Skipping asphalt sealcoating Colorado Springs CO to save money or time seems harmless, maybe even smart, the first year. Fast forward a couple of cycles of Colorado Springs’ wild weather, and cracks, potholes, and weeds become a regular sight. That costs much more than any scheduled sealing job ever would.
What Skipping Sealcoating Does to Your Pavement
When you do not apply sealcoating Colorado Springs, your pavement faces bare sun, snow, rain, and oil drips. Every season, these break down the asphalt a bit more.
- Tiny cracks widen faster than in sealed lots
- Color fades to gray, which signals weak spots
- Potholes form after each freeze-thaw cycle
- Edges crumble and weeds get in
Every skipped season makes repairs more urgent and expensive.
Cost of Waiting: A Simple Table
| Action | Estimated Cost Per 1000 sq ft (over 5 years) | Other Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Sealcoating every 2 years | $800 – $1,500 | Prevents most cracks & fading |
| No sealing, only repairs | $2000 – $4000+ | Potholes, frequent patches |
| No sealing, no repairs | $7,000+ (full replacement) | Complete surface failure |
The math is simple: seals are cheaper than repairs.
How Parking Lots Suffer Without Maintenance
- Water gets trapped and freezes in cracks
- Lines fade, causing confusion for drivers
- Accidents and insurance claims go up
- Snow removal becomes messy; plows catch on broken edges
Businesses often leave parking lot sealcoating Colorado Springs CO on the back burner. Usually, trouble shows up at the worst time, after a big storm or holiday rush.
Risks for Homeowners
For driveways, unchecked cracks become trip hazards. Homeowners end up with lower curb appeal and more water pooling close to the house, sometimes leading to basement leaks.
Why Repairs Alone Fall Short
Just patching holes never addresses the main problem: sun and water keep eating away at unsealed surfaces. You wind up in a repair loop, every spring and fall.
Regular sealing keeps water, oil, and sunlight from breaking down fresh repairs, saving money in the long run.
How Asphalt Advanced Services Handles Overdue Lots
- Real repairs first: fill deep cracks, patch holes, grind rough spots
- Clean the entire surface to remove years of grime
- Apply thick, even coats for extra protection
- Mark fresh lines for safety and compliance once the lot is dry
How Often Should Surfaces Be Sealed?
- High-traffic lots: every 1.5 – 2 years
- Residential drives: every 2 – 3 years
Not sure where your surface sits? If you see new weeds or last winter left more cracks, you waited too long already.
Criticisms of Over-Sealing
Some contractors push sealing every year. For most lots, that is too frequent. It can build up and crack worse. Two to three years is right for most properties in Colorado Springs.
Role of Weather and Timing
- Seal in spring or fall when temps are mild
- Avoid days with rain or frost
Applying sealer at the wrong time often leads to poor bonding and flaking off.
Temporary Benefits of Skipping Maintenance
Sure, it looks fine the first year. You save a little upfront. But, the breakdown starts immediately, mostly where you cannot see it: small cracks, weak spots, and faded patches that grow after a storm.
What About DIY Sealing?
- Lower material cost, but rarely lasts as long
- Missed repairs invite new cracks and holes
- Can create uneven, patchy surfaces
I have seen DIY jobs last less than a season. Usually, they lead to a call to a pro afterward.
Role of Professional Services
With a company like Asphalt Advanced Services LLC, you get a full assessment. They spot deep cracks, suggest the right repair, and choose the best sealer for your lot’s use.
- Commercial grade tools and mix
- Full prep and cleanup
- Line marking for clear parking
This approach stretches out the life of your investment much further.
When Is It Too Late?
If the entire surface is loose, pitted, or feels soft, sealing cannot save it. That is when full resurfacing is the only answer. Frequent early sealing avoids this high cost.
Finishing Thoughts
Skipping asphalt sealcoating Colorado Springs CO leads to bigger trouble than most people expect. You save a little one year, only to spend a lot more soon after on repairs or full replacement. Paying attention to the timing, repairs, and working with experienced teams like Asphalt Advanced Services always comes out ahead in both cost and convenience.