There is no better way to set your home apart from the competition than with curb appeal and a fresh, inviting asphalt driveway. More often than not, choosing whether to invest repair dollars into the home you are selling comes down to dollars and sense; what fits within your budget and makes sense from a seller’s perspective.
Consider three driveway improvement options: sealcoating, asphalt overlay and repaving, and understand the dollars and sense for each.
Understanding Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a protective layer made from either refined coal tar or asphalt, that protects pavement from UV rays, oil and chemical spills, oxidation, water penetration, and actually accelerates the rate of melting snow and ice. Sealcoating begins with weeding driveway cracks and using powerful vacuum-cleaning equipment to remove tiny debris from these breaks in the pavement. Once small cracks are filled, sealcoating is applied to the entire surface.
Sealcoating Dollars and Sense
Homeseller Pros: Sealcoating is a fast, cost-effective service that can be completed by a professional contractor in a matter of hours, depending on the size of the driveway.
Homebuyer Pros: A freshly seal coated asphalt surface will look almost like new with a deep, dark finish. A fresh sealcoating will provide homebuyers with piece of mind, knowing their driveway surface is protected from the elements and knowing that they won’t have to worry about costly driveway repairs in the near future.
Understanding Asphalt Overlay
An asphalt overlay is great option for minor to medium range cracks, liner cracks or fissures, and potholes in your asphalt driveway. An overlay is the right choice for you if you have more prominent repair needs and if your driveway subgrade is in good condition. The process involves cleaning and filling cracks, holes and depressions, and then applying a fresh layer of asphalt to the surface. This will give the asphalt a refreshed look, improved durability and it will extend the life of the driveway.
Asphalt Overlay Dollars and Sense
Homeseller Pros: Less expensive than a full repaving project, an asphalt overlay will give the look of a brand new driveway at a fraction of the cost. With regular sealcoating and preventative maintenance, new homeowners will essentially have a brand new driveway – that is a great selling feature!
Homebuyer Pros: Homebuyers will be pleased to know they have a new driveway surface that will require minimal upkeep in the years to come.
Understanding Asphalt Repaving
A reputable asphalt contractor will do their best to work within your budget if you are hoping to sell your home. However, if the asphalt surface damage and deterioration cannot be improved with sealcoating and overlay, your driveway may require repaving. A repaving project requires excavation, re-grading and new asphalt installation.
Asphalt Repaving Dollars and Sense
Homeseller Pros: While the initial cost might be more than you wanted to spend, the return-on-invest should be immediate. A new driveway means 15-20 years of maintenance free living for interested buyers, which should attract some positive attention.
Homebuyer Pros: A new driveway means one less thing to worry about!
Do you have any simple tips to help improve curb appeal? Check out our additional simple DIY driveway projects you can do to improve your curb appeal if you are selling your home or just looking for an update!
With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.
For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free quote for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.
