Sealcoating is the process of applying a protective coating to asphalt-based pavements to provide a layer of protection from the elements: water, oils, and U.V. damage, one need sealcoating to extend the life of your asphalt pavement, prevent raveling and cracking, improve the appearance and curb appeal of your property, and save money on future repairs and replacement.

The frequency of sealcoating depends on several factors, such as the age and condition of your asphalt pavement, the amount and type of traffic it receives, the climate and weather conditions in your area, and the quality and type of sealcoat product used. Generally speaking, you should have your asphalt sealed every 2 to 4 years to maintain its optimal performance and appearance.

Several factors affect how long sealcoating takes to dry, such as how hot or humid the weather is, how strong the wind is, how much sunlight the pavement gets, and how thick the sealcoat layer is. Usually, you can walk on sealcoated pavement after 4 to 6 hours, but you should wait for 24 hours before driving on it. However, it may take longer in colder or wetter conditions or if multiple coats are applied. It is recommended to avoid driving or parking on freshly sealed asphalt for at least 48 hours to allow it to fully cure and harden.

How long sealcoating lasts depends on a lot of things. What sealcoat product you use and how good it is, how you get it ready and put it on, how your asphalt pavement looks and how old it is, how much traffic goes on it and what kind, what the weather and climate are like where you live, and how well and often you take care of it. You might need to reapply sealcoating in 2 years or 6 years, it depends on these things.

Sealcoating will not make your driveway or parking lot slippery if it is applied correctly and allowed to dry and cure properly. In fact, most types of sealcoat products contain sand or other aggregates that increase the friction and skid resistance of your asphalt pavement. Sealcoat can make a slippery surface that is not safe for cars and people walking on it. This can happen if you put it on too thick or not even, if you don’t mix it well or keep stirring it when you put it on, if it is too wet or cold and it can’t dry or cure right, if rain or snow gets on it before it is cured all the way, or if oil or grease spills on it after you put it on. To avoid this, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and best practices for sealcoat application, and avoid driving or walking on freshly sealed asphalt until it is fully cured. You should also clean up any oil or grease spills as soon as possible to prevent them from penetrating the sealcoat layer and affecting its performance.

To prepare for sealcoating, you should:

Clear your driveway or parking lot of any vehicles, furniture, equipment, or debris that may interfere with the sealcoating process.

Trim any grass or vegetation that may be growing over the edges of your pavement.

Make your pavement clean with a broom, blower, or power washer. Get rid of any dirt, dust, oil stains, or gravel that can make the sealcoat not stick well.

Fix any cracks or potholes with patching stuff or get a pro to do it for you. Look at the weather and pick a day that is sunny and dry. No rain for at least a day after sealcoating

7. .What should I expect on the day of sealcoating?

On the day of sealcoating, you should expect:

• The contractor to arrive at the scheduled time and set up their equipment and materials.

• The contractor to apply a primer or tack coat to any areas that have low adhesion or are exposed to ensure a proper bond between the sealcoat and the asphalt.

• The contractor to mix the sealcoat product according to the manufacturer’s specifications and stir it continuously to maintain a uniform consistency.

• The contractor to apply the sealcoat product with a spray or squeegee machine or by hand with a brush in thin and even coats, covering the entire pavement surface.

• The contractor to allow the sealcoat to dry and cure for at least 24 hours before allowing any traffic on the pavement surface.

• The contractor to clean up their equipment and materials and leave your property in good condition.