We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of general contractor services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!
When asphalt cures, it typically changes from a very dark black hue to a lighter, more matte gray color. Cured asphalt also won’t be tacky or sticky to the touch or emit any odors from the asphalt mix. Additionally, the surface of fully cured asphalt won’t deform under any pressure.
Driveway sealcoating costs around $500 on average, or between $1.25 and $1.50 per square foot for materials and labor. Most homeowners pay between $250 and $800 for this service. Your project price will depend mostly on the size of your driveway, the type of sealant, how much pressure washing or treatment is required before sealing, and the number of coats of sealant applied to your driveway. Most sealants come in 5-gallon or 55-gallon units, with up to 500 square feet of coverage per 4 gallons.
It is not recommended to seal brand-new or uncured asphalt immediately after installation. You should wait at least three months to allow the asphalt time to cure. Applying a seal coat too soon can trap the asphalt's oils and chemicals, preventing it from fully hardening. This can lead to a weaker surface that is more vulnerable to damage. After the initial three-month curing period, applying a seal coat can extend the asphalt's life by protecting it from water, UV rays, and other damaging elements.
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.
Since freeze-thaw cycles throughout the winter months can damage your driveway, it's best to winterize your driveway in the late fall before the first freeze hits. Doing so will help to protect your driveway from damage throughout the winter season. Plus, drier, warmer weather makes applying and curing sealant much easier.
The Bowdle, SD homeowners’ guide to driveway sealcoating
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a tar and chip driveway falls between gravel and asphalt. Is this unique process the happy medium you've been looking for? Let's take a look.
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The average driveway coating takes between 30 minutes and eight hours to dry, but weather and sealant type can influence the dry time. Read on to learn more.
