Your asphalt has certainly seen its glory days, vividly reminding you of the time when it was newly laid with an attractive finish. Its current faded color and other signs of deterioration such as cracks and small potholes, however, may be begging for attention.
Homeowners trying to economize on regular maintenance of paved areas around their properties, or commercial business owners and managers responsible for maintaining large parking lots and driveways, often consider DIY asphalt sealcoating as a cost-effective solution.
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However, the harsh reality is that driveway sealing and seal coating of asphalt parking lots could result in numerous hassles, wasting your precious time and money, especially when executed inadequately. Non-professionals frequently commit substantial errors when trying to restore the paved surfaces under their care. At Marini Paving and Masonry, we aim to help you avoid these pitfalls.
We have witnessed numerous seal coat disasters that have led to the need for complete repaving. Hence, we understand the significance of having a professional paver inspect your asphalt before deciding on the appropriate repair method. Don’t let an overzealous approach with seal coating dig deeper into your pockets than necessary. Instead, consult with our professionals today to educate yourself about your asphalt repair options before experiencing these common sealcoating complications!
OVERUSE OR INCORRECT USAGE OF SEALER
While smearing a thick layer of seal coat over asphalt may seem like a good idea, the “more the merrier” philosophy can potentially harm the underlying pavement. Overuse of sealer can lead to premature cracking, reducing your driveway’s lifespan. So, is it advisable to dilute your sealant before application? Some disreputable paving contractors might do so to boost their profits on sealcoating projects.
The answer is a resounding no; never attempt this on your own. Moreover, always remember to query any professional contractor you engage about their application of seal coat to ensure they don’t resort to such practices. Feel free to inquire about any facet of your contractor’s process, such as the specific parking lot or driveway sealer they plan to use and their supplier’s identity.
Three primary types of sealers are used on asphalt: coal tar-based, asphalt sealer, and acrylic polymer sealer. Your contractor should be able to justify their choice for your project. If you’re environmentally conscious, discuss this with your contractor as each sealer has different environmental impact levels.
IMPROPER USAGE OF APPLICATION TOOLS
One of the key reasons to hire professionals for asphalt sealcoating your business parking lot or residential driveway is their access to specialized tools like pressurized spray equipment for an efficient seal coat application. They are likely more familiar with a product manufacturer’s specific instructions for applying their brand of sealer.
If you find yourself shopping for squeegees online to spread seal coat on your driveway, reconsider that decision! You’ll likely save money and avoid headaches by hiring a professional, especially since they use higher quality tools for a more even, professional finish.
UTILIZING SEALCOAT PRODUCTS AS CRACK OR GAP FILLER
Similar to the first error—overusing sealer—novice sealcoating technicians often assume that a thick layer of sealer will fill cracks and breaks in asphalt surfaces, eliminating the need for patching. This approach is ineffective for gap filling, and if you aim to prolong your asphalt’s life, you should avoid using a sealer as a filler for holes or cracks.
The reality is that you must appropriately address these issues before applying a seal coat. This might involve filling potholes, patching with new asphalt, and using specialized crack repair products to achieve a uniform surface for asphalt sealing.
INADEQUATE CLEANING OF ASPHALT PRIOR TO SEAL COAT APPLICATION
Asphalt needs to be clean and dry to ensure the sealcoating solution adheres properly. Effective cleaning methods include blowing or sweeping away debris such as fallen leaves, loose dirt, and trash.
Power washing may also be necessary to remove stubborn dirt and grime. However, if your asphalt isn’t completely dry, you’ll need to postpone the seal coat application, which can take a while depending on the pavement’s thickness and the weather conditions.
NOT ALLOWING THE SEALER TO DRY ADEQUATELY
Just as your asphalt needs to be thoroughly dry before sealing, it’s equally crucial to let the final product dry for the right amount of time before reopening the driveway or parking lot to vehicle traffic.
While some sources suggest that the seal coat is fully dry within four to eight hours, it is recommended not to drive or park on a freshly coated surface for at least 24 hours.
SEALING UNDER UNSUITABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS
While it may be tempting to wait until just before a family gathering or a business downtime to seal coat your driveway or parking lot, weather conditions and temperatures need to be ideal for the task, or the sealer may not dry correctly.
Late spring, summer, and early fall, when temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours, are optimal for asphalt sealcoating. Unfortunately, seal coating materials do not set properly under lower or extremely high temperatures. The weather must also be dry, as rain can easily ruin freshly applied sealcoating.
AVOID DIY SEALCOATING PROJECTS TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY
Whether you’re a homeowner with a single driveway or you manage a commercial complex with acres of paved surfaces, your best option for seal coating is a trusted, professional asphalt paving contractor. As we’ve highlighted, buying mediocre sealcoating materials from your local home improvement store and spending your valuable time applying these messy substances is not the best approach.
While Marini Paving and Masonry does not currently offer asphalt sealcoating services, we invite you to reach out to us for advice on enhancing your asphalt surfaces. Often, repaving is a more effective solution for reviving cracked and pothole-riddled driveways and parking lots than sealcoating. We provide repaving services for both residential and commercial asphalt needs.
Contact us at Marini Paving and Masonry to get a free estimate on your asphalt installation or maintenance project.
Conclusion:
Navigating the complex process of asphalt sealcoating can be daunting, and it’s fraught with potential pitfalls if attempted as a DIY project. Both residential and commercial property owners need to be aware of the potential issues that can arise when sealcoating is done incorrectly or without proper preparation. From selecting the correct sealer to using the right application tools and ensuring ideal weather conditions, professional guidance can help avoid unnecessary expense and extend the lifespan of your asphalt. Although Marini Paving and Masonry does not currently offer asphalt sealcoating services, we are here to offer advice and provide top-tier repaving services for residential and commercial asphalt needs. Contact us for a free evaluation and let us help guide you through the process to restore your asphalt to its former glory.
FAQs:
- Can I use sealcoating as a crack or gap filler?
No, sealcoating is not intended to be used as a filler for cracks or gaps. Prior to applying sealcoating, it’s essential to properly address these problems, which could involve filling potholes, patching with new asphalt, or using specialized crack repair products.
- How long should I wait before driving on freshly seal-coated asphalt?
Although some sources suggest the seal coat dries in as little as four to eight hours, it’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours before driving or parking on the freshly coated surface to ensure proper curing and drying.
- When is the best time for asphalt sealcoating?
Optimal times for asphalt sealcoating are during late spring, summer, and early fall, when temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours. Sealcoating materials don’t set properly under extremely low or high temperatures, and weather must also be dry to prevent damage to the fresh sealcoating.
- Can I dilute my sealant before applying it? Diluting the sealant is not advisable. Applying the sealer in its recommended consistency ensures the effectiveness of the sealcoat and longevity of your asphalt. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Can I perform asphalt sealcoating myself? While you can technically undertake a DIY sealcoating project, it’s generally not recommended due to the specialized knowledge and equipment required to do the job correctly. Mistakes made during the process could end up costing more in the long run. It’s better to seek advice or services from a professional asphalt paving contractor.