Peeling is caused by sealcoating not bonding to oil spots or any other surface contaminants like dirt, grease, etc. or oxidized pavements. Prior to sealcoating application, the pavement surface shall be thoroughly cleaned, oil spots be treated with an oil spot primer.
Solution: Examine the back of the flaking sealer to see if there is any debris or concrete particles. If this is the case, remove all flaky material by means of a high pressure washer or vigorous scrubbing over the surface. Once dry, apply two diluted coats of sealer followed by a straight coat.
If the surface is not clean the coating will not bond and with time and usage it will flake or peel off. The extent of cleaning of the pavement will depend upon its condition, simple air blowing or more involved scraping, wire brushing, air blowing or pressure washing.
APPLYING TOO MUCH SEALER OR THE WRONG KIND OF SEALER
Too much sealer can lead to premature cracking, which will shorten the lifespan of your driveway.
He says asphalt-based sealer is prone to bacterial spoilage, which actually breaks down the asphalt and destroys the sealer. Contractors can detect such spoilage if they notice foaming of the material or volume expansion, usually indicated by bulging of the container. The sealer may or may not smell bad.
We recommend that you have your asphalt driveway resealed every 2-3 years at maximum. Waiting any longer could result in faster deterioration of your pavement. And doing it too often (i.e. annually) could result in chipping and flaking.
How often should I sealcoat my driveway? On average, every 2-3 years. The major factors that affect how the sealer wears is traffic flow, UV ray exposure, water flow and settlement, salt, snow plows, and other winter weather conditions.
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.
The Drawbacks of Seal Coating
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. If your driveway is damaged, you'll need to have it repaired before sealcoating it.
You'll get the best results if you take the time to repair cracks in the surface of the driveway before applying a final coat of sealant.
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.
Poured correctly and well-maintained, asphalt pavement can last for nearly 20 years. However, it still requires steady maintenance over time. A driveway should be resealed about every 3 years and often, asphalt driveway cracks develop and need to be repaired more frequently than that.
Over time, the sand used in the mixing of the asphalt will begin to work its way out of the driveway, and the gravel will come loose. This can lead to potholes and cracks, and pitted areas that are hard to fix. Sealing an asphalt driveway is often recommended, but is never a good idea.
When you're ready to seal coat your driveway, stir the sealer thoroughly so that you will have the right consistency when applying it. If you have a steep driveway that needs further traction, add sand to your sealant.
Choosing an asphalt contractor who adds sand and additives to their sealer means better results for your asphalt surface. Some reasons for contractors not using sand and additives include: They do not own the proper equipment. They do not have an underbuilt agitation system.
Solution: How to fix a flaking sealer
Turn off all gas and heat sources. Then pour Xylene or a citrus stripper onto the concrete. Let it sit until the sealer is softened. Apply more Xylene or stripper and scrub the sealer using a stiff straw scrub brush on a broom handle, until the solution re-liquifies.
Sealing concrete yearly can lead to more hairline cracks, so if you have a concrete driveway, you should consider resealing it every five years. In addition, sealing an asphalt driveway too soon may trap oils within the asphalt, resulting in a driveway that is too soft or flexible.
Sealcoating not only extends the life of your asphalt pavement, but it's also an effective way to save money. Unprotected asphalt leads to cracks and potholes which will cost you more in repairs.
The Benefits of Sealing Asphalt
Although not a necessary aspect of regular asphalt maintenance, sealcoating a parking lot or driveway can offer some benefits. The sun's ultraviolet rays and oxygen in the air can damage asphalt, making it brittle. Brittle asphalt can crack, allowing water to enter the paved surface.
The best time to sealcoat your driveway is during summer when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It's not advisable to seal coat in the winter as the colder season will negatively affect the performance of the sealer. The sealer may not bond with the asphalt or will not cure correctly.
Squeegee applications typically produce a better bond between the pavement's surface and the sealant. The pressure exerted by the squeegee forces the sealant into surface cracks and voids, creating a bond that is of higher quality while often yielding a smoother appearance.
Applying two coats of any sealer will dry and create a better finish much better than one thick coat. These sealers are water based, and they cure and form a film primarily during the evaporation of water from the coating. A thin coat will evaporate much faster and create a single uniform layer.
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.
Industry standards recommend that you wait one year or go through one winter before you seal coat a new driveway. How often should I seal coat my driveway? Industry standards recommend every two years; allowing the sealer to wear away before you reseal the driveway.
Rain and Sealcoating
Sealcoat material will not properly adhere to the asphalt pavement if it is wet. Asphalt must be 100% dry in order to apply the material. Sealcoating application and drying do not pair well with rainy or even misty conditions. Rain prevents the coating from drying.