While we still recommend those with cracks developing try to get their asphalt seal coated before it gets too cold, spring is really the best time for seal coating. It means your driveways and parking lots look great for the entire year, and warm spring weather is the perfect temperature for a well-set coat.
Ideally the best time of year for driveway sealcoating is between May and October. However, you will want to check the forecast to be as sure it will not rain while the driveway is setting. It is important to not touch or drive on the seal coated driveway for at least 12 hours.
Rule of thumb: When it's dipping below 55 degrees F at night it's just not the right time to seal your driveway UNLESS you use our NEW Latexite Therma Seal Driveway Sealer which can be applied in temps as low as 40 degrees F.
What's the Best Weather for Sealcoating? The best temperature range for applying sealcoat is between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal temperatures are those that start around 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning and increase throughout the afternoon.
The Drawbacks of Seal Coating
There are some drawbacks to sealcoating, however. One is that it can be messy and difficult to apply evenly. It's also important to note that sealants will not repair significant damage to your driveway; they will only protect it from further damage.
He added that sealing a driveway could yield unwanted consequences: Oil from the bitumen (the black glue that holds the asphalt together) will be tracked into the home, or the sealant could wear away unevenly, making the surface look as if it's peeling.
Homeowners need to seal their driveway every 2 or 3 years or as necessary. Keep in mind to never put off sealcoating for more than a year. Otherwise, it will only cost you more. Before sealcoating, it's important to also seal cracks and potholes.
Wet or dry? A hot, dry driveway above 95° F will dry to fast; the result can be a very uneven finish. We recommend cleaning the surface first using a driveway cleaner, which also serves to cool off the surface. Make sure there is no puddled water on the driveway before sealing.
How many coats of sealer should be applied? Low Traffic such as a typical home driveway, 1 coat is sufficient. Moderate Traffic on a parking lot, 2 coats with a third coat on the entrance and exits. Heavy Traffic 2 coats with a third coat on all travel lanes and roadways.
While slathering seal coat over asphalt in a thick layer can be tempting, a “more is better” approach is detrimental to the pavement beneath. Too much sealer can lead to premature cracking, which will shorten the lifespan of your driveway.
When sealcoating is used as part of a preventative maintenance program, it can extend the life of your driveway by up to 20 years on average.
Sealcoating is not designed to be an asphalt crack filler, it is made for sealing the surface and protecting it from the elements such as UV light, salts and oils. It is not flexible enough to fill a crack without re-cracking and it does not have adhesion quality's that Asphalt Crack Filler has.
While the advantages outweigh the negatives, there are some disadvantages that you should keep in mind before sealing your concrete driveway. Sealant can make the surface slippery. Sealants tend to dry down with a glossy or semi-glossy sheen that can be quite slick, especially when wet.
Yes. Every driveway should be sealed with a high-performing sealer. A sealer will protect your driveway from the following: Abrasions.
Squeegee applications typically produce a better bond between the pavement's surface and the sealant.
Yes, it is a necessity as you need to protect your valuable asset. If you want your driveway to last, sealcoating is the way to go. Unprotected asphalt leads to cracks and potholes that can severely damage your foundation.
You do not want to pressure wash the concrete and then immediately seal it. Instead, wait a day so that it is complete dry. Then get rid of any loose contaminants that are on the surface of the concrete. The best way to do this is via a leaf blower but if you do not have one then you can simply sweep off the driveway.
Jetcoat 10-year
10 years, however, is a long, long time and it's how long you'll have in between coats if you get Jetcoat's 10-year sealant. This long-last sealant is designed to last, with a patented formula that'll cover your driveway for 10 years.
Rain can wash away all of the hard work that you put into your driveway. The sealer will be washed away by the rain if you don't wait long enough for it to dry.
Coverage rate:
Total of 2 coats – average coverage around 50 square feet per gallon (or 5 square yards).
If you sealcoat a parking lot and notice that the cracks, alligatored areas or low spots in the pavement have a discoloration of the sealer, typically brown, that is due to the sealer re-emulsifying. In other words, the sealer reabsorbs the water. Sealer cannot form its film if there is constant water present.