Frequently Asked Residential Questions Page
How long do I need to stay off my driveway/parking lot?
The sealcoat goes on a chocolate brown and dries black. When it’s black, you can walk across it, but we ask you to keep your tires off for 24 hours.
How often should I sealcoat my residential driveway?
Sealer manufacturers and asphalt contractors agree that most asphalt driveways should be sealed every one to three years. Older driveways may require more maintenance, especially if the asphalt has gone gray. Graying indicates the surface is oxidizing and losing the binder that holds the aggregate in the asphalt.
The sealcoat is peeling up. Why is this happening?
Over time, sealer can build up and eventually peel. Peeling can also be caused by water problems under the surface of the asphalt. When asphalt begins peeling, our employees do their best to scrape down the surface as much as possible before resealing.
Some crackfill lifted out. Why is this happening?
Crackfill is made to stay pliable, therefore on a hot day; it is possible for the crackfill to become soft enough that it can be lifted out of the crack, especially if you happen to turn your tires on it. This is common, easily repaired and not something to be concerned about.
What happens if it rains on my scheduled appointment day?
If we’re concerned regarding the weather, we’ll contact you to reschedule to the next available day. If you’re not home, generally we will go ahead and pick a date for you and leave that information on your voice mail, thereby locking in your spot on the next most available date. If that day works for you, you don’t have to call us back to confirm. But if that day does not work for you, you can call us back during normal business hours and we can pick a new date that works better for your schedule.
Do I have to be home when you come to do the work?
Absolutely not! As long as you make sure nothing is on the driveway, and remember to shut off your automatic sprinkler system, we can do the work and leave an invoice in your mailbox. You do not have to take time off from work or reschedule your day in any way to accommodate having your driveway sealcoated.
Can I get on the schedule over the weekend?
Unfortunately, residential driveways are only scheduled Monday through Friday, leaving our crews available to do commercial properties on the weekend. If you have a special need that requires a Saturday or Sunday appointment, please let us know and we’ll do what we can to accommodate it.
What is resurfacing?
Resurfacing is adding an additional 1.5” to 2” of asphalt over the existing asphalt surface. This is more affordable than removing and replacing the entire driveway, and will result in the same appearance. However, any existing cracks will work their way through to the new surface in approximately one to three years, and the cap itself can be expected to last approximately eight to ten years. A & R Sealcoating does not offer resurfacing, but if we feel that’s an option you should consider, we’ll be happy to refer you to a company that does.
Why didn’t my sealcoat make the driveway look brand new?
Although the appearance of your driveway will be greatly improved by sealcoating, it cannot cover imperfections the way resurfacing does. That would be like expecting to cover wall damage by painting it. In comparison to resurfacing, sealcoating is inexpensive, will give it a fresh black color, and has the added benefit of helping maintain the life of your driveway by protecting it from the elements.
Why can I see the crackfill – I thought it would blend with the sealcoat?
Again, crackfill cannot cover imperfections the way resurfacing does. Crackfill’s objective is to keep damaging water from getting underneath the driveway surface. The material is a hot-applied joint sealing compound, which is entirely different from the liquid sealcoat. Using the crackfill is an inexpensive way to protect the base of your driveway, but it will be noticeable.
