What is asphalt sealcoating?
Asphalt pavement is made up of an aggregate (fine stones and/or sand) and an asphalt cement. The asphalt cement is the binder that holds the mix together and provides the deep black appearance. Through the harmful effects of the sun, water, salt and oil the asphalt binder will turn gray and become dry and brittle. Sealcoating is a cost-effective barrier to the harmful effects of the natural and man-made environment.
Why should I sealcoat my parking lot or driveway?
It’s the same reason you paint or stain the wood surfaces at your home. Sealcoating provides a protective barrier and protects your pavement from oxidation and the harmful effects of sun, water, oil and salt. It greatly extends the life of your pavement and adds an attractive finish that will enhance the appearance of your property.
How often should I sealcoat my pavement?
Our South Jersey climate is harsh and we recommend every 2-3 years depending on traffic and weather
How long will sealcoating last?
Sealcoat should last 2-3 years depending on traffic and snow clearing and plowing
Will sealcoating be harmful to the environment?
No, we use an environmental-friendly sealer from Neyra Industries, containing no coal tar.
What is the difference between your sealcoat material and the stuff at the big box store?
We use a commercial grade sealer from Neyra Industries mixed with sand for durability and traction. The mix at the big box store contains no sand and will not perform as well as our material.
Will sealcoating make my parking lot or driveway slippery?
No. We use a high quality sealcoat material mixed with sand. The sand adds durability and traction and will make your pavement much more slip resistant.
Will my pavement be shiny after it is sealcoated?
No. The shiny driveways you often see are a result of a contractor using an asphalt cutback material. Asphalt cutback material is banned from use in the State of New Jersey from April to October. Please ask your contractor for the specs on the material they use.
How much does sealcoating cost?
It’s less than you think and a small fraction of replacement cost. The cost to sealcoat is dependent on the condition of the surface, amount of preparation required and the size. Please contact us for free estimate.
Is it cheaper to sealcoat myself?
Not really. In fact when factoring the cost of the material, tools, shoes and clothing it is often cheaper to hire a contractor. Also, the material sold in the big box stores will not perform as well as our material and may be slippery as it contains no sand.
Does sealcoating fill all my driveway cracks?
No. Cracks larger than one-half inch need to be filled with a hot rubber or acrylic based crack filler. This is available at an additional cost.
When can pavement be sealcoated?
Sealcoating can generally done April until October as the air and pavement temperature need to be above 50 degrees with no rain. A contractor sealcoating below 50 degrees or in late fall/early spring may be using an asphalt cutback material that is harmful to your pavement, highly flammable, does not perform and makes the surface slippery.
When can I walk and drive on my sealcoated pavement?
You should be able to walk on it within a few hours and we recommend 24-48 hours to drive, depending on shade and the weather.
What do I need to do to prepare?
Please have all vehicles and trailers removed and moved away from your entrance so we can park our equipment. Lawn sprinklers should be shut off and pets kept indoors. Please do not apply lawn fertilizer in the week preceding as it makes its way to your pavement and interferes with the sealer.
Do I need to be home?
No, we can complete the work so long as all vehicles and trailers have been removed.