DIY Driveway Sealer VS Professional One:
Pros & Cons
Driveway sealing is a process that helps protect your driveway from weathering and staining. This is an important task that should be done every few years to protect it from the elements. Sealing also makes the driveway look newer for a longer period of time.
When it comes to driveway sealing, there are two main options: DIY or professional, and each option has its pros and cons. So how do you know which is the right choice for you? In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of both DIY and professional driveway sealing to help you make the right decision for your home. Let’s delve in!
Pros DIY driveway sealing
Saves you money
DIY driveway sealing is generally a more cost-effective option than hiring someone to do it for you. Since doing it yourself means that no labor costs are involved, you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself.
Easy way to save time
Since most people will be able to complete the job in just one day, DIY driveway sealing saves you a significant amount of time compared to professional sealing services, which often take longer and require more visits from the contractor.
Easier maintenance
Sealing your driveway also makes maintaining it easier down the road; if any damage does occur or if you need to reseal your driveway again at some point in the future, this is something that you can easily do on your own without having to hire someone to do it for you.
Cons DIY driveway sealing
Limited lifespan
The Orlando experts from CSG Sealcoating say that one major downside of DIY driveway sealing is that it doesn’t last as long as professional services. While a professionally sealed driveway can last up to 10 years, a DIY job will usually only last for 3-5 years before it needs to be redone.
Not as effective
DIY sealants are also not as effective as professional ones, so your driveway may not be completely protected from the elements, leading to damage over time.
Difficult to apply evenly
Applying a sealant evenly is essential for ensuring that your driveway is properly protected, but this can be difficult to do on your own. If you don’t get the job done properly, the entire process will be pointless!
Pros of hiring a sealcoating contractor
Professional work
A professional sealcoating contractor will have the tools, skill, and experience to do a great job on your driveway. They’ll make sure that it is sealed evenly and completely so you don’t have to worry about any lingering damage from weathering or staining in the future.
Longer lifespan
With professional sealing services, you can expect your driveway to last for 10 years before needing maintenance again. This is much longer than with DIY sealing – which only lasts for 3-5 years at most – making your investment more worthwhile in the long run.
Better quality products
Professional contractors also tend to use higher quality products when sealing an area like a driveway, as these last longer and are more effective at protecting the surface from weathering.
Expert options
Most professional sealcoating contractors will offer a wide range of services, including crack filling and pressure washing. If you’re looking for more than simply sealing your driveway to make it look newer and prevent weathering, then a contractor is better.
It saves you time and money in the long run
While it may cost more upfront to hire a professional sealcoating contractor, this is often offset because their work will last much longer than if you did it yourself. Hiring a professional can save you both time and money in the long run.
Reduced liability
If you get your driveway sealed by a professional, then that company is responsible for any issues or damage that occurs down the road. If you do it yourself and there’s an issue with your driveway, it will likely be considered your fault rather than theirs if they didn’t do the job properly.
Cons of hiring a sealcoating contractor
Expensive upfront costs
Hiring a professional to sealcoat your drive can be quite expensive, especially if they charge hourly rates. The cost will depend on factors like how large an area needs to be sealed, as well as what type of product they are using, and whether they offer any additional services like crack fillings or pressure washing.
Limited availability
Not all areas have access to professional sealcoating contractors, so you may need to drive some distance to find one. This can add to the overall cost of the project, as well as take up more of your time.
You’re not in control
When you hire a professional contractor, you’re essentially handing over the control of the job to them. This means that you won’t be able to choose exactly what products are used or how the job is done, leading to less than satisfactory results.
Additional work required
In some cases, hiring a professional may also result in additional clean-up or maintenance work after the initial sealant has dried. If your driveway is particularly dirty or damaged when it needs to be sealed, it could add extra costs and time to the job you didn’t anticipate.
So, what’s the verdict?
There are both pros and cons to either option when it comes to sealing your driveway – but which one is best for you ultimately depends on factors like the condition of your current surface, how much time you can devote to the project, and whether or not you have easy access to a contractor. For most people, hiring a professional will likely be more expensive upfront but will give them better results in the long run and save them time and hassle in the future. On the other hand, if you’re confident that you can seal your drive without any issues or potential damage, then DIY may be good. Ultimately, it comes down to what is most important to you –saving money upfront or getting the best possible results for your drive. Either way, make sure you do plenty of research before committing to make an informed decision!
