Why asphalt needs protection, and the full process behind a proper seal coat job.
Get Notified When We Launch (816) 539-5496Asphalt is porous, and water that works its way into those pores expands when it freezes. That expansion is what causes the cracking you see on older driveways, and it's exactly the kind of damage Kansas City's freeze and thaw winters cause year after year.
A sealcoat fills in that porous surface and creates a barrier that blocks water from getting in to begin with. It also protects against UV damage and the oil and gas spills that break asphalt down over time.
Sealcoat won't bond properly to a dirty surface. The driveway needs a full cleaning first, oil stains treated and loose debris cleared, before any sealant goes down. Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons a seal coat job fails early.
Existing cracks get filled with a hot pour crack filler before sealing. Sealing directly over an unfilled crack just traps the problem underneath a fresh layer instead of actually fixing it.
Sealcoat gets applied evenly with a squeegee or sprayer. It needs dry weather above fifty degrees to cure properly. Foot traffic usually needs to stay off for about twenty four hours, and vehicles for closer to forty eight.
Most driveways benefit from a fresh seal coat every two to three years, depending on sun exposure, traffic, and how well the surface was prepped the last time it was done.
Usually around forty eight hours, though it depends on temperature and weather conditions.
Cracks get filled with a hot pour filler as part of the process before sealing, so yes, existing cracks are addressed first.
Most driveways do well with a fresh coat every two to three years.