Like most people, you probably only think about sealing your driveway once it’s too late. By then, the summer heat has caused the sealant to wear away, and the cracks have started to appear. In this blog post, we will discuss the best time to seal your driveway in South Carolina so that you can avoid these problems!
Best Time to Seal Driveway Surfaces
As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to ensure your driveway’s longevity and deep color by seal coating every 3 years or so. Sealcoat it in the spring or fall when the pavement temperature is no more than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fall and spring are good choices, but early spring and late fall may be your best choices in the Columbia, South Carolina, area. These seasons offer ideal conditions without the meltingly hot warmer weather UV rays!
It’s also crucial to ensure your contractor comes when your asphalt pavement has been dry for a full day after any rain.
Asphalt Driveway Seal Coating Recommendations
Applying sealant to your asphalt is an essential step before winter hits. When the heat of summer fades and weather conditions bring a pavement perfect temperature of over 50 degrees, this is an excellent time to seal coat.
Most sealant manufacturers suggest two coats with a minimum drying period of eight hours in between, so talk with your contractor about the curing process so that you’ll know what to expect. You may need to park somewhere else for a day or two, but this is less time than waiting for a concrete driveway to cure.
Depending on where you live, seal coat before the winter weather arrives to avoid costly repairs down the road. In the long run, you’ll be glad you took time to protect your investment and keep your curb appeal up by seal coating!
Cleaning is Essential
It’s crucial to ensure your contractor cleans your driveway before they apply sealer! Preparing your driveway is the first thing you need to accomplish. Your contractor will use a heavy degreaser and detergent to clean all grease away.
They will then use pressure washing to remove any residual stains or other contaminants. If you don’t clean a dirty driveway, the new layer won’t adhere properly, so this step is crucial for your entire driveway!
Handle the Weeds
Your asphalt contractor will pull any plants that have found their way through any cracks and treat the soil beneath.
Crack Filling
Before applying a seal coat, it’s essential to fill in any cracks that have developed over time. Otherwise, the seal coat will go into the crack without filling it properly.
You’ll need cracks filled and made level with the rest of your asphalt to keep a beautiful driveway with the functionality you want.
Time to Sealcoat
A local asphalt contractor will know what type of sealant is best for your region and your particular driveway.
Water-based asphalt sealers create a protective layer over the asphalt, while oil-based sealants penetrate the asphalt surface. (2)
It’s crucial to choose a day when your trees will not be shedding on your driveway. or shading your asphalt too much. Water-based sealers require direct sunlight and heat to bake and fully cure and adhere properly to the asphalt. This can be hindered by tree shade, tree droppings, rainfall, cloudy days, etc. (3)
However, your asphalt contractor will let you know how to handle any issues you might face with your driveway. Depending on the type of seal coat and the shady areas over your driveway, you may need more time to let the seal coat completely dry and fully cure.
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Asphalt Seal Coats
If you’re concerned about coal tar, consider a water-based sealant, such as Pitch Black®, with 0.00% PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). It is also non-toxic, non-flammable and the perfect eco-friendly alternative to coal tar.” It contains no solvents and no petroleum distillates (no kerosene, gasoline, diesel). (3)
Water-based sealers are effective and give protection to your asphalt surface during cold weather without contaminating surface water or giving off a strong smell!
What if I Just Installed My Asphalt. Do I Need to Seal Coat?
There’s no need to seal coat fresh asphalt. Instead, let the drying process properly cure your driveway sealcoating.
“If you’ve just installed a new driveway or parking lot, industry standards recommend that you wait six months to a year – or go through a winter – before having sealcoating applied.” (1)
If you’re ready, you can get in touch with your asphalt contractor 6 months after installation. They will know the perfect time to seal coat your asphalt.
Our Experienced Asphalt Contractors Can Help
AMP is the preferred commercial contractor for sealcoating jobs of all sizes. If you want to protect your driveway or prevent further damage before the winter months, let us bring your tired asphalt back to life!
We pride ourselves on using an innovative, environmentally friendly, cost-effective product called Pitch Black® Asphalt Emulsion Sealer. We apply this protective sealcoat to keep your driveway looking good for decades!
Protect your asphalt by getting in touch with us today for a free quote!