~ What are the best weather conditions for sealcoating asphalt?

Between 45 and 90 degrees is ideal- any hotter
and it could dry too quickly, any colder and it might not
dry in time for the overnight. Wind speed, humidity and
the asphalts sun-exposure or lack thereof is also a deciding
factor, and should be discussed with your contractor.

~ Why shouldn’t I sealcoat my driveway myself?

There are many reasons, but chiefly, the average homeowner has
no knowledge of this trade and no access to the proper
commercial grade materials or tools as a contractor does.
Our material comes in batches (not separate buckets,
like you’d find in stores) that we personally mix all the
appropriate amount of additives (water, sand, and
rubberizer) into to, therefore guaranteeing a uniform
color and texture. It’s less of a hassle, mess and expense
(actually saving you money in the long run) by having a
professional do this for you.

~Is your material “airport grade”?

Airport grade is a term the store-bought material’s place on their labels to make
you feel more confident in the product you’re buying. But
our high quality commercial grade material far exceeds
the stores so called “airport grade” material, meeting all
federal specifications, and is not found in stores but only
available through distributors of the product.

~What is the importance of filling the cracks?

In actuality, crack filling is even more important than sealcoating. By
filling the cracks, you stop water from passing through
and under the surface of your asphalt. When water passes
under the asphalt it gets trapped, and as it freezes in the
overnight hours it expands causing more damage to the
surface area. Over time small cracks become larger ones,
and can eventually lead to a good sized portion of the
asphalt having to be repaired and/or replaced. All extra
expenses we want to avoid in these hard economic times.

~Why should I sealcoat my driveway or parking lot?

     -Sealcoating enhances asphalt’s appearance and eases
maintenance, restoring the original rich slate black
color and creating a smoother surface, making it
easier to sweep, shovel and wash.
     -Sealcoating seals out water, helping to protect it from
forming cracks, and aiding the effort to avoid new
ones.
     -Sealcoating prevents gas and oil damage, much more
effectively than bare asphalt.
     -Sealcoating prevents oxidation, blocking the sun’s
harmful ultraviolet rays that dry out asphalt,
accelerating cracking and erosion.
     -Sealcoating coasts pennies a square foot compared
to the dollars needed to repair or replace damaged
asphalt!

~How do I care for and maintain my sealcoated asphalt?

--DO NOT let any lawn fertilizers get on your driveway
surface! If it does happened, rinse IMMEDIATELY!
Lawn fertilizers stain and discolor, causing the sealer
to lose its luster.
--Have it checked every 3-5 years by a professional who
can evaluate and advise you.
--Keep asphalt free from loose sand and dirt to avoid
premature wearing.
--Should you get oil or grease on your asphalt surface,
avoid using harsh cleaning products and degreasers,
as they can deplete the protective coating. The best
thing to do is wipe up any excess oil or grease with a
dry cloth, and allow the natural elements to fade the
spot (usually within 30 days).
--Avoid detailing your tires on the asphalt surface as it
can stain.
--Red mulch stains, avoid contact with asphalt surface.
--A driveway surface can reach temperatures upward
of 150 degrees, especially during our hot New
England summers, causing any crack sealant to
become soft and pliable. If possible, avoid parking
directly on filled cracks on those hot days.