Frequently Asked Questions


Why should I get my driveway sealed?

Sealing your driveway every year will help prolong the life of your asphalt. Driveway sealer is designed to prevent the deterioration of the surface by UV rays. UV rays can make the surface brittle which will cause the driveway to crack.
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My driveway has cracks in it, what should I do?


Cracks in a driveway is caused by a brittle surface, which in turn comes from UV rays. Cracks should always be repaired before sealing your driveway. If cracks are left unsealed, water will escape into the cracks. This can cause 2 problems. One, the ground under your driveway can become soft and then when driven on, the asphalt breaks and you end up with a hole. The second, applies to colder climates. If the water under your driveway freezes, the expansion will push your driveway up and cause further cracks and damage
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How long should I stay off my driveway after it has been sealed?


This time will vary depending on weather conditions. We generally recommend 48 hours before putting cars back on the driveway, pedestrian traffic after 24 hours. In extreme heat allow more time. To assist the curing process, after the first day or two you may water the driveway with a lawn sprinkler. This will accelerate the curing process. Most manufacturer’s spec call for a 30 day cure period,(a nice way to cover their butts for warranty) but nobody is able to stay off that long. Another point of interest, is to avoid items that will impact the seal in the first week. For example, basketball, rollerblades,etc. Anything that will put a mark in the sealer product.
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I have heard complaints about sprayed sealer. What's the deal?


Such complaints will usually be traced back to the company sealing the driveway. There are a lot of people looking to make the quick buck. Complaints I have heard include: the sealer tracked through my house; my driveway turned brown after a couple weeks; I have sealer on my wall/siding/brick/garage door. These complaints are not uncommon and goes hand-in-hand with unprofessional service. Many companies will add such things as gas, oil or diesel to their sealer to thin it out and get more coverage. This “thinning” will cause the sealer to take longer drying, with come off on shoes after it has dried and can turn the driveway a brown color. Driveway sealer SHOULD NOT be diluted! It should be applied 100% pure. Care should also be taken, using clean cutting boards to protect walls, siding and other items in the garden.
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If I seal my driveway myself with a roller. Is spraying it on better?


Driveway sealer applied with a roller is a great way for the do-it-yourselfer, but there are several advantages to having your driveway sprayed. The major advantage is the thickness of the sealer. Have a couple of years of application with a roller, the small holes in your driveway will begin to fill up, this will make your driveway very smooth and slick in wet conditions. This can be hazardous especially where elderly people are concerned. Spraying the driveway sealer will ensure you have adequate coverage, but at the same time, not make your driveway as slick in wet weather. Spraying your driveway is also faster, it dries quicker, and provides a more even coverage.
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I just had my driveway paved, how soon should I seal it?


If you have a newly paved driveway, you should wait a minimum of 6 months before sealing it. Fresh asphalt contains light-weight oils that will evaporate over time. As these oils evaporate, your asphalt will become harder and harder. If a fresh driveway is sealed, the sealing will prevent this evaporation and your driveway might become permanently soft. A rule of thumb is let the driveway see one winter before sealing.
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Roads and highways are not sealed, why should I seal my driveway?


This is probably the most debated topic about sealing your driveway. Well, there are several reasons why roads and highways do not get sealed. First, the high volume of traffic will rapidly wear away the sealed surface, so essentially, we would be throwing away money. Second, roadways are built differently then your home driveway or parking lot. Engineers and government officials plan on re-paving after a given period of time, homeowners don't normally plan for this. Third, UV rays will damage the surface of the asphalt, causing it to become brittle. With heavy traffic, this brittle surface will wear away and expose fresh new asphalt. Oil drippings from cars and trucks can even help in acting as a low-grade sealer. Typically, driveways don't recieve the same traffic so we must seal them to preserve the asphalt.
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Should I get my driveway sealcoated every year?


You should. People who care for their driveway and understand the benefits of sealcoating will get it done every summer. This will definitely prolong the life of your driveway and prevent further cracking and discoloration.
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Will you power wash the driveway before you seal it?


No, if you have a lot of dirt or mud on your driveway, we suggest that you hose it off yourself the night before. We will use a heavy-duty broom to remove dirt and debris. If you have a problem with run off that has left a large area with dirt or mud, we will ask you to hose it off the night before.
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Do you guarantee your work?


Yes, driveways under normal use conditions are guaranteed for one full year. (Normal use: No heavy equipment on your drive. No fluid leaking from a vehicle. No chemicals or salt used to remove snow or ice from your driveway. "All of these conditions will damage your asphalt").
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