When was the last time you really looked at your driveway? Not just a quick glance as you pulled in, but a good look at the cracks, stains, and fading that might be creeping in. Let’s talk about how sealing the driveway helps prevent various issues, improves curb appeal, and can even protect your landscaping.
Driveway Sealing, Your Foundation, and Water Damage
Your driveway takes a beating. Weather, heavy vehicles, and time wear it down, creating small cracks that might not seem like a big deal.
But those cracks are like open doors for water. Once water seeps in beneath the surface, it doesn’t just sit there, it travels through the soil around your home.
This is where things get tricky. That moisture can weaken the soil supporting your foundation, causing it to shift or settle unevenly. And foundation repairs aren’t something you want to budget for. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $10,000.
Live in a colder climate? The risks are even higher. Water that seeps into driveway cracks freezes and expands in winter, making those cracks wider and deeper. That freeze-thaw cycle speeds up the damage.
Sealing your driveway closes off those cracks and keeps water from sneaking in. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to help protect your home’s structure before small problems turn into expensive repairs.
Curb Appeal Counts: What Buyers and Guests Notice First
Think about pulling up to a house for the first time. The driveway is one of the first things you see.
A smooth, well-maintained driveway tells guests (and potential buyers) that this home is cared for. Cracks, stains, and fading? They suggest the opposite.
If you’re thinking of selling, here’s something to keep in mind: homes with strong curb appeal can sell for up to 7% more than similar homes with neglected exteriors. On a $300,000 home, that adds up to $21,000.
Even if selling isn’t on your radar, sealing your driveway gives your home a fresh, clean look. It makes the entrance to your property feel more inviting, and that’s something you’ll appreciate every day.
Sealing a Driveway Helps More Than Just the Pavement
Your driveway doesn’t exist on an island. It connects to your yard, walkways, and landscaping. Cracks and water runoff from an unsealed driveway can spill into these areas, eroding soil, displacing mulch, and making walkways uneven or unsafe.
Over time, this damage adds up. You might notice bare patches in your lawn, sunken garden beds, or cracked sidewalks, all because water wasn’t kept where it should be.
Sealing your driveway creates a protective barrier that helps prevent these issues, saving you time, effort, and money on landscaping repairs.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Sealing your driveway is a great start, but pairing it with other smart maintenance steps gives your property extra protection. Here’s what we suggest:
- Check gutters and downspouts: Make sure they’re clear and channeling water away from your driveway and foundation.
- Inspect your grading: The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation to help water drain properly.
- Power wash exterior surfaces: Clean sidewalks, patios, and siding to remove dirt and grime and keep your whole exterior looking sharp.
These tasks work together with driveway sealing to keep your home safe from water damage and looking its best.
When to Call a Professional
If you spot small, hairline cracks in your driveway, sealing them yourself is doable. But if cracks are wider than a quarter inch, or if you notice sinking or shifting, it’s time to bring in a professional. These signs point to deeper problems that DIY fixes won’t solve.
Whether you’re buying or selling, or just maintaining your current home, having a professional take a closer look can save you from surprises down the road.
At Avalon, we include driveway evaluations as part of our comprehensive inspections.
Conclusion
Sealing a driveway isn’t just about curb appeal…but that is part of it.
It’s also about protecting your home from the ground up, preventing water damage, keeping your foundation stable, and avoiding costly landscaping repairs. If you’ve noticed cracks or wear in your driveway, don’t wait for the damage to spread.
Avalon Home Inspections can help you assess whether sealing is the right move and identify any deeper concerns that need attention. Schedule your inspection today!
