Sealcoating Etiquettes – What’s Right & What Isn’t?

As a proud, responsible homeowner, you take proactive measures to protect your investment. One way of doing that is by seal coating your driveway regularly. But before you start slapping that sealant all over the place, you should remember a few things about seal coating. So, here are the etiquettes for driveway seal coating!

The Sealcoating Process, Explained

Sealcoating is the process of applying a protective coating to asphalt pavement. The purpose of seal coating is to extend the life of the pavement by protecting it from sun damage, water damage, and general wear and tear.

The sealants are usually either coal tar-based or asphalt-based. Coal tar-based seal coats are more durable and longer lasting, but they are also more toxic and more difficult to dispose of. Asphalt-based seal coats are less toxic and easier to work with, but they don’t last as long as coal tar-based seal coats.

The Process

The process of seal coating is pretty simple. First, the pavement’s surface is cleaned with a power washer or other means. This removes all dirt, debris, and oil stains from the pavement’s surface. Next, cracks or potholes are repaired with a cold patch or hot mix asphalt.

Once the surface is clean and smooth, a layer of primer is applied to help the seal coat adhere to the pavement’s surface. Finally, the seal coat is applied in a thin layer over the entire surface of the pavement. Once the seal coat has been applied, it must dry for 24-48 hours before using the surface again.

Also, Read – Explainer – The Difference Between Asphalt Paving and Seal Coating

Discussing the Seal Coating Etiquette

Sealcoating your driveway is tricky, and many things can go wrong if you’re not careful enough. So, we’ve put together a list of seal coating dos and don’ts to help you avoid making some of the most common seal coating mistakes.

Do Hire the Right Contractor: 

There are a lot of fly-by-night operators in the seal coating business. They’ll do a poor job and disappear as quickly as they appeared. To avoid being taken advantage of, choose a reputable contractor who has been in business for a while and has a good track record. You can check online reviews or ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations.

Don’t Begin Without Adequate Preparation

Before beginning seal coating, one of the most important things is to ensure your surface is prepared correctly. This means removing loose gravel or sand, filling in any cracks or potholes, and providing the surface is smooth. If you don’t take the time to prepare your surface properly, your seal coat will not adhere correctly and will not last as long as it should.

Do Wait for the Right Temperature 

A seal coat must be applied when the temperature is between 50- and 90 degrees Fahrenheit to cure correctly. If it’s too cold, the seal coat will not dry correctly and will be more susceptible to coats. If it’s too hot, the seal coat will dry too quickly and will be more likely to crack.

Don’t Forget the Edges 

One common mistake people make when seal-coating their driveways are forgetting about the edges. You must apply a sealer to the edges of your driveway to protect them from weather damage and give your whole driveway a finished look. An easy way to achieve this is by using an edging tool while applying the sealer.

Do Your Research 

Different types of sealers are available on the market, so you must research which is suitable for your particular project. For example, if you have a driveway with a lot of traffic, you’ll want to use a heavier-duty commercial-grade sealer. But a lighter-duty consumer-grade sealer will suffice if you have a residential driveway with less traffic.

Don’t Delay Seal Coating

Once you’ve chosen a contractor and gotten an estimate, you must promptly follow through with the job. The longer you wait to seal coat your asphalt, the more damage it will sustain – and that means more money out of your pocket down the road. So, bite the bullet and get it done!

Do Get a Written Estimate: 

Getting a written estimate from your contractor before they start work is always a good idea. This way, you’ll know the job’s cost, and there’ll be no surprises. Not only that, but a written estimate will give you something to reference if there are any issues with the job after its completion.

How to Pick an Asphalt Seal Coating Contractor that Won’t Rip You Off

Fortunately, there are ways to ensure you get the best possible value for your money. Here are a few things to remember when choosing an asphalt seal coating contractor.

1. Make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured. This is important for any contractor you hire, but it’s especially critical regarding asphalt seal coating. A lot can go wrong during the process, so you want to protect yourself in case of accidents or damage to your property.
2. Get multiple bids. As with any major purchase, it’s always a good idea to get multiple bids before making a decision. This will give you a better idea of the going rate for asphalt seal coating in your area and help you avoid overpaying.
3. Check their references. Once you’ve whittled down your choices to a few potential contractors, check their references. Many bidders often overlook this step, but it can be crucial in making sure you’re hiring someone with experience and a good track record.
4. Verify their credentials. Not all states require contractors to be licensed, but many do. If your state has licensing requirements, verify that your chosen contractor meets them before moving forward.

Now that you know a little more about seal coating etiquettes, we hope you keep these things in mind the next time you need to seal your driveway or parking lot. And, of course, if you’re ever in need of superior asphalt maintenance in Levittown, Pa, be sure to call us at PowerSurge Plus LLC.

We’ll be happy to provide you with a quote.

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