Ready to treat yourself to a First Class experience?

Asphalt driveway sealing, often referred to as "seal coating", involves applying a protective layer to an asphalt driveway to shield it from damage caused by weather, chemicals, and UV rays, while also restoring its original blacktop appearance. 

Seal coating is a preventative maintenance measure designed to slow the natural deterioration of asphalt driveways. 

While asphalt degradation is unavoidable over time, its rate and severity can be significantly reduced through regular seal coating. This process provides several key benefits, beginning with weather protection. Once applied, the seal coat helps prevent water and other liquids from penetrating the asphalt surface and its underlying base, reducing moisture-related damage. 

Seal coating also mitigates the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can break down asphalt binders and shorten the pavement’s lifespan. In addition, everyday exposure to motor oil, fuel, and other automotive or lawn equipment fluids can weaken asphalt; seal coating forms a protective barrier that slows or prevents the absorption of these damaging substances. 

Finally, seal coating enhances curb appeal by preserving the clean, dark appearance of freshly paved asphalt, contributing to a well-maintained and attractive property. 

Asphalt deterioration begins immediately after installation. The primary factors contributing to this process include oxidation, environmental exposure, traffic volume, and the stress imposed by heavy vehicle loads.

Oxidation is one of the most significant mechanisms of asphalt degradation. Its progression is governed by three key variables: oxygen exposure, time, and temperature. As these variables increase, the rate of oxidation accelerates.

 Visually, this process is evident as the asphalt surface fades from a deep black to a light grey, a change that may occur over months or several years depending on environmental conditions. 

Structurally, oxidation causes asphalt to lose essential oils, reducing flexibility and elasticity. This loss of resilience ultimately leads to cracking.

Once asphalt becomes brittle, it is less capable of accommodating the dynamic loads generated by vehicular traffic. The initial signs of distress typically appear as linear cracks. 

At an early stage, these cracks can be effectively addressed through crack sealing. When left untreated, however, moisture infiltrates the pavement structure, deteriorating both the surface layer and the underlying base. As the base weakens, the asphalt surface is forced to absorb greater loads, resulting in asphalt fatigue.

Over time, continued moisture intrusion causes isolated cracks to expand into interconnected patterns commonly known as “spider web” or “alligator” cracking. 

This progression signifies advanced structural deterioration affecting both the surface and sub-base layers. If corrective action is not taken, the pavement ultimately reaches a state of failure.

Asphalt failure occurs when the pavement can no longer withstand normal traffic stresses. 

At this stage, the surface begins to fracture, separate, and disintegrate. Driveways that reach this level of deterioration often require full replacement or extensive repairs, such as large-scale patching and comprehensive crack sealing. These remedial measures are costly and largely avoidable. 

Implementing a proactive, routine asphalt maintenance program can significantly extend pavement lifespan and prevent substantial repair or replacement expenses over time.

The professional seal coating process differs significantly from the do-it-yourself approach, where homeowners typically purchase consumer-grade sealant from a hardware store and apply it using a roller or squeegee. The primary distinction lies in both the materials and the application method. 

Professional seal coating companies use commercial-grade, asphalt-based sealants that are not available to the general public. These products are applied evenly by spraying, using a wand connected to a motorized pump system that dispenses cold (non-heated) sealant from a tank mounted on a truck or trailer.

Before any sealant is applied, thorough surface preparation is essential. Even driveways that appear clean often contain contaminants that inhibit proper adhesion. Vehicle exhaust deposits combustion byproducts that leave a light, sometimes oily residue on the asphalt. Combined with dirt, dust, and tree sap, this residue must be removed to ensure the sealant bonds effectively. 

Professional driveway sealing companies such as First Class Cleaning & Asphalt Sealing begin by using stiff-bristle brooms to loosen and remove oil film, dirt, gravel, sand, and other debris from the driveway surface. Gas-powered blowers are then used to clear away any remaining material.

If necessary, weeds growing within asphalt cracks are removed, and—when offered—cracks may be filled by hand using a rubberized crack filler to help prevent water intrusion. Prior to spraying the sealant, technicians carefully tape off the edges of the driveway to protect adjacent concrete surfaces or paver stones.

Spray application is far more efficient and consistent than rolling. An experienced professional can apply the correct amount of sealant to a standard residential driveway in under ten minutes. In windy conditions, technicians may use a thin handheld board to control overspray and ensure a clean, precise application.

The defining characteristic of a commercial-grade asphalt driveway sealant is that it is a petroleum-based product manufactured from asphalt cement (bitumen). High-quality commercial sealants, such as the rapid-curing liquid asphalt used by professional sealing companies like First Class Cleaning & Asphalt Sealing, are designed to penetrate and bond with the existing asphalt surface. This type of sealant cures directly into the driveway, helping to restore many of the original properties of the asphalt.

The difference between commercial-grade sealants and lower-quality consumer products can be best understood by comparison. Many consumer-grade sealants act like paint applied to wood, remaining on the surface and offering only limited protection. In contrast, sealing a driveway with a commercial-grade liquid asphalt product is similar to staining wood—the sealant penetrates the top layer of solid asphalt, providing deeper, longer-lasting protection and improved durability.

We offer free consultations for all of our asphalt services, so you can get expert advice and an accurate estimate for your project. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward treating your driveway to a First Class experience!