Sealcoating Common Questions

How long do sprinklers need to be shut off after sealcoat?

·       Sprinklers need to be turned off from 2 days before the sealcoat through 1 day after to help prevent the sealcoat washing away. Sprinklers hitting the asphalt will wear the sealer prematurely and is not warrantied.

What color is the sealcoat supposed to be?

·      The sealcoat should be slate black, or black with a blue or gray tint to the sealcoat.

What sizes of cracks are filled?

·      We fill any cracks that are ¼ inch wide or larger; this is the equivalent to 2 quarters stacked together.

Why isn’t the crack filler filled to the top of the driveway?

·      The crack filler is filled to the top of the crack and the driveway.  Usually the crack filler settles down into the crack, but the sealer is still covering the crack as well as the driveway.

Why is the crack filler soft?

·      We use a soft pliable, rubberized material to fill the ¼ inch wide cracks, this remains soft in warm temperatures and may pull out of the cracks.  Usually the crack filler can be heated up with a propane torch and can be pushed back into the crack.

How long does the crack filler last?

·      It varies greatly from 3 months to 5 years depending on weather conditions, temperature, frost, snow removal, wear, and the size of the opening in the original crack.

Why are there tire tread marks in the driveway?

·      Usually tire tread marks in the driveway means that a thick coat of sealer was applied to the driveway.  These marks show up when the temperature is warm and there is high humidity in the air.  Usually the marks will disappear or “drive into” the driveway after about 3-4 months.

What do I do about grass, weeds, and ants in the crack filler?

·      Grass and weeds can grow up through the crack filler.  We recommend getting a weed killer and spraying that on the grass and weeds in the crack.  For ants we recommend getting an ant killer and spraying that on the ant mounds.

How often is sealcoating recommended?

·      We recommend sealcoating every 3 years.  It is a personal preference on how long to wait between each sealcoating, but the earliest that is recommend is every 2 years, this will ensure that the sealcoat isn’t building up too much in areas on the driveway. 

What if I have a 911 emergency?

Emergency vehicles will have full access to drive wherever they need to go.

How long do I need to stay off the new sealcoat?

·      We recommend not walking on the driveway for about 5 hours and not driving on it for about 36-48 hours.  If the sealcoat looks wet it probably still is!

·      Power steering turns, sharp turns, and backing trailers up will mark your sealer up, especially on hot surface temperatures.

·      Areas that hold water even “temporarily” the sealer may lift, this is not warrantied.

·       Snow plow marks and tires chains are also not warrantied.

·       Driveways that are sealed on a high humidity day may take more than the recommended 36-48 hours to cure, they should not be driven on until they are fully dry.

·      Tree sap on the driveway may cause the sealer to not “stick” to the driveway, this is not warrantied.