Asphalt sealcoating is one of the most important parts of asphalt maintenance. A quality sealcoat job
can extend the life of your asphalt by up to 10 years, which means you will not have to replace it for
a very long time. The application process itself is also relatively simple if done correctly.
In this article, we will outline how you should apply asphalt sealcoating for maximum effectiveness.
Let’s delve in!
The importance of asphalt sealcoating
There are a few key reasons you should sealcoat your asphalt driveway or parking lot every few
years. Here are the five most essential benefits of sealcoating:
- • Sealcoating protects your asphalt from the elements – sun, rain, wind, and snow can all
take their toll on an unprotected asphalt surface. Sealcoating forms a barrier between
the asphalt and these elements, which helps to protect the surface from damage.
• Sealcoating prevents oil and gas stains – one of the main reasons for sealcoating is to
prevent oil and gas stains from forming on your asphalt surface. These stains can be
difficult and expensive to remove once they set in. Besides, they can damage your
asphalt pavement.
• Sealcoating keeps your asphalt looking fresh – over time, oil stains and other
discolorations can turn an asphalt surface into a patchy eyesore. Sealcoating helps to
preserve the original look of your asphalt by preventing such staining from occurring in
the first place.
• Sealcoating keeps you safe – if you want to avoid slipping on loose gravel or becoming
mired in dirt and mud or snow, sealcoating is essential. Asphalt surfaces that have been
properly sealed remain much safer than those which haven’t been treated yet.
• Sealcoating saves money over time – lastly, you should note that sealcoating does not
cost very much compared to how long it will last and its many benefits. So, if you are
looking for a way to protect your asphalt and keep it looking great for years to come,
sealcoating is the solution!
Steps of sealing your asphalt driveway or parking lot
Step One: Preparation
You cannot simply start applying an asphalt coating—preparations must be done beforehand for
everything else after this step goes smoothly. This primarily involves removing anything on the
surface, like rocks or branches. Also, it could include filling in any cracks or potholes on the surface.
If you have any cracks or potholes in your asphalt surface, you must fix them before applying a
sealcoat. Patching asphalt surfaces is a relatively simple process that can be done with some hot tar
and a patching tool. Be sure to smooth out the patched area as much as possible so that the sealcoat
does not pool up in any areas.
Step Two: Cleaning
The experts from CSG Sealcoating, Jacksonville, say this is a crucial step that should not be skipped; if
you do, the sealcoat will not adhere to the asphalt properly. Therefore, you must ensure the surface
is completely clean before applying the sealant. You can do this by using a pressure washer,
detergent, and a stiff brush. Once the surface is clean, you should allow it to dry completely before
moving on to the next step.
Step Three: Now it is time to start sealing
Apply a thin coat of sealer with a brush, roller, or squeegee onto your surface in even strokes
working from side-to-side, then up and down, overlapping each stroke by 50%. If you are using a
paint sprayer, hold the spray gun about 12 inches from the surface and apply it evenly in light coats.
It is crucial to avoid puddling the sealant in any area.
Allow the first coat to dry for at least two hours before applying the next one if needed. A third coat
may be applied but is not necessary for most applications. Make sure that you allow enough time for
the previous coat to dry between each coat.
Step Four: Polish the surface
After the second or third coats have dried for a couple of hours, you can begin buffing the surface
with a soft cloth and wax remover. If desired, you can also use a polishing pad attached to an electric
drill. This will remove any remaining residue from your wet sealer, giving it a nice smooth finish.
Once all surfaces have been polished, they should look shiny and new again! Now, you need to wait
24-72 hours for full curing time—depending on weather conditions, you will have a beautiful,
smooth new surface to drive and walk on.
Bottom Line
When it comes to asphalt sealcoating, you should keep a few things in mind. The most important
part of the application process is making sure that the surface is clean and free of debris or dirt. If
you do not remove all the contaminants, the sealcoat will not adhere properly and eventually peel or
flake off. You should also use an appropriate amount of sealant – too much or too little can also be
detrimental to the finished product.
And there you have it! The basics of how to apply an asphalt sealcoat. As you can see, it is a
straightforward process. If done correctly and with attention to detail, your driveway will last for
years.
