Sealcoating in Owensboro, KY

Sealcoating puts a protective layer over cured asphalt. In western Kentucky, the biggest enemy of an asphalt surface is the sun: with July highs averaging about 92 degrees, the binder that holds the stones together dries out, the surface turns gray and brittle, and small stones start to come loose. Rain then gets into the surface and the cracks. A sealcoat takes that wear so the asphalt underneath stays flexible.

What it does not do

Sealing protects good asphalt. It does not fill potholes, fix soft spots or level dips, and it does not fill wide cracks. Those are repaired first. If a driveway is too far gone, we tell you rather than seal it.

Timing

New asphalt needs to cure first; HomeGuide recommends waiting three to six months. After that, it suggests resealing every two to ten years depending on the product and conditions. Driveways and lots in full sun and heavy use need it more often. Sealer needs dry weather with temperatures of roughly 50 to 95 degrees, so most sealing here happens from spring into fall. On the hottest days, we work earlier in the day so the sealer does not flash dry before it bonds.

How we do it

• Edges trimmed and grass pulled back
• Surface blown off, swept and washed where needed
• Oil spots primed
• Cracks cleaned and sealed
• Two thin coats of sealer, the first allowed to dry
• Driveway or lot closed until it cures

Cure time

HomeGuide lists 12 to 72 hours before driving and about one to three hours before walking, depending on temperature, humidity and shade. We give you the timing for your job. Keep sprinklers off the surface until it cures.

For parking lots

HomeAdvisor lists commercial lot sealcoating at about $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot nationally. Sealing is usually followed by restriping, since the coating covers the old lines. We schedule both together and phase the lot so it stays open.

Sealcoating and crack sealing together

Cracks need to be sealed before the sealcoat goes on. Hot rubberized crack sealant stays flexible through heat and cold and keeps water out of the base. SealMaster puts crack sealing at about $0.35 to $1.00 per linear foot and cites studies finding each dollar spent saves about six in later repairs. Doing both in the same visit saves a trip.

What to expect after sealing

A fresh sealcoat is deep black and uniform. It will wear first where tires turn and stop, and fade over a few years in full sun. That is normal; it is doing its job. When the gray starts showing through again, it is time to reseal.