Frequently Asked Questions

Several asphalt paving and sealcoating scams are prevalent in the State of Delaware. Lack of knowledge on any given product or service is your worst enemy. Be aware of "door to door" sales, lines such as "working in your area" or having left over material". These techniques indicate scams, not deals. Don't be put on the spot. Never make hasty decisions concerning your hard earned money. Ask yourself questions as is the company local? Why is there left over material and who paid for them? Was the "previous" job miscalculated? Obtain several estimates for the work you're interested in. Compare each product being used and the manner in which services will be performed. Ask for references, product literature and the means by which materials will be applied. Don't be taken - take your time. If you feel a "scam" is underway, please help "weed" out the "artists" responsible by contacting the State of Delaware Attorney General's Office, Consumer Protection Unit at (302) 577-8600, after all, theft is a criminal act.

Beware of Scams

Q. Why should I sealcoat my driveway?
A. An application of good quality, custom-blended commercial grade coal tar emulsion sealer will add years of life and new-like appearance to any asphalt pavement. Black Beauty sand, added in the right proportions, provides an anti- skid surface on the asphalt and a rubberized latex additive not only allows the asphalt to flex with weather conditions to prevent cracking, it also protects the asphalt from water, sunlight which causes oxidation, oil, gasoline, battery acid, anti-freeze, salt and similar chemicals that erode asphalt surfaces over time. There is no doubt that the proper maintaining of anything prolongs its lifetime.

Q. What product is best for sealcoating?
A. There are virtually two distinct sealers on the market - oil base and water base. Our customers prefer the water base sealcoat. It lasts longer and is guaranteed not to track onto sidewalks, garage pads, kitchen floors and carpets. It provides a "skin" over asphalt surfaces preventing the seepage of chemicals into the asphalt which eventually break down its composition. Our coal tar emulsion water base sealer meets or exceeds Federal Specification R-P-355e, American Society for Testing and Materials Specification 03320-74T and 0490 and FM Engineering Brief No. 46A. Oil base sealers wear a lot faster and can, depending on the mix design of the contractor, track into houses or offices. Oil base sealers are shiny, have no mil thickness and will not give the asphalt that nice new black-matte finish to make an oxidized driveway or parking lot look brand new in appearance.

Q. Should my driveway be sealcoated more than once?
A. Over its lifetime -yes. Although, not every year. If being sealcoated every year by an untrained technician, the sealer tends to build up causing cracking and peeling on the surface. If the sealer is blended properly with the correct percentage of water and other additives it should only need be sealed every two to three years depending on the volume of traffic using the area.

Q. Is there anything I need to do before my driveway is sealcoated?
A. Everything should be moved from the driveway -cars, boats, trailers, trash receptacles, flower pots, basketball hoops -leaving it clear for proper maintenance. If a growth of grass or shrubbery hangs onto the driveway, it should be trimmed by the homeowner in order for our technicians to be able to seal every inch of the driveway surface. We will handle the rest. Keep in mind that it is important to make sure that all vehicles needed within a 24 hour period are removed from the garage. Turn off all sprinkler systems and "drippy" air conditions. The surface must be completely dry. Schedule your driveway to be maintained on a day other than when landscapers or deliveries may interfere.

Q. How long before I can use my driveway?
A. We recommend no usage of the driveway by any vehicles for 24 hours from the time of commencing the work. For example, if we arrive on a Monday during business hours, we ask that the driveway not be used until approximately 5 or 6 on Tuesday, at which time the ribbon barricade may be removed and the driveway used. Keeping this time-frame in mind will guarantee non-use for 24 hours. A freshly sealcoated surface can handle light foot traffic within a few hours after completion.

Q. Will the sealcoat ruin my grass or plants?
A. Not if the proper pains are taken to insure that all grass and shrubbery or plants and flowers along the edges of the driveway are trimmed back by the homeowner. Our technicians will seal to the edge of the sides of the driveway. You will notice a thin edging of sealcoat on grass that may line those sides. A simple grass cutting with eliminate the problem. Any major bushes or trees overhanging the driveway will be held back while sealer is being applied in those areas then placed gently back in position. No instances have occurred to date.

Q. When is the best time to sealcoat?
A. As long as the asphalt and air temperature are at least 50 degrees and rising, there is no heavy rain in the forecast within a 24 hour period and the humidity is not stifling, you can have your driveway sealcoated.

Q. What if it rains?
A. We know that the weather in different locations is not always exactly the same. Therefore, every day we track each location on an hourly basis, including nighttime forecasts. Based on those daily reports, we determine which locations are best suited for which days. Unless you have specified an exact date that is more convenient for you (again weather permitting on that particular day), we will contact you to schedule. We take pride in doing the best possible job on the best possible date at a time that is best convenient for you.

If we have not answered your question or concern, please feel free to contact us. We would be most happy to assist you. After all, we strongly believe in Education Before Application.