Do you have an asphalt driveway? Does your driveway look faded, cracked or worn?  Or are you thinking of having one? Your driveway reflects on your home and business. Sealcoating is what you need to transform your driveway into a shiny, black and smooth sheen.

But what is sealcoating?

Seal-coating is a measure to protect asphalt driveways from damage by adverse weather, chemicals, oil or simple wear and tear.

Benefits of sealcoating

Exposure to the sun over time causes your asphalt paving to fade. Sealcoating will make your pavement blacker, and more appealing. This will make your business or home more attractive.

Sealcoating protects the sublayer from damage by rain and oxygen, preventing the formation of cracks and potholes.

It involves filling gaps and making the surface smooth. Once cracks and potholes are sealed, your asphalt surface becomes easy to clean and maintain. Snow shoveling is also easier.

The Process

For a new asphalt pavement, wait at least 90 days after the initial application before applying sealcoating.

Fill the cracks with sealant. Scrub away oily spots and fill potholes. Sweep the surface clean to get rid of dirt and debris. You may apply primer to improve adhesion of sealant onto the old surface.

Sealcoating requires close monitoring of temperatures. It needs optimum weather conditions to be effective. Air and surface temperature should be at least 50⁰F degrees during and 8 hours after application. Warm sunny days are ideal.

Humid and cold conditions will delay the curing process making the surface prone to damage. Sealcoating should never be done in rainy conditions.

Proper mix design is crucial when applying sealcoating. The wrong mixture will produce poor results. You may use a concentrate or a ready-to-use mixture.

Concentrate has to be mixed with water, additives, and aggregate in the right proportions. Over-diluted concentrate will peel off while over-thick mixture will cause uneven cover and wastage. Consult your manufacturer for the right mix.

For your home, one coat will do. For heavy traffic areas such as parking lots, apply three layers.

Sealcoating is a surface job that will improve the durability and appeal of your pavement. It is important to know that this is a highly professional job that involves monitoring temperatures and getting the right mix of products.

If you intend to go the DIY route, ensure you get the temperature and mix design right. Any mistake can be costly. On the other hand, hiring residential paving contractors will ensure you get a high quality, professional job.