Sealcoating in Federalsburg, MD

Sealcoating

Asphalt fails from the top down

What does sealcoating actually do?

Three things. It blocks ultraviolet light, which is what oxidises the binder and turns black asphalt grey. It fills the small voids in the surface so water runs off instead of soaking in. And it leaves a fuel resistant skin, so a drip of gas or oil sits on top instead of eating into the mix. None of that rebuilds a failed surface, and any honest asphalt outfit in Federalsburg will tell you the same. Sealer protects good asphalt. It does not fix bad asphalt.

How often should a driveway be sealed?

Every two to three years for most driveways, and every year or two for a lot that takes trucks and turning traffic. Yearly sealing on a quiet driveway is money wasted, and it causes problems of its own. Coat over coat builds a thick film that cracks and peels off in sheets. We would rather look at your surface and tell you to wait a season. Home improvement work in Maryland is licensed, and you can look up any contractor's number, ours included, through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.

What happens on a sealcoating day?

The surface gets cleaned first, and that is most of the work. We blow it down, sweep the edges, then wire brush and prime any oil spots, because sealer will not stick to oil. Grass gets cut back off the edge so the coat runs to the real pavement line. Then the material goes down. The first coat is squeegeed, which pushes it into the surface, and a second coat is sprayed for an even finish on lots and drives that take heavy use. Bad spots that turn up under the dirt get fixed before any of it, and that is patching work rather than sealing.

How long before you can drive on it?

Stay off it for 24 hours on foot, and give it 24 to 48 hours before vehicles, longer if the weather is cool or damp. When you do pull back on, drive straight in and straight out for the first week. Turning the wheel while the car is standing still is what scuffs a fresh coat, and power steering will twist marks right into it. We watch the sky too. Sealer wants a dry day above 50 degrees and a dry night behind it, so a storm coming up the bay moves the schedule. We seal on those same terms in Federalsburg and out to the driveways and lots around Easton.

When is the best time of year to sealcoat?

Late spring through early fall, when the days are dry and above 50 degrees and the nights stay mild. Sealer needs warmth to cure properly, so we stop once the cold nights settle in.

Can you seal a brand new asphalt driveway?

Not right away. New asphalt has to cure and give off its oils first, and that takes several months. Sealing too early traps those oils and leaves you with a soft surface that marks.

Will sealcoating hide cracks in my driveway?

No. Sealer is about as thick as paint, so a crack reads straight through it. We fill and seal the cracks first, then coat, which is the only order that actually holds water out.

How long does a sealcoat last?

Two to three years on a home driveway, one to two on a busy commercial lot. Traffic, turning, sun and standing water all decide it, which is why we look at the surface before we quote.

Do you sealcoat parking lots as well as driveways?

Yes. We work residential and commercial, from a short country driveway to a church or business lot. Lots usually get two coats, then fresh line striping once the sealer has cured.

Do you charge for an estimate?

No, estimates are free. We come out, measure the surface, look at the cracks and the drainage, then give you one number along with our two year warranty on the work.