5 Common Mistakes By An Amateur Asphalt Sealcoating Company

When it comes time to protect your asphalt from the elements, hiring an experienced asphalt sealcoating company is important. While many believe that sealcoating driveways or parking lots is something you can easily DIY, that's not the case. Unfortunately, many amateurs offer this service, passing themselves off as professionals. Hiring an amateur over a reputable asphalt sealcoating contractor can lead to disastrous results. But what is sealcoating, and what mistakes do amateurs often make? With this blog, we'll answer those questions and more.

What Is Sealcoating?

When you hire a sealcoating company, you're paying someone to apply a specialized sealer that protects your paving from damage. Parking lot and driveway sealer shield the surface from UV rays, preventing serious oxidation damage. It also protects from water penetration, vehicle fluids and more. A professional asphalt sealcoating contractor will recommend that you invest in this service every three to five years or as needed to maintain protection over the life of your pavement.

What Common Mistakes Can Happen When You Hire an Amateur Asphalt Sealcoating Company Make?

Applying an asphalt sealer looks easy, but doing things right requires specialty equipment, in-depth knowledge and experience. Here are five common mistakes that amateurs often make.

1. Treating Sealant as a Gap Filler: Contrary to popular belief, asphalt sealer isn't a fix-all solution to cracks. Sure, the product can fill hairline cracks. But anything bigger requires comprehensive crack repair. It's important to perform crack repairs before a sealcoating company comes in. Fortunately, most professional asphalt sealcoating contractors also handle other repairs to meet all your needs.
2. Applying Too Much Sealcoating Product: Applying too much parking lot or driveway sealer will negatively impact the curing process. The best approach is to spread at least two thin coats. Amateurs try to speed things up with a single thick layer, which prevents the product from properly curing and bonding to the pavement. The result is a sticky, peeling mess.
3. Poor Surface Prep: Asphalt sealer products need a clean, dry surface to bond strongly with your pavement. Before sealcoating driveway and parking lot pavement, contractors must take time to remove trash, grime, weeds and more.
4. Improper Curing: Don't believe a sealcoating company when they tell you it's OK to use your pavement after only a few hours! Asphalt sealer needs at least 24 hours to cure. Otherwise, it won't bond to the pavement. You must block pedestrian and vehicle traffic the entire time the product cures.
5. Sealcoating in Inclement Weather: Parking lot and driveway sealer products need warm and dry conditions. Precipitation will wash the sealer away. Meanwhile, rainy weather, high humidity and cool temperatures will prevent curing. Ideal conditions are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit with low relative humidity and no chance of rain.

Why Should You Hire an Experienced Asphalt Sealcoating Company?

It's always best to hire experts when sealcoating driveways or parking lots. Experts know how to avoid the mistakes above! They work proficiently to provide amazing results that last. Contractors can also work with you to complete the job while minimizing the impact on your home or business. Let E. Wells Paving be your go-to source for all things sealcoating! We know how to do things the right way and have many years of experience serving clients throughout Buffalo Junction, South Boston, Danville and the surrounding communities. We take your needs seriously and strive for perfection each time. E. Wells Paving is a trusted contractor offering services like asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating and more. Call us today to schedule your free quote. You can reach us by emailing  ewellspaving98@gmail.com , using our online contact form or calling us at (434)443-5815.