Best driveway sealcoating pros near Kill Devil Hills, NC

New asphalt goes through two stages: drying and curing. Drying typically takes 24 to 72 hours, after which the surface is solid enough for light use like walking or careful driving. While you may be able to park on it after 72 hours, the surface is still soft and should be treated gently. Full curing is a much longer process, taking anywhere from 30 days to a full year for the asphalt to reach maximum strength. During this extended curing period, the asphalt is susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles, sharp objects, and high temperatures. Factors like weather, the specific asphalt mix, and application thickness all influence drying and curing times. For the most accurate timeline and to ensure the longevity of your new asphalt, it is always best to consult with your installation contractor for their specific recommendations.

Driveway installation is challenging. While chip seal might sound easier to apply than asphalt, the process still involves heavy machinery and professional skills. Unless you come from a construction background, we recommend hiring an asphalt company to chip seal your new driveway. If you are paving the driveway entirely with chip seal, expect to pay $5 to $10 per square foot.

No. You cannot use asphalt products on concrete driveways. To seal a concrete driveway, use acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, silane, siloxane, and silicate sealers or deep penetration sealers made specifically for concrete. Meanwhile, asphalt sealers contain refined coal tar (asphalt emulsion), water, sand, clay, polymers, and additives and are incompatible with concrete’s surface texture and higher density.

If your asphalt driveway shows cracks, potholes, or standing water, it’s likely time for a repair. Cracks, big or small, let water seep in, weakening the base and causing further damage. Potholes are a sign of this weakening process in action while standing water suggests your driveway has poor drainage, which can cause even more issues. You may also see warping or buckling—a sign of a compromised base layer—or sinking pavement. Spotting these signs early on can help you save yourself a bigger repair bill in the future.