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!
Driveway Sealcoating questions, answered by experts
Ideally, you should seal your driveway when there won’t be rain for several days, but at a minimum, there can’t be rain for at least 24 hours. If it rains shortly after you seal your driveway, the water can wash away the sealer and render your work useless. You’ll have to wait for your driveway to dry out and try applying again. Note that some sealers—like oil-based sealers or specialty fast-drying sealers—may cure faster. Ask your contractor for information on timing before the install, and if there’s rain in the forecast, postpone the job.
Regular cleaning, sealing, and timely repair of cracks help maintain its condition.
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.
Maintaining a driveway depends on its material. For concrete and asphalt, it's best to clean the surface thoroughly twice a year with a stiff broom and a pressure washer to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Sealing the driveway is crucial to protect it from water damage and freeze-thaw cycles. Before applying a sealant, pressure wash the surface to remove any loose sealant, dirt, or stains, as sealing over them will trap them. Any cracks or expansion joints should be filled with a flexible polyurethane caulk or asphalt sealer. In colder climates, use sand instead of salt for de-icing. Sand helps melt snow and ice without accelerating the freeze-thaw process, which can cause cracks.
Chip seal lasts only 5 to 8 years on average. This lifespan is significantly shorter than asphalt. It is also less durable. Therefore, chip seal driveway only works if the traffic volume is extremely low. Chip seal is also less resistant to storms and hails. As impact builds up, the chips may become misplaced, creating an uneven driving surface that sometimes becomes hazardous and may damage your tires or cause your vehicle to lose balance.
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.
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