1)

Q: How long should I stay off my driveway after it has been sealed?

A: We recommend to wait 24 hours to walk and 48 hours to drive on a newly sealed driveway

 

2)

Q: Why Seal Coat?

A: Numerous studies by the Asphalt Institute demonstrate the measurable benefits of preventive maintenance. Sealer helps protect asphalt from the harmful effects of the sun. UV rays actually break down the tar in asphalt, oxidizes asphalt and makes it more brittle, which causes the asphalt to break down and crack. Sealer also protects the asphalt against oil and gas spills. Periodic crack sealing and seal coating can greatly extend the life of your pavement.

 

3)

Q: How often should I seal my driveway?

A:  We recommend sealing your driveway every 2-3 years, depending on weather conditions and wear. In most cases, it is unwise to seal a driveway every year as you can build up too much sealer which can lead to surface cracking of the sealer.  When you start to notice stones showing through the sealer it is time for another application.

​

4)

Q: What if it rains before the sealer dries?

A:  The sealer we use has additives to expedite drying time but if it does rain before the sealer is dry and the driveway is damaged, S & S will reseal the driveway at no additional cost.  Sealer can be easily cleaned from vinyl siding but can be difficult to remove from a painted garage door without damaging the paint. If sealer is splattered on a garage door or other painted surface S & S will repaint it for you at no additional cost. We do not replace garage doors that have gotten sealer on them. 

​

5)

Q: I’ve got a cheaper quote from another sealcoat company, why are you more expensive?

A: Not all sealcoat is created equally and certainly not all sealcoat companies are created equally. We are serious about our products, our service and our reputation in the community. If price is the only determining factor, S & S may not be for you. We spend more time preparing the asphalt surface and cracks for sealing than the competition.

 

6)

Q: I’ve just installed a new driveway, should I have it sealed right away?

A: No. The pavement must lose some of its light oils and cure before you can properly sealcoat. Six months to one year is generally enough time to cure the asphalt to accept sealcoat. But don’t wait too long, either.  Newly installed, unsealed asphalt can absorb oil, gas and other chemicals or be damaged by winter weather before it’s treated. Here’s an easy test to determine of your driveway is ready to be sealed – take a cup of water and spill it onto the pavement.  If it beads up and shows a little oily reflection, the pavement still needs to cure some more before sealcoat application.

​

7)

Q: How long will it last?

A: Our sealer has a 2 year warranty but in most cases it lasts around 3 to 5 years.  Variables such as water runoff, salt, sand, snowplowing and severe temperature swings will play a role in the longevity of your seal coat. Anyone that promises five, six or seven years or more of coverage is simply making empty promises that you’ll have no way of enforcing.  Also, while the sealer itself may last two to three years, cracks may surface which would trigger the need for treatment before the color has faded.

​

8)

Q: Do you offer neighborhood discounts?
A: Yes. With the high cost of gas and labor, we can conserve time and money by avoiding travel time and pass along savings to you and your neighbors.

​

9)

Q:  What do you do about the cracks?

A:  Crack sealing is the single most important step you can take to protect your pavement.  Cracks are a natural occurrence for most asphalt surfaces after a few years.  We use a rubberized crack filler that is able to remain flexible as the surface expands and contracts with a change in temperature.

​

10)

Q: Is the crack filler visible through the sealer?

A: Yes, you will be able to see the crack filler through the sealer due to the texture difference of the material and driveway. This is unavoidable, but necessary, to properly protect your pavement.

​

11)

Q: Why do you put sand in sealer?
A: Sand in sealer acts as a filler, gives it strength, and provides non-slip traction.

​

12)

Q:  Will the sealer eliminate all those tiny surface cracks?
A:  The short answer is No.  Sealcoat is not a “leveling agent”.  The sealer will help fill in small voids and coat any imperfections, but the imperfections may still be visible.  Spider cracks are very common and, short of infrared heating of the entire surface, there is nothing that can or should be done to eliminate the shallow surface flaws in your asphalt.  Quite often, due to the deep, rich, black finish of a new sealcoat, the spider cracks will initially appear more noticeable.

​

13)

Q: I’ve scheduled Service – what should I do Before and After sealcoat application?

A:  Please make sure there are no chemicals present on the driveway prior to sealing. Also, please remove any personal items such as potted plants, trash cans, etc. from the driveway and be sure there is no caked on mud or sidewalk chalk present. After sealing please keep vehicles off surface 48 hours minimum.  Foot traffic is allowable after 24 hours.  Remind all drivers to avoid turning car wheels unless car is in motion.

​

14)

Q:  I just had my driveway sealed and I’m noticing tire marks and streaks in the sealer.  Why?
A:  Complete cure time for sealer takes up to 30 days.  During this time, the surface is sensitive to staining, tire marks and streaking from irrigation systems/hose use.  While somewhat unsightly, these imperfections should fade away over the next few weeks.

​

15)

Q:  What is included in your two year warranty?
A:  Our two year warranty is that the sealer will not wear off under normal conditions. The sealer is not guaranteed against snow removal, industrial equipment, tire chains, fertilizers, deicers, oils, car/tire wash and waxes, etc. Our warranty does not cover any damage or discoloration due to any of these types of substances. Cracks are not guaranteed to reopen during the two year warranty.

​

16)

Q:  When is the best time of year to seal your driveway?
A:  We recommend sealing your driveway any time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Cooler temperatures can prevent the sealer from curing correctly.

​

17)

Q:  How does your scheduling work?
A:  Because we are always working around the weather, we find it best to put you on the schedule for a time period and contact you a day or two in advance to confirm when we see the forecast for sure. Scheduling for a particular date far in advance often results in rescheduling due to a chance of rain. We also try to schedule groups of jobs together so that we can reduce our driving time and keep our costs down.