Protecting Northwest PA's Asphalt, One Surface at a Time

It is recommended that you wait 2 years after you get your asphalt installed to get it first seal coated. This coat will be the first reintroduction of oils to the material and therefore will not last as long. Some driveways may require 2 coats at this time. After it is first sealed, it is recommended that you seal your driveway every 2–3 years. Living in Northwest Pennsylvania, harsh winters can also put a toll on asphalt. Scraping snowplows and snow blowers will leave marks on the asphalt. Any area with high traffic will decrease the longevity of the sealer as well. Customers in these situations may need to get their asphalt sealed every year.

When we arrive, we start by assessing the surface to ensure a thorough and effective seal. First, we edge the asphalt to access every inch, followed by using leaf blowers and hand tools to remove all dirt and debris. If there are any fillable cracks, we clean them thoroughly and use our heated kettle to apply a hot rubberized crack filler. Next, we edge out the perimeter using seal brushes and squeegees, carefully sealing around buildings and nearby objects. Once edging is complete, we apply the main coat using a spray system for smooth, even coverage. Finally, we place caution tape at the entrance to keep the area clear while the sealcoat cures.

It is recommended to stay off the fresh coat for at least 24 hours. This depends on the weather — if it is a hot and humid day, drying times may be longer. If it is a warm and windy day, the seal coat will dry much quicker. Most customers can access it between 24–48 hours.

Cracks in your asphalt invite water, dirt, and debris to seep in, which can lead to further damage and shorten the life of your pavement. Over time, these cracks grow larger and more costly to repair. We use a hot rubberized crack filler to seal and protect fillable cracks. First, we thoroughly clean out any debris to ensure a strong bond. Then, we apply the crack filler at 400°F, creating a durable, water-resistant 4-inch band over the crack. Please note: not all cracks are fillable. We can seal cracks up to 3/4" deep and 3/4" wide. Larger cracks, or areas with extensive "alligator cracking," may require more extensive work.

After 24 hours, the seal coat hardens and becomes resistant to most outside objects. However, there are some actions that can expose the seal coat: sharp turning with a vehicle, scraping with a snowplow or other items, and extreme heat. While our seal coat is tough, it will not protect against these actions.

The best time of the year is between May and October. In order for the seal coat to harden, it must be 55°F overnight. Rain is also an issue — we will not seal coat if there is rain in the 24-hour forecast.

When spraying the seal coat on the asphalt, there will be overspray on the grass. Sealer will not affect the growth of your lawn. Mowing the lawn will get rid of the sealer and will show no decline in growth.

Sealer alone won't eliminate oil stains. To properly treat these spots, we first apply an oil stain primer directly over the affected area. This specially formulated primer helps the sealer adhere to the asphalt beneath the stain, ensuring a smooth, uniform finish. Once the process is complete, the oil stain will be effectively covered and no longer visible.