Asphalt sealcoating is a preventive maintenance treatment applied over an asphalt surface to help protect it from sunlight, oxidation, moisture, and everyday wear. The process typically includes inspecting and cleaning the pavement, addressing existing damage, applying the sealcoat, and allowing enough time for the surface to cure before reopening it to traffic.
What Is Asphalt Sealcoating?
Asphalt sealcoating is a protective coating applied to the surface of existing asphalt pavement. It helps reduce exposure to the elements that contribute to surface aging while restoring the darker, more uniform appearance of maintained asphalt.
Sealcoating is designed for pavement that is still structurally sound. It does not replace crack repair, pothole repair, resurfacing, or repaving when the asphalt has more significant damage. Those issues should be addressed before the sealcoat is applied.
Step 1: Inspect and Prepare the Asphalt Surface
Before sealcoating begins, the pavement should be inspected to identify cracks, potholes, failed areas, oil spots, and other conditions that could affect the application. The surface must also be thoroughly cleaned so dirt, loose material, and debris do not interfere with the sealcoat.
Necessary cracks and damaged areas should be addressed before the coating is applied. Proper preparation is an important part of getting a consistent sealcoat application and determining whether the pavement is actually a good candidate for sealcoating.
Step 2: Apply the Asphalt Sealcoat
Once the pavement has been prepared and any necessary repairs have been completed, the sealcoat can be applied across the asphalt surface. The exact application method and materials used depend on the pavement, project conditions, and sealcoating product.
The goal is to create an even protective coating across the serviceable asphalt surface while keeping the material away from areas where it should not be applied.
Step 3: Allow the Sealcoat to Dry and Cure
After application, the sealcoat needs enough time to dry and cure before the pavement is reopened to vehicle traffic. The exact timing depends on factors such as weather, temperature, shade, humidity, and the product being used.
Property owners should follow the reopening instructions provided for their specific project rather than relying only on how dry the surface appears.
When Is Asphalt Sealcoating the Right Treatment?
Sealcoating works best as preventive maintenance for asphalt that is aging but remains structurally sound. Fading color, surface oxidation, and normal weather exposure may indicate that a protective treatment should be considered.
Before applying sealcoat, the pavement should be evaluated for cracks, potholes, drainage problems, failed areas, or other damage that may require repair first. Sealcoating protects the surface, but it does not correct underlying pavement failure.
If you are specifically maintaining a residential driveway, see our driveway sealcoating guide for more information about timing, maintenance, and protecting an asphalt driveway.
Need Professional Asphalt Sealcoating?
Understanding the process is only part of determining whether sealcoating is appropriate for your pavement. APS Chip Sealing & Asphalt Paving provides professional sealcoating for residential and commercial asphalt surfaces throughout Tucson, Phoenix, and surrounding Arizona communities.
Learn more about our professional asphalt sealcoating services or contact APS to request a free estimate.
