How Asphalt Sealcoating Works
✨ Key Points
- Asphalt sealcoating adds a protective surface layer that helps reduce exposure to UV rays, water, oxidation, and automotive fluids.
- Sealcoating is preventive maintenance, not asphalt repair. Significant cracks, potholes, drainage problems, and structural damage should be repaired before coating.
- Preparation determines the result. The pavement generally needs to be cleaned, repaired where necessary, and allowed to dry before the sealcoat is applied and cured.
You look at a driveway that was once deep black and smooth, but several years later it has faded to gray and started developing small cracks.
Does it need to be replaced, or can sealcoating help?
In many cases, structurally sound asphalt can benefit from preventive maintenance before deterioration becomes more serious.
Asphalt sealcoating works by applying a protective coating over the pavement surface, creating an additional barrier against some of the conditions that contribute to asphalt aging.
The process generally involves:
- Inspecting the pavement: Potholes, significant cracks, drainage problems, and damaged areas should be identified before sealcoating begins.
- Cleaning the surface: Dirt, vegetation, loose material, and other contaminants can interfere with adhesion.
- Making necessary repairs: Sealcoat should not be treated as a substitute for repairing cracks or deteriorated asphalt.
- Applying the sealcoat: The coating is spread across the prepared asphalt according to the product and application requirements.
- Allowing it to cure: Vehicles and foot traffic need to stay off the treated area until it has cured sufficiently.
One important benefit is protection against oxidation and UV exposure.
Over time, sunlight contributes to asphalt deterioration, which is why sealing can help prevent sun damage as part of a broader pavement-maintenance strategy.
Sealcoating can also help limit direct exposure to water and automotive fluids while restoring the darker, more uniform appearance associated with newer asphalt.
However, sealcoating does not make damaged pavement new again.
If a driveway already has large cracks, potholes, base failure, or serious drainage issues, covering the surface won’t solve the underlying problem.
So, how does asphalt sealcoating work in practice, when should you use it, and what should happen before the coating goes down?
Understanding those distinctions can help property owners spend money on maintenance at the right time rather than using sealcoat to hide problems that require actual repair.
Cleaning the Surface
The first step is to clean the surface of the pavement.
This is done to remove any dirt, debris, or oils that may be present on the surface.
These contaminants can prevent the sealcoat from adhering properly to the asphalt.
Pressure washing is usually the best way to clean an asphalt surface.
A power washer can remove all kinds of dirt and grime quickly and easily.
Applying a Prime Coat (Optional)
A prime coat is a thin layer of asphalt emulsion applied to the surface before the sealcoat.
It helps the sealcoat adhere better to the pavement and provides extra protection against water damage. However, not all pavements need a prime coat.
A prime coat may not be necessary if the surface is in good condition and has been recently sealcoated.
Applying the Sealcoat
The next step is to apply the sealcoat to the pavement.
This can be done with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
When using a brush or roller, it is important to work the sealcoat into all the cracks and crevices on the surface.
Otherwise, water can still seep in and cause damage.
If you are using a sprayer, hold it about 12 inches away from the surface to avoid over-application.
Sealcoating should be applied in thin, even coats for best results.
It is important not to apply too much, as this can cause the sealcoat to crack and peel.
Letting the Sealcoat Dry
Once the sealcoat has been applied, you must let it dry completely before allowing traffic on the surface.
Depending on the temperature and humidity, this can take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours.
It is best to wait until the sealcoat is completely dry before using the pavement, as driving or walking on a wet sealcoat can damage it.
Important considerations for asphalt sealcoating
Now that we know how asphalt sealcoating works let’s go over a few important considerations to keep in mind.
Weather Conditions
According to the Jacksonville experts from CSG Sealcoating, asphalt sealcoating can be done in most weather conditions.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, the sealcoat can dry too quickly and crack if it is too hot outside.
Conversely, if it is too cold, the sealcoat will take longer to dry and may not adhere properly to the pavement.
Ideally, you want to apply the sealcoat when the temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another thing to consider is precipitation. If it is raining or snowing, you will need to wait until the weather clears before sealcoating.
Pavement Condition
As we mentioned earlier, not all pavements need to be sealcoated.
If the surface is in good condition, with no cracks or damage, sealcoating may not be necessary.
However, if the pavement is showing signs of wear and tear, it is a good idea to have it sealcoated.
This will help prevent further damage and extend the life of the pavement.
Traffic Conditions
It is important to keep traffic off the sealcoat until it is completely dry.
Otherwise, you risk damaging the sealcoat or causing it to peel up from the pavement.
If you need to use the pavement before the sealcoat is completely dry, you can try to minimize traffic by putting up signs or cones.
Cost
Asphalt sealcoating is a relatively inexpensive way to maintain your pavement.
However, the cost will vary depending on the size of the area and the condition of the pavement.
If you are sealcoating a large area or a surface in bad condition, it will likely be more expensive than if you are sealcoating a small area or a surface in good condition.
How Asphalt Sealcoating Works: Hiring a Professional
Sealcoating may look straightforward, clean the driveway, spread the product, and wait for it to dry.
In practice, poor surface preparation, unsuitable weather, incorrect application, or coating damaged asphalt can lead to disappointing results and wasted money.
Hiring an experienced asphalt contractor can be particularly useful for larger driveways, parking lots, commercial properties, or pavement that already shows signs of deterioration.
Before hiring someone, ask about:
- Surface preparation: How will the asphalt be cleaned and prepared before application?
- Existing damage: Will cracks and potholes be repaired separately rather than simply covered with sealcoat?
- Products and application: What type of sealcoat will be used, and how will it be applied?
- Weather conditions: Will temperature and rain forecasts be suitable for application and curing?
- Curing time: When will people and vehicles be able to use the pavement again?
A professional should also be able to tell you when sealcoating isn’t the right solution.
Asphalt with significant cracking, drainage problems, or structural failure may require repair or replacement instead of another surface coating.
Understanding how asphalt sealcoating works makes it easier to evaluate a contractor’s recommendations.
Used at the appropriate time and applied to properly prepared pavement, sealcoating can become one part of a broader maintenance plan designed to protect the asphalt and delay more expensive deterioration.
