FAQ

How often should I sealcoat my asphalt driveway or parking lot?

There a several factors to consider when answering this question. Weather, and the amount of traffic flow seem to effect the asphalt the most. The general rule of thumb is to sealcoat asphalt every 2-3 years.

What is the difference between asphalt paving and asphalt sealcoating?

Asphalt is a mix of gravel, sand, and tar. It is put down evenly in 2in layers and then compacted. Asphalt is what streets, highways, parking lots, and driveways are made of. Asphalt sealer is a cold liquid that is applied, typically a year after asphalt is installed. Streets and highways are not sealcoated, but it is highly recommended for driveways and parking lots.

What are some other names for asphalt sealcoating and asphalt?

There are a few common terms that refer to asphalt sealer, or asphalt sealcoating. Examples include driveway sealant, asphalt sealant, asphalt coating, coal tar. Asphalt (different from asphalt sealer) is sometimes called blacktop or pavement.

What type of sealer do you use?

We use Sealmaster LV asphalt sealer on all of our driveways and parking areas. Sealmaster LV is a mixture of coal tar based sealer and asphalt based sealer.

How is your sealer mixed?

Our sealer is delivered to our shop in bulk form, directly from the Sealmaster plant in Sandusky, OH. We then add the proper amount of sand, water, and additives to strengthen the sealer. This is very important step that effects the quality of the sealer. Asphalt Sealer that is not mixed properly will fade or fail shortly after it’s applied. Some asphalt contractors will water down their sealer to increase their profit. WE NEVER WATER DOWN OUR ASPHALT SEALER!

How do you apply the asphalt sealer?

There are two methods of applying asphalt sealer. One method is by using a brush to spread and smooth out the sealer across the asphalt. We use this method for all of our residential driveways, and recommend this method the first time asphalt is being sealcoated. The other method is using compressed air to spray the sealer on the asphalt. This method is preferred for larger parking lots.

Is asphalt sealer a cold or hot liquid?

Asphalt sealer is a cold liquid.

How do you clean the asphalt before applying the sealer?

First we remove all of the vegetation (grass/weeds) from the cracks and edges of the asphalt. We then use industrial push blowers and wire brooms to remove all loose dirt and debris. Before applying the asphalt sealer, we then apply a spot primer to fuel/oil stains.

How long do I wait before I can drive on sealcoated asphalt?

The general rule of thumb is to wait 48 hours. This allows the sealer to cure properly, and reduces the amount of tire marks. We work with all business owners to ensure that their customers still have full access to their business when their parking lots are being sealcoated.

Will I have to close my business when my asphalt parking lot is being sealcoated?

No. We work with business owners schedules to ensure that they can stay open. We work weekends and holidays when most businesses are closed. We can also sealcoat a parking lot in sections over the course of a couple days. This will give your customers access to your business at all times.

What areas of Columbus do you work?

We work in all areas of Columbus and surrounding communities including: Dublin, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Grandview, Worthington, Westerville, Minerva Park, Clintonville, Grove City, Groveport, Lewis Center, Delaware, Marysville, Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Canal Winchester, New Albany, Gahanna, Lancaster, London, Marble Cliff, Plain City, Powell, and everywhere in between.

What do you use to fill cracks in asphalt?

We use two kinds of crack filler. We use a "hot pour" crack filler for all commercial properties. It is poured in the cracks while hot and banded to ensure adhesion. For residential driveways, we use a "trowel grade" crack filler. This is a thick, cold crack filler that is applied and banded to ensure adhesion. In both cases, asphalt sealer is applied after the crack filler has been used.

How do you treat oil/fuel stains?

It is important to treat oil and fuel stains that are on your asphalt. We use a spot primer that helps prevent the stains from coming back to the surface after it has been sealcoated.

Is cold patch a good option for damaged areas in my asphalt?

Cold patch is much less expensive than using hot mix asphalt. We only recommend cold patch for temporary fixes. Typically, cold patch will last a year.

When will my parking lot be striped?

We stripe a parking lot approximately 12 hours after the parking lot has been sealcoated.

Will the line striping meet all DOT standards?

All line striping will meet DOT standards and regulations.