FAQ
Q: Why should I have my driveway sealcoated?
A: Sealcoating asphalt is a preventative maintenance that should be done to protect your investment in your driveway. Asphalt is a porous material that is outside in the elements all year round. We drive on it, shovel it, plow it, spill gasoline and drip oil on it. It needs to be protected to last, just the way we would paint a piece of wood to protect it from rotting and splitting. Driveway life can easily be extended from 10-15 years to 25-30 if properly maintained.
Q: How long do I need to stay off the driveway after it’s been sealcoated?
A: The manufacturer of the sealer recommends 24 hours, in most cases this is sufficient. However, Pinnacle Pavement, LLC recommends 36 hours to insure all shaded and rough areas, that may hold a thicker amount of material, are completely cured.
Q: I have a new/resurfaced driveway. How long should I wait to have it sealcoated?
A: Please consult with Pinnacle Pavement, LLC as to when is a good time for your first seal. The asphalt that is used to hold the stones together is also present on the surface of the drive after it is installed. Waiting the suggested time allows the vehicle traffic and weather to wear off this asphalt and allow the sealer to adhere properly.
Q: How often should I have my driveway sealcoated?
A: The best answer is, not every year. Pinnacle Pavement, LLC recommends that you seal your driveway every other year. Some cases of high volume, families with four or more cars, or where there has been neglect, may need several years of coating to combat the wear and tear but will eventually build up a layer of protection and go to an every other year schedule.
Q: Do you use any additives in your sealer?
A: Yes, an epoxy-latex additive is added to the sealer at a quantity of 3%. Higher percentages are used (4%-5%) for high traffic driveways or commercial parking lots. The additive increases the sealer resistance to tire marks as well as gasoline and oil.
Q: How do you apply the sealer?
A: The sealer is typically applied by hand using a squeegee application method. At no time is the sealer air born, as with the spraying method, this prevents any over spray on sidewalks or foundations.
Q: Do you ever spray apply the sealer?
A: Yes, mainly when doing commercial lots with tens of thousands of square feet where squeegee application is not practical. One other circumstance is a driveway that has been neglected and become very coarse. Squeegee application would leave behind puddles of sealer that would take days to dry.
Q: Will having my driveway sealcoated “visually” erase cracks in the driveway?
A: No, all cracks large enough to be filled with crack filler will be water tight to slow their growth and prevent erosion under the driveway. The cracks will not be nearly as noticeable but you will still be able to see them.
Q: Why are there tire marks in my driveway?
A: Tire marks on the newly sealcoated surface may occur, especially in the hot humid weather. Expect power steering marks as the sand is sheared away from the coal tar but as the the sealcoat cures, these marks will go away. Scuffing and/or tire marks are normal and temporary, usually occurring within 1 – 2 weeks after the sealcoat has been applied. To help prevent these marks, try to avoid making sharp turns in the driveway.
Q: Do you offer group discounts?
A: Yes we do, please give us a call for a quote.
Q: How late in the season do you sealcoat driveways?
A: Usually the best answer is Halloween. Although we have to keep an eye on the temperatures during the day and night so this can vary.