Driveway Sealcoating

What is Asphalt Sealing?

Asphalt driveway sealing (also known as “Seal Coating”) is the process of applying a protective coating to an asphalt-based driveway that helps protect the asphalt from the damaging effects of harsh weather, chemicals, and U.V. light while restoring the beauty of the driveway’s original black-top finish.

Why Should I Seal My Driveway?
Simply put, seal coating is a preventative measure to protect against further deterioration of asphalt driveways. While the breakdown of asphalt is inevitable, the speed at which it occurs and how far the degradation proceeds can be managed by seal coating the asphalt on a regular basis. Seal coating benefits the asphalt surface in multiple ways. The first major benefit is ‘weatherproofing’. Once the seal coating is applied, it helps prevent water or other liquids from penetrating and deteriorating the asphalt and the base layer. In the same way that excessive ultraviolet solar radiation affects human skin, it also breaks down asphalt and shortens its lifespan.

What is the Professional Seal Coating Process?
A professional seal coating company should be using a commercial-grade, asphalt-based product that cannot be purchased in stores and they apply the sealant evenly to driveway by spraying it from a wand attached to a motorized pump system that dispenses a cold (i.e., not heated) sealant from a tank located in the bed of a truck or trailer or in a hand-pushed mobile cart.
However, before the sealant is applied, the driveway must be cleaned. Even if you think your driveway is clean, trust us, it isn't. Exhaust gas contains combustion byproducts that deposit a light, sometimes oily film on your driveway. That film, along with dirt and tree sap, must come off so that sealant can properly adhere to the asphalt. Our professionals will first use a still bristle broom to loosen and remove the oily film, dirt, gravel, sand and other debris from the surface of your driveway. Next they will use equipment, such as a gas-powered blower, to remove any residual material from the driveway. If necessary, they will also pull out any weeds that have sprouted up in the cracks in the asphalt. Lastly, before spraying the commercial sealant, the technician will tape off the edges of the driveway to prevent any sealant from contacting paver stones or concrete surfaces. Spraying the sealant is much more efficient than rolling.

Benefits of Sealcoating:
- Slows Oxidation
- Improves Appearance
- Saves Money Long Term
- Prevents Water Penetration