Your asphalt driveway takes a beating under the fierce desert sun here in Las Cruces, NM. Between the extreme summer heat radiating off the Organ Mountains and those sudden monsoon downpours that wash out the edges, Asphalt Driveways start showing age pretty fast. When cracks and fading set in, homeowners in Las Cruces face a choice. Do you apply Asphalt Sealcoating and call it good, or do you decide on Asphalt Paving right over the old surface?
Valley Asphalt Solutions compares these two approaches for local homeowners in Las Cruces, NM.
The Case for Sealcoating
Asphalt Sealcoating acts like sunscreen for Asphalt Driveways. It is a topical liquid applied across the surface to lock out UV rays and moisture. If your driveway is relatively young and just starting to look gray and tired, Asphalt Sealcoating is usually the best bet. It fills hairline cracks and gives you a deep, rich black finish.
Here is what you need to know about Asphalt Sealcoating:
- Cost is low, making it an easy job for a professional local crew.
- It blocks out the relentless UV radiation that dries out Asphalt in Las Cruces, NM.
- You have to reapply Asphalt Sealcoating every two to three years because the desert climate eats away at the sealant.
- It will not fix structural issues, sunken spots, or deep alligator cracking.
When Paving Over Makes Sense
Asphalt Paving and overlays, or laying a fresh layer right on top of your existing Asphalt, is a much heavier lift. Valley Asphalt Solutions brings in heavy equipment, lays down a brand new structural layer, and rolls it flat. If your base is still solid but the surface looks like a dry lake bed out past Tortugas, an Asphalt Overlay gives you a totally new surface without tearing out the whole mess.
Here is the reality of Asphalt Overlays in Las Cruces, NM:
- Upfront costs are higher than Asphalt Sealcoating, but you get a brand new surface that lasts for 15 to 20 years or more.
- It adds structural strength to handle heavy vehicles and RV parking.
- If your sub-base is totally shot or pumping mud during the rains, an Asphalt Overlay will not save the pavement.
Which One Wins in Las Cruces?
Valley Asphalt Solutions tells homeowners that the right choice comes down to honesty about the damage. If you have minor surface oxidation and a few tiny cracks from thermal expansion, you can save money with Asphalt Sealcoating. But if the cracks are wider than a nickel and pieces are starting to break away, Asphalt Sealcoating is not enough.
Homeowners in Las Cruces, NM should take a close look at their Asphalt Driveways. If the foundation is holding strong but the surface is worn down, schedule Asphalt Sealcoating before the next weather shift. If the pavement is crumbling under your tires, start planning for Asphalt Paving or a partial replacement so you do not have to rebuild the whole sub-base from scratch down the road. For Las Cruces homes and businesses, Valley Asphalt Solutions provides Asphalt Paving and Asphalt Sealcoating services.