Frequently asked questions.

             When asphalt is first applied it is soft and loaded with oils. Those oils need to oxidize out so your asphalt can harden. But if you allow too much of the oils to oxidize out, the asphalt becomes brittle and more susceptible to cracking. Sealcoat conditions and rejuvenates your asphalt much like a face cream adding hydration to fight fine lines and wrinkles.

            Well, what is your time worth to you? Without the proper know how, proper materials, and applicators, you can expect at least a day thrown away on just working on your driveway -and this is for a smaller sized one. Another day for you to “research” online to figure out what bucket of sealer is best for you. Then you need to figure out how much you will need, making sure you don’t have too little or too much. Then what are you going to use for your cracks? Now you have to buy tubes of crack sealant that will not hold up long term. You have to buy just the right amount of buckets of sealer, and sealer at your local store will not have majority of the compounds or additives that your local sealcoat company has. You have to buy a brush, broom, or roller to apply the sealer. Now that you have your material. You need to prep your asphalt by getting all the dirt off of it and get the grass out of the cracks. You would also have to be on your hands and knees squirting your crack filler into the crack from your tubes. Now you are set to sealcoat. You better have some old clothes, and shoes you plan on throwing away when you are done. Remember not to walk on your concrete after you start sealcoating. Better go ahead, and schedule to see the chiropractor tomorrow now too. Your time, and material will put you over the cost of having Seal-Coat Specialties take care of the work for you. Then add discomfort, the clothes and shoes you’ll have to throw out, and the chiropractor. How soon do you want us over to give you a free, no obligation estimate?

            Keep the surface clear of dirt and debris. What would you expect your skin to look like if you took a handful of dirt, and rubbed it on your arm back and forth? Do not use pressure washers to clean off your asphalt. In the winter, use plastic skids for your snow plows. Keep snowmobiles off your asphalt, and don’t use tire chains.

            This question is very dependent on the traffic type and amount your parking lot sees, as well as the size. Smaller parking lots with tight corners or access see more wear quicker. This is because of the tight turns needed to move around in the lot. If you have straight in parking, as opposed to angled parking you will see more and quicker wear as well. Most of our commercial clients have us sealcoat their lot every 2 to 3 years. Some are every year, because they have a high amount of traffic in a small lot, and they like the curb appeal sealcoating brings to their business. We do suggest that you have your cracks taken care of annually.

            This again is very dependent upon use, weather, and age of the asphalt. We see very good and consistent results of 2 to 3 years, and then you will see wear in the higher trafficked areas. We have seen our sealcoat last 6 years on some. Or even 8 years before we are called to come back, though this is the exception.

            Absolutely not! There is a very wide range of sealers and quality on the market today. There are completely different kinds of sealants, and many ways of preparing the sealant. There are some that have shown negative effects on the environment, and others like ours that are eco-friendly.

            Absolutely! Though, we haven’t always been able to say this. We spent our first 25 to 30 years using coal tar sealer. We would always have to tell people to keep their pets off the sealer for a while, as it would chemically burn their paws. People sensitive to smells would have to avoid the sealed asphalt and keep their windows in their house closed for a while too. Coal tar sealer will burn/irritate your skin, eyes, and nose. We certainly do NOT miss those days, and we are so proud that we exclusively carry eco-friendly sealants now.

            We always recommend 24 to 48 hours for vehicle traffic, and a couple hours for light foot traffic to give the sealcoat ample amount of time to cure. The water in the sealer needs to evaporate, and the sealcoat needs to adhere to the asphalt and become best friends. There is a difference between dried and cured.

            Most definitely. There is potential to get a build-up of sealant by sealcoating too often for too long. It is OK to sealcoat in consecutive years, but this should not be repeated long term without inspection by a professional. Every surface has unique needs, and we’d be happy to consult with you on your situation.

            This depends on your interpretation of “fix”. The only way to truly fix a crack, is to do a full depth patch, or tear out and put in new asphalt. What we do, is we fill the crack with hot rubber that we squeegee into it. This rubber has been melted down to well over 300 degrees in our temperature controlled, commercial melter. This seals the crack and prevents water from getting into the crack and underneath your asphalt.

            No. While we do use industrial grade eco-friendly sealant that is extremely strong and durable. It will not be thick to the point of making a bad surface like new again (nor will any other sealant). However, even bad surfaces will look much better and be protected by the sealant. Your Sealcoat Specialties sales representative will provide honest answers to your questions on how much sealcoating will benefit your specific situation and what you can expect for results. When driveways are in very bad condition, we may recommend replacing the asphalt.

            Like the people calling you to extend the warranty on your car, there are many people who do not have your best interests in mind. There are many fly-by-night sealcoat companies that come through the area each year. If you have any problems or questions after the job is done you have nobody to reach out to. Stick with a company that you know has been around, and will be around. We’ve been serving this area for 40 years. We will always be accountable for any legitimate problems that may arise.