Q: Do you use machines to apply the sealer?
A: We seal driveways using a rubber squeegee. This ensures the sealer is evenly spread over the surface. Larger parking lots are sealed using two sprayed coats.

Q: How long should I wait after sealing before I walk or drive on my asphalt driveway?
A: Normally, you can resume normal use of your driveway after 24 to 48 hours. If unsure, you can rub or blot the surface with an old towel. If the towel appears black or dirty, wait additional time before walking or driving on the driveway. Make sure to apply ample pressure to ensure that the sealer has dried beyond just the surface. Check cracks by trying to insert a toothpick into the center. It should not be black when removed. Keep in mind that these times are just a general guideline. These factors can affect the curing time:

1. Temperatures below 80° F and humidity higher than 50% can increase the curing time up to 12 additional hours.
2. Shaded areas take longer than areas in direct sun.

Q: My driveway was sealed today. We are expecting rain tonight or tomorrow. Will this affect the sealer?
A: The sealer will generally cure to a point at which it would not be affected within 4 to 8 hours.

Q: I have grass and weeds growing through cracks in my driveway. How do I remove the grass and weeds growing through my driveway? Will you completely remove the grass and weeds before sealing my driveway?
A: We will scrape grass and weeds growing above the surface of the asphalt, and attempt to remove the debris from the cracks. We can not, however, guarantee complete removal. Unless the vegetation is killed prior to removal, it will return. We recommend using a product like Round-Up for a few weeks before having the driveway sealed.

Q: I have trees in my yard dropping leaves. Will they stick to the sealer?
A: During the first few hours after application, leaves may stick to wet sealer. They are easily removed after the sealer has cured by sweeping.

Q: Can you apply two coats when you come out?
A: A second coat can not be applied until the first coat has cured completely. We will schedule a second coat, when requested, for another day. Ask us about our second coat discount.

Q: What should I do before having my driveway sealed, repaired, or repaved?
A: See our webpages, Guidelines for day of sealcoating & Guidelines for day of paving.

Q: Will cracks in my driveway be filled completely? Will I still see where the asphalt is cracked?
A: We only fill individual cracks greater than ¼” in width. We do not fill hairline/surface cracks or “spiderweb” cracks. The crack filler will generally settle into the cracks as it cures. This causes the cracks to still be open a bit at the surface after curing. Larger cracks are more prone to this occurrence. Additionally, the crack filler may pull away from the sides of the crack due to the shrinking nature of the product.

Q: I consider sealcoating a “winterizing” procedure for my asphalt driveway. Is this the right way to think of your service?
A: We recommend not waiting too late in the year to have your driveway sealed. The lower temperatures of fall can lead to a longer cure time, and therefore a greater inconvenience to you. Schedule sealing during warmer months to coincide with vacations to minimize the amount of time you are affected by the curing process.

Q: When is the best time of the year to seal my driveway or parking lot?
A: Collegiate Sealers & Paving normally does seals from mid March through the mid November, depending on the exact weather. We do not seal when outdoor temperatures are expected to be lower than approximately 50 degrees.

Q: How often should I have my asphalt sealed?
A: We recommend sealing your asphalt every two to three years. Evaluate cracks annually to determine whether or not they need addressed during your off year.

Q: How often should I fill the cracks in my driveway?
A: Yearly. The asphalt will continue to expand and contract with the warm and cold weather. Our professionals use top commerical products; however the filler cannot stop the asphalt from expanding and contracting. The crack filler will prolong the life of the asphalt by preventing water getting into the asphalt foundation.

Q: My driveway is very badly cracked and deteriorating. Will sealing help?
A: Sealcoating is considered preventive maintenance which helps slow down deterioration. It is not a repair product. Badly damaged asphalt should be repaired or replaced with a hot asphalt product.

Q: My driveway has depressions that collect water when it rains. Can you put extra sealer in these areas to level the surface?
A: Sealer will never cure completely or correctly if applied too thickly. It will crack and peel if not spread in a thin uniform layer. To correct depressions and dips in the asphalt, consider repaving.

Q: Do I need to be home to open my garage door?
A: No. Since our sealer is applied by hand to your driveway, there is no messy overspray to worry about.

Q: How soon after installation can a new asphalt/blacktop driveway be sealed?
A: We recommend you wait at least 6 months including one full summer season prior to sealing to allow it to fully cure and weather. After 6 months use the water bead test to determine if your driveway is ready to be sealed: spray water across your driveway; if it forms beads, it is not fully cured and not ready to be sealed yet, so you’ll have to wait a bit longer.

Q: I have a brand new driveway. When should it be sealed for the first time?
A: Newly asphalted surfaces should be sealed within its first year, but no sooner than six months. Generally, you want a full summer to elapse before the first sealing to allow the new asphalt a chance to fully cure. If you still see water beading on the surface of the driveway after spraying with water, if still needs additional time to cure and weather.