Your asphalt driveway is a major feature of your home’s exterior and a significant investment. Over time, you might start to notice signs of wear and tear, like small cracks or a faded, grey surface.

When you see this damage, it’s easy to wonder what the right solution is. Do you just need to fill a few cracks, or is it time for a full sealcoat? Understanding the difference between these two key services is the first step to properly maintaining your investment.

This guide will break down what crack filling and sealcoating are, and help you decide which service your Ottawa driveway needs right now.

Understanding Asphalt Crack Filling

Asphalt crack filling is a targeted repair process. It involves cleaning out individual cracks and injecting a hot, rubberized sealant directly into them.

The main goal of crack repair is to be a preventative defense. By sealing cracks, you create a waterproof barrier that stops water from seeping down into the driveway's foundation. This is crucial in Ottawa, as it prevents the destructive freeze-thaw cycles that turn small cracks into large potholes during the winter.

You should choose crack filling if:

• Your driveway has a few distinct, deep cracks (generally wider than a pencil).

• The rest of the asphalt surface is still in good shape—dark in colour and not overly brittle or faded.

• Your primary goal is to stop specific cracks from spreading and causing foundational damage.

Understanding Driveway Sealcoating

Driveway sealcoating is a protective and cosmetic treatment for your entire asphalt surface. The process involves applying a high-quality, liquid sealant over every square foot of your driveway.

This protective layer acts as a shield. Sealcoating rejuvenates your driveway by restoring its rich, black finish, which instantly boosts your home’s curb appeal.

More importantly, sealcoating provides critical protection by:

• Blocking out the sun's damaging UV rays that cause oxidation and fading.

• Preventing water penetration across the entire surface.

• Resisting damage from oil leaks, gas spills, and salt.

• Filling hairline cracks and minor surface imperfections.

So, Which Service is Right for Your Driveway?

Deciding between the two services depends entirely on the current condition of your asphalt.

Choose Crack Filling if… Your main issue is a few isolated cracks, but the overall surface of your driveway is still strong and dark. The priority here is to stop water intrusion before it becomes a bigger problem.

Choose Sealcoating if… Your driveway looks faded, dry, and has many tiny, web-like hairline cracks. If you're concerned about surface damage from sun and water or want to restore that "like new" look, sealcoating is the right choice.

The Best Solution: Using Both For most driveways showing signs of aging, the ideal solution isn't one or the other—it's both. The professional standard is to properly fill all major cracks first. After that sealant cures, we apply a fresh sealcoat over the entire surface. This combination provides the ultimate defense, tackling both structural weaknesses and surface-level protection at the same time.

Don't Wait for a Small Problem to Become a Big One

Ignoring small cracks or a faded surface is a costly mistake. Neglected cracks will expand and evolve into potholes, and an unsealed surface will become brittle and start to crumble. Eventually, this leads to the need for a complete and expensive asphalt replacement.

Proactive maintenance is the smartest way to protect your investment and save thousands of dollars in the long run.

Get a Professional Assessment from Asphalt Seal King

If you're still not sure what your driveway needs, don't worry. Our team can provide an honest, expert assessment and recommend the right solution for your specific situation.

Contact Asphalt Seal King today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let us help you protect your investment and restore your Ottawa home's curb appeal.