Sealcoating and Asphalt Repair Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t all sealant the same? Shouldn’t I just go with the cheapest price?
Absolutely not! There is a very wide range of quality of sealant on the market today. There are completely different kinds of sealants, and many ways of preparing the sealant. Jet-Black starts with the best raw products and adds the perfect mix of additives, precisely measured and adjusted for the current weather conditions. Jet-Black’s sealant is unmatched in quality and longevity. We add premium additives like latex rubber for flexibility and durability, fine silica sand for slip resistance, and other company protected ingredients. Jet-Black’s one-of-a-kind sealant is non-tracking and naturally a dark slate-black.
How long will the sealcoating job last?
Jet-Black uses the toughest industrial grade sealant available. You will not find a longer lasting sealant. However, the lifetime of any job is unique to the existing condition and level of use of the asphalt. Factors that decrease the lifetime of the sealant include: degrading (crumbling) surface, high vehicle traffic, heavy-duty vehicles, overhead vegetation, harsh winter temperatures, scraping from snow plowing, chains on tires, chemical spills, and more. To get the best estimate of how long the sealant will last, ask your local Jet-Black professional when they inspect your driveway.
What is the risk of going with cheap sealant?
It is a common practice to water down sealant well beyond the required amount. While it can still look good when first applied, over diluting sealant destroys its properties and results in a very short lifetime. A poor quality sealant may track on your car tires and even your shoes into your home, causing a mess that is very difficult to clean off carpet and other surfaces. Many sealants need a black dye because they are naturally blue-gray. While Jet-Black’s sealant is naturally black and actually gets blacker in the first few weeks, cheaper sealants will be blackest on day one and quickly fade to its natural blue-gray color. Sealants without silica sand will be shiny in the sun and slippery when wet, creating a liability for the home owner. A good sealant will repel gas and oil spills, while cheaper sealant will absorb and be dissolved by these products. Cutting any corners with sealant or starting with poor raw products will ultimately lead to a short life span, decreased protection, and possibly even damage your existing asphalt. In general, you get what you pay for with sealant.
How long should I wait to sealcoat new asphalt.
In most cases, it is best to wait one year before sealing new asphalt. The fresh asphalt is oily and may cause problems with sealant adhesion. It will be most beneficial to seal your new asphalt after 1 to 2 years. Do not wait until the surface starts to fail before sealcoating the first time.
Can you sealcoat too often?
Yes. There is potential to get a build-up of sealant by sealcoating too often for too long. It is OK to sealcoat in back to back years, but this should not be continually repeated without inspection by a Jet-Black professional. Again, every surface has unique needs.
What should I look for in a sealcoating contractor?
There are many fly-by-night sealcoaters. They are here today and gone tomorrow. If you have problems or questions after the job is done, they may not be around to take care of it. Stick with a company who has been around, and will be, if there are questions or problems. Jet-Black has been in business for 25 years and will always be accountable for any legitimate problems that may arise. Other things to look for when choosing a sealcoating contractor: Are they fully insured, including workers’ compensation? Ask for proof of this insurance. You will be responsible for property damage or injuries that could happen if the workers are uninsured. Do they employ quality workers who are fairly paid and highly trained? Are they in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Will they answer detailed questions about the quality of their sealant and other products? In most cases, a good sealcoating contractor will measure and inspect the asphalt before providing a guaranteed written quote.
What type of crack filler does Jet-Black use?
Jet-Black uses premium rubber crack filler that is heated to 400 degrees and poured into the structural cracks. The hot rubber is then scraped out and allowed to cool, sealing the crack. The highway grade rubber is very flexible, allowing the asphalt to shift in winter temperatures, resisting splitting. There are no viable, do-it-yourself options for good crack filling. Avoid contractors that use a ‘cold-pour’ crack filler. This will not hold up to harsh weather conditions and shifting asphalt.
I have heard that sealcoating is actually bad for asphalt.
New asphalt is rich in oils and glues, which provide a smooth surface and flexibility for ground shifting. Sun, heat, cold, salt, rain and other factors cause the asphalt to dry out, lose flexibility, and quickly fade to a light gray color. The end result is a brittle, cracking, degrading surface that will need to be replaced. Jet-Black sealant is much stronger than the asphalt itself. It will take the beating from the external damaging factors, protecting the asphalt and greatly increasing its lifetime, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing black color. Anyone who states that sealcoating is bad for asphalt is very misinformed.
Will the sealant make a rough, bumpy, cracked up surface like new again?
No. While Jet-Black industrial grade sealant is extremely strong and durable, it will not be thick to the point of making a bad surface like new again (nor will any other sealant). However, even bad surfaces will be beautified and protected by the sealant. Your Jet-Black professional will provide honest answers to the question of how much sealcoating will benefit your specific driveway and what you can expect for results. When driveways are in very bad condition, we may recommend replacing the asphalt.
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