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Now is the time of the year when most business and homeowners start planning out the year ahead and determine what major projects they want to tackle in the new year. We recommend one of those projects being to sealcoat your parking lot, driveway, or roadways. Doing so could bring new life to your business or help you liven up your home for resale in the new year! 

To help you better understand sealcoating, the process of having it applied, and more about it, we’ve put together the most common questions we hear from our clients. 

What is sealcoating?

Sealcoating is a pavement sealer that is designed to protect and beautify your asphalt parking lot, driveway, or roadways. By applying a thin layer of sealer, the binder is replenished that is lost through weathering and aging. Asphalt sealer provides a barrier to moisture intrusion as well as UV rays, chemicals, and salt. Sealcoating prevents further weather damage, reduces maintenance costs, and adds to the lifespan of the asphalt. 

What is the best time of the year for sealcoating to be completed?

Late spring to early fall typically provides ideal weather conditions for sealcoating to be completed. Why? Temperatures need to be a minimum of 50 degrees and rising for at least 24 hours for the sealcoat to properly cure. It is not recommended for sealcoating to be applied when the forecast shows anything below 50 degrees. Additionally, sealcoat should not be applied if rain is in the forecast within 24 hours. 

How long does sealcoat take to cure?

Once the asphalt sealcoat is applied, you should allow it to cure for a minimum of 24 hours. This includes blocking any traffic, vehicle or pedestrian, from using the space. Vehicle traffic can easily crack the sealant and allow moisture inside and require the sealant to be reapplied. 

When should a sealer be applied? 

If you have new asphalt, you will want to wait a minimum of 30 to 60 days before applying any asphalt sealants. This will allow the asphalt to be free from any oils and allow the sealant to adhere to the surface. If you have an older parking lot or driveway, it is recommended to have a sealcoat applied every 3-5 years. This will sufficiently allow for protection against moisture intrusion and further extend the lifespan of the asphalt. 

How do I prepare my surface to be sealcoated?

All surfaces should be cleaned prior to the sealcoat application. This means they should be free from all debris, loose dirt, and other materials. Any oil, gas, or chemical spots and stains should be treated as well. We also recommend anything of value be moved from the area, such as vehicles, to ensure they are not damaged during application. While it is not common, it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Cracks and potholes should be repaired with a hot or cold asphalt mix before the sealant is applied. This will allow for a smooth surface that will look next to new after the sealcoating is complete. Your sealcoating company should be able to provide these services before they complete your job and if not, they should have a recommendation for a company.

Do you have more questions?

Contact Toste Construction today to speak with our asphalt expert. You can also schedule your FREE estimate to have your parking lot sealcoated and asphalt repaired. Our team is highly skilled to get the job done right the first time!  

Toste Construction specializes in sealcoating and crack filling to ensure you and your customers have a smooth surface to drive on. We are your Mooresville asphalt and pavement maintenance company. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, striping, patching, pothole repair and crack filling for both residential and commercial projects throughout western North Carolina.