Asphalt driveways in the middle of a July afternoon down here in the Mesilla Valley radiate heat straight through your shoes. That intense desert heat takes a serious toll on pavement in Las Cruces, NM. If your driveway is starting to look faded or chalky, it needs attention. Valley Asphalt Solutions gets calls all the time from homeowners wondering if they should tackle Asphalt Sealcoating themselves over the weekend or hire someone to complete the Asphalt Sealcoating work.
Valley Asphalt Solutions breaks down what is actually involved before, during, and after an Asphalt Sealcoating project so you can decide the right path for your property in Las Cruces, NM.
Before You Start: Preparation is Everything
You cannot just pour Asphalt Sealcoating over a dirty driveway and hope for the best. That approach guarantees peeling within a few months. First, clear off all the desert dust, tumbleweed debris, and dropped mesquite leaves. You will need a stiff broom and a leaf blower.
Next up are the cracks. In our climate, thermal expansion wrecks havoc on asphalt. If you have cracks wider than a quarter-inch, you will need to fill them with a rubberized hot-pour or cold-pour crack filler and let it cure completely. Oil spots also need a heavy-duty degreaser, or the Asphalt Sealcoating will not stick to the surface.
During the Job: DIY vs. Pro Reality Check
Applying the Asphalt Sealcoating itself seems simple enough. You pour it out and spread it with a squeegee or a specialized brush. But timing and materials matter more than most people realize.
- DIY: Great for smaller driveways if you are handy, patient, and do not mind aching knees. You can pick up buckets at the local hardware store, but watch out for cheap coal-tar blends that break down fast under intense UV rays.
- Professional: Better for large, sloped, or heavily oxidized driveways. Valley Asphalt Solutions uses commercial-grade equipment and polymer-modified emulsions that actually bond with the aggregate and withstand the brutal New Mexico sun during Asphalt Sealcoating jobs.
If you DIY, pick a day when the temperature is between 50 and 85 degrees with zero chance of rain. Monsoons pop up fast around here in August, and a sudden downpour will wash your fresh Asphalt Sealcoating right down into the street.
After Application: Curing and Maintenance
Once the Asphalt Sealcoating product is down, patience is important. Keep foot traffic off it for at least 24 hours, and keep vehicles parked on the street for 48 hours minimum. Even if it feels dry to the touch, the binder needs time to fully cure in the dry desert air.
Down the road, keeping up with small maintenance makes a massive difference for Asphalt Sealcoating surfaces. Wash away dirt periodically, tackle new weeds immediately so their roots do not tear up the edges, and plan on reapplying a fresh coat every two to three years. A little routine upkeep keeps your driveway from turning into a crumbling mess and saves you thousands in premature replacement costs. For Las Cruces homes, Valley Asphalt Solutions is here for all your Asphalt Sealcoating needs.