mix and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and clean and repair any cracks or potholes.
- This guide will help you maintain a beautiful, long-lasting tarred driveway. Maintaining your driveway adds value and eliminates costly repairs.
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