The Basics of Seal Coat
Seal Coating is a thin coat application applied to aged asphalt. There are two main features of this product. First, the sealer restores the wearing course. The oils in the sealer penetrate the existing asphalt, replacing the original petroleum lost through oxidation. We also mix our sealer with silica sand, so the sand will help fill in small voids where stones have come loose, and also fill in small spots where the wearing course has started to deteriorate. Deterioration is a natural part of the life cycle of bituminous asphalt; the sun's ultraviolet rays oxidize the asphalt, causing the binder course to lose its resiliency. This results in the formation of cracks and potholes. It is important to note that sealer will not completely fill all cracks or holes in the asphalt; rather it acts as a binder to retard further deterioration. When sealer is applied, the sealer itself becomes the wear surface thereby reducing the wear experienced by the asphalt surface below. The sealer is a durable product but does not take the place of a resurface.
The second main feature of sealer is cosmetic. The deep black color is restored to the asphalt, making the product look new again. Sealer can be expected to last between one and three years depending on traffic conditions, shading, and the number of coats applied. Thicker applications or squeegee coats are available but are typically recommended only for commercial applications.
Proper surface preparation is imperative to a durable job. Before sealer is applied, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned, and may need to be edged (cleared of overgrowth). Vegetation will be removed from the cracks, and any fluid spills will be cleaned or treated. If your asphalt is heavily shaded or may have chemical buildup from car washing products or other sources, you should talk with your estimator about any additional preparation work that may be required.
Asphalt sealer is typically surface dry in less than 24 hours. We recommend allowing 24-48 hours for the sealer to dry completely and begin to cure before resuming normal usage. Sealer typically takes between 21 and 30 days to cure completely. During this time you may experience some marking. This is normal and typically disappears with continued use. When water dries on new sealer it will leave marks. These are normal and will also disappear with continued use.
As your sealer ages, watch out for gravel buildup, lawn chemicals, and products that are silicone based or contain paraffin wax. These will have an adverse effect on the sealer life. Also remember that while sealer helps protect asphalt against gasoline or chemical drips on the asphalt, these spills should be cleaned up promptly to avoid damaging the sealer.
With proper preparation and care, sealer will protect your asphalt and keep it looking beautiful. Thank you for your consideration, and please contact us with any questions you may have, or request a quote for the best care for your asphalt driveway, road, or parking lot.