- Is a brush on or spray-on sealer asphalt application better?
- ASCO brush applies sealer on all residential driveways as it is the best method for sealer application. The thickness of the material is more consistent over the entire surface of the asphalt. Our premium brush-on application prevents overspray on garage doors or landscaping. Additionally, the manual application pushes the sealer into areas where protection is most needed. For commercial work, the sealcoating application will be discussed with the property owner in determining the best method to be used.
- How often should I have my asphalt seal coated?
- Reapplication of sealer is based upon a variety of factors including weather conditions, low spots in your pavement where water lies, and volume of traffic on the asphalt. A good rule of thumb is reapplication every 2-3 years.
- How often should I have the cracks in my asphalt sealed?
- Crack sealer inhibits water penetration, which is the leading cause of asphalt deterioration. For this reason, crack sealing should be a yearly maintenance. NOTE—due to many variables, such as depth and thickness of the crack, settlement of the crack sealer may occur. This is a natural occurrence, is not a defect in workmanship, and does not indicate that the sealer will fail in inhibiting water penetration.
- Will sealcoating make my asphalt look brand new?
- The goal behind asphalt and crack sealer is to protect your pavement from weather and deterioration, and to prolong its life before an asphalt overlay is needed. It is the reason that pavement should be resealed every 2-3 years. While sealcoating will drastically improve the appearance of your asphalt and your property’s curb appeal, it is not a replacement for paving. Asphalt has a lifespan and at the point that its age and condition have reached the end of its serviceable life, a sealcoating application should be viewed as more cosmetic versus performance based. If your asphalt is at this stage in its life, we will indicate this to you in our communication.
- How long does it take the sealer to fully cure after application?
- Like latex paint, it takes about thirty days for sealed asphalt to fully cure. Being careful during this time is beneficial to the long-term cosmetic appearance of the sealer (example: not turning your tires while sitting still). Tire marks during the curing process are sometimes inevitable but will fade in time.
- What if I have an oil spot or other chemical spill on my asphalt?
- We will pretreat your pavement the day of service and/or offer guidance to you in pretreating any chemical spills noticed on your asphalt. We cannot, however, predict the reaction of these spills to the sealer, and are not responsible for any impact from any and all previous or subsequent chemical spills on asphalt including oil, gasoline, Armor All, tire cleaners, fertilizer, hard water, bleach, etc.
- Will I see brush marks in the sealer when you are done with your service?
- Brush applied sealant will sometimes show brush strokes after sealing completion. The visibility of these brush strokes is largely dependent on the asphalt surface texture and weather conditions on the day of service.
- Is it normal for me to see areas of crack sealer when the job is completed?
- Crack sealing material is a different texture than sealer, so it is normal to see this difference after application.
- What if there is forecasted rain the day of my service?
- We regularly monitor inclement weather forecasts and radar, consider industry specifications related to drying times for our products, the condition of your asphalt, and any shade coverage over your pavement, in making a qualified decision as to whether we can perform the work. We will inform you the morning of your day of service if a change is necessary.
- Is it normal to see tire tracks in sealer and in crack sealer?
- It is normal to sometimes see tire tracks after the asphalt sealer is applied. Due to the malleable nature of hot crack sealer, it is common for tire tracks to show up. Over time, the tracks will become less visible.
- Will sealcoating stop grass from growing through the pavement?
- No, but it will help hinder the growth process. We recommend a regular application of weed killer.
- How can I keep my asphalt looking great until the next sealcoat?
- Keeping chemicals off your asphalt (see the question above ‘What if I have an oil spot or other chemical spill on my asphalt?’ is important to the cosmetic appearance of your asphalt. This includes hard water, and highly concentrated bleached city water which can stain sealer with white streaks. Low spots in pavement that collect water can cause discoloration as can organic matter such as leaves and berries. Being aware of these potential staining elements, and proactively removing them from the asphalt, will help your sealing job look newer, longer.
- I’m watching you seal my driveway, and the sealer is brown…is this normal?
- In the liquid state, sealer is a brown emulsion. When dry, it turns into a deep black coating.
Your Southern Maryland Neighborhood Residential and Commercial Pavement Maintenance Company
