Sealcoating FAQs
There a several factors to consider when answering this question. It is recommended to have new asphalt sealcoated approximately 1 year after installation. Weather, and the amount of traffic flow seem to affect the asphalt the most. The general rule of thumb is to sealcoat asphalt every 2-3 years.
Asphalt sealer is a cold liquid that is applied, typically a year after asphalt is installed. The purpose of asphalt sealcoating is to extend the life of asphalt. Streets and highways are not sealcoated, but it is highly recommended for driveways and parking lots. Asphalt is a mix of gravel, sand, and tar. It is put down evenly in 2 inch layers and then compacted. Asphalt is what streets, highways, parking lots, and driveways are made of.
Other examples of names for asphalt sealcoating include but are not limited to driveway sealant, asphalt sealant, asphalt coating, coal tar. Asphalt (different from asphalt sealer) is sometimes called blacktop or pavement.
Our sealer is delivered to our shop in bulk form, directly from the Sealmaster plant in Sandusky, OH. We then add sand, water, and additives as recommended by our distributor to strengthen the sealer. This is very important step that effects the quality of the sealer. When not properly mixed Asphalt Sealer 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!
First, all vegetation (grass/weeds) is removed from the cracks and edges of the asphalt. Then, we use wire brooms and industrial blowers to remove all dirt/debris from the asphalt surface. We then apply a spot primer to fuel/oil stains.
There are two methods of applying asphalt sealer. One method is to use 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. For large parking lots we recommend the other method which is using compressed air to spray the sealer on the asphalt.
We recommend waiting 48 hours which 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.
No. We work with business owners' schedules to ensure that they can stay open. We can complete large lots in sections to ensure there is still available parking. We also work holidays and weekends when most businesses are closed.
Asphalt FAQs
Weather, traffic, and other factors should be considered when answering this question. Typically asphalt surface are expected to last about 12 to 15 years. Proper maintenance is an important factor in extending the life of your asphalt many years. This includes seal coating and crack filling.
Replacing asphalt is the process of removing all the existing asphalt and then reworking the existing base while bring in more gravel as needed. Resurfacing (also known as capping) is the process of applying another layer of asphalt on the existing asphalt. This option is more cost effective; however, it likely wont last as long as replacing.
It is generally recommended to wait 3 days before driving on new asphalt. That said, some clients may return to the new asphalt the following day after installation. This can change based on several factors. We will be happy to work with you based on your individual needs.
For proper compaction asphalt is laid in 2 to 2.5 inches, and then compacted to approximately 1.5 inches.
Yes. If just portions of the driveway are damaged/failing, this is a common practice.
Crack Filling, Line Striping, Cold Patch and Other Asphalt Maintenance FAQs
We use two kinds of crack filler (Hot pour and trowel grade). We use a "hot pour" crack filler for all commercial properties. The crack filler is applied while hot and banded to ensure adhesion. For residential driveways, we use a "trowel grade" crack filler which 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 installed.
We use a spot primer to treat oil/fuel stains which helps prevent the stains from returning to the surface after sealcoating.
While cold patch is much less expensive, we recommend it as a temporary fix.
Typically, your lot will be striped the evening of or first thing the following morning upon completing the sealcoating.
With striping we will meet DOT standards and regulations.
Concrete FAQs
As always, there are several factors that go into answering this question. Typically, concrete will last around 20-25 years.
We recommend waiting 3 days to drive on newly installed concrete.
We offer just about every exterior concrete service including: Driveways, sidewalks, patios, steps, garage floors, drains/catch basins.