Sealcoating Frequently Asked Questions

Air, sunlight, and freezing causes asphalt to oxidize. This results in the asphalt becoming brittle with cracks forming. Gasoline & oil can literally eat away an unprotected driveway. Proper sealcoating prevents this from occurring.

A new driveway or parking lot should be sealcoated after it has cured for 90 days of average 70 degree weather. It is important to wait this amount of time in order to allow the asphalt to cure. If a new driveway is sealcoated before the asphalt has cured the area will remain soft for a very long time. This will result in dents caused by kickstands, heavy objects. etc.

When cracks appear, they allow dirt, debris, water and gasoline to seep down to the underlying base of the asphalt. Dirt and debris can harbor plant life that is not only unsightly but can cause cracks to be forced larger because of their root systems growing into the base and body of the drive. Freezing water will eventually stress the cracks into ever larger cracks that drastically shorten the life span of the asphalt. Gasoline and oil will eat away at the structure and destroy the asphalt.

The best way to repair cracks is to first properly clean and prepare the cracks. All loose debris and plant materials need to be removed. This can be accomplished by hand or with the aid of a heat lance. Deep cracks need to be partially filled with sand before repairing. Hot rubberized fillers are the best way to fill cracks. These fillers are heated to a temperature between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This forms a bond with the asphalt and allows the filler to move with the pavement to ensure a good seal. Large holes need to be filled with a cold patch filler.

Simple jobs can be done by the homeowner but the results are usually not good. A professional sealcoating company will have the knowledge and experience to properly protect the asphalt. Professionals have access to the most advanced tools, techniques and products on the market. Remember they do this for a living! Eliminate the guesswork as to how much product, type of product and application to use…hire the professional and get the results you want the first time!

Make sure the company is insured. Ask what products they are using and if their products and work is guaranteed. Most of all, get references. We promise our crews will always be professional in appearance and hold the highest customer focused service in the Michigan sealcoating industry.