It’s a beautiful day, and you’ve got the itch to get out and do some driveway sealing. You’ve done it before, so you know the drill: clean the surface well, spread some sealant on, wait till it dries, and enjoy your newly protected driveway. But what if there are a few things you’re doing wrong without realizing it?
So, before lifting that can of sealant, let’s look at some of the most common sealcoating mistakes and how to avoid them.
Paying Dirt Cheap Will Give you Dirt:
When it comes to sealcoating, you get what you pay for. If you go for the cheapest option, chances are it will be a lower quality product that won’t last as long and won’t protect your driveway.
It is valid for both products and services. For instance, if you pay pennies for seal coating a driveway, the seal coating contractor will probably cut a lot of corners.
How would you know? You’ll probably have to wait for your driveway to dry. And, when it does finally dry, you’ll probably see a thin coat and uneven application.
Don’t Be in Too Much of a Hurry:
If you want your sealcoating job done right, don’t try and rush the process. Rushing will only lead to mistakes.
For instance, if you try and rush the drying process, you risk getting tire marks on your driveway. These tire marks will be permanent, and there’s no way to remove them. So, be patient and wait the full 24 hours before driving on your newly sealed driveway.
It’s also important to note that you should avoid walking on your driveway for at least 48 hours after it’s been sealed. If you have to walk on it, wear shoes that won’t damage the surface.
Skipping the Prep Work:
Seal coating isn’t going to cover those massive cracks and holes in your driveway. It will only make them more noticeable.
Therefore, prep work is always essential. If there are small cracks or other damage, you need to repair them before sealcoating.
If the damage is significant, you will have to do some patching and perhaps even resurface your driveway. Asphalt patching kits are readily available at most hardware stores and only require a little elbow grease to fix your driveway.
Applying the Sealer Too Thick:
It’s tempting to want to lay on a thick coat of sealer, thinking it will last longer. However, this is a mistake.
Applying a sealer too thick wastes the product and can also cause the sealer to crack and peel. The best way to apply sealer is in thin, even coats. You can always apply a second coat if needed.
Using the right equipment is also essential. A squeegee will help spread the sealer evenly, and you can use a brush to get into hard-to-reach spots.
Conclusion:
At American Paving, we have 60 years of experience providing premium sealcoating services in Charlotte.
Our skilled professionals will make sure your sealcoating job is done right the first time, avoiding any common mistakes.
