When homeowners around Mishawaka call Midway Asphalt Company, they usually have the same few questions about sealcoating. Winters here are very harsh on blacktop, and the freeze-thaw cycles cause a lot of damage to paved surfaces in Northern Indiana. If you are trying to figure out when to seal your driveway or whether store-bought options are worth the mess, Midway Asphalt Company will break down the answers.
How often should you sealcoat your asphalt driveway in Mishawaka?
Midway Asphalt Company recommends that you seal your asphalt driveway every two to three years. If your asphalt looks faded, gray, or dry, it is time for Asphalt Sealcoating. Waiting too long lets moisture seep into the foundation, which leads to cracking, crumbling, and expensive Asphalt Repair.
When is the best time of year for Asphalt Sealcoating in Northern Indiana?
You need warm and dry weather for the sealer to cure right. Here in Mishawaka, Midway Asphalt Company schedules Asphalt Sealcoating from late spring through early fall. The overnight temperatures need to stay above 50 degrees, which rules out early spring and late autumn.
Can you just use a bucket from the big box store for sealcoating?
You can use a bucket from the store, but store-bought emulsion is mostly water and fillers. Professional contractors use commercial-grade coal tar or asphalt emulsion mixtures that last years longer and actually protect against gas and oil spills. Midway Asphalt Company uses high-grade materials for every Asphalt Sealcoating project.
How long do you have to keep your car off the driveway after Asphalt Sealcoating?
Plan on staying off the new sealcoat for at least 48 hours. Hot and humid summer days speed up curing, but high humidity can slow it down. Give the surface a full two days before parking heavy vehicles on it to avoid tire scuffs and damage to the fresh Asphalt Sealcoating.
Do you need to fill cracks before getting Asphalt Sealcoating done?
Yes, absolutely. Crack filling has to happen first. If you just spray sealer right over a crack, water will still get underneath. Midway Asphalt Company always cleans out cracks and hits them with hot-pour rubberized crack filler before laying down the Asphalt Sealcoating.
Will Asphalt Sealcoating get rid of existing cracks and potholes?
No, Asphalt Sealcoating is purely maintenance and cosmetic protection. It makes your driveway look brand-new and locks out water, but it will not fix structural damage. Potholes and deep cracks need patching or saw-cutting first before any Asphalt Sealcoating can be applied by Midway Asphalt Company in Mishawaka.