THE CALGARY DRIVEWAY MAINTENANCE GUIDE
No sales pitch. Just what's happening to your driveway, what to do about it, and how to tell the difference between a driveway that needs maintenance and one that needs work.
Chapter one
WHY ASPHALT AGES.
Your driveway takes a beating. Calgary weather doesn't help.
- Stage 1
New asphalt
- Stage 2
Sun + oxygen
- Stage 3
Oxidation
- Stage 4
Asphalt turns grey
- Stage 5
Cracking
- Stage 6
Water penetration
- Stage 7
Freeze / thaw
- Stage 8
Pavement damage
MAINTENANCE COSTS A LOT LESS THAN REPLACEMENT.
Replacing a residential driveway is a significant expense. Sealing and crack filling are a fraction of that. Maintenance won't make asphalt last forever, and anyone who promises you a specific number of extra years is guessing — but keeping water out of your pavement is the single best thing you can do for it.
Chapter two
WHAT DOES YOUR DRIVEWAY NEED?
Find the description that matches what you're looking at.
Faded grey asphalt
The surface has lost its colour and looks dry and washed out.
Likely recommendationSeal CoatingLong open cracks
Cracks running across or along the driveway, wide enough to see into.
Likely recommendationHot Rubber Crack FillingSmall damaged area
One rough, crumbling or gouged spot while the rest looks fine.
Likely recommendationAsphalt RepairPothole or localized failure
An opening through the surface, or an area that's broken up and holding water.
Likely recommendationInfrared or Conventional RepairFaded or Dull Decorative Concrete
Exposed aggregate, stamped concrete or other decorative concrete has lost its rich colour, sheen or protective finish.
Likely recommendationClear Coating & Concrete SealingSevere widespread failure
Alligator cracking over large areas, soft spots, or asphalt that moves underfoot.
Likely recommendationAssessment RequiredThis is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Driveways with the same symptom can need different work depending on what's underneath.
Chapter three
A SIMPLE MAINTENANCE RHYTHM.
Every spring
Walk your driveway. Look for new cracks and any spot that's holding water after rain.
Cracks first
Fill cracks as they appear. This is cheap and it's the step that protects the base.
Seal on a cycle
Most residential driveways in this climate benefit from sealing every few years — not annually.
Sealing too often wastes money and can build up excess material. Sealing too rarely lets oxidation get ahead of you. If you're not sure where your driveway sits, ask — we'll tell you if it can wait a year.
STILL NOT SURE WHAT YOUR DRIVEWAY NEEDS?
Send us a few photos. We'll tell you what we see — including when the answer is 'nothing yet.'