Residential Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTIONS ABOUT SEALCOATING?
You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled all the most common questions that we get and included them below. Expand any section by clicking on the question.
WHY SHOULD I SEALCOAT MY DRIVEWAY?
Asphalt pavements are made up of stone (aggregate) fine stone or sand, and asphalt cement. The asphalt cement is what gives the pavement its black appearance and is the “glue” that holds everything together. New asphalt is jet black but soon begins to fade. That’s oxidation; this is the effect of sun, rain and snow oxidizing the asphalt cement in the pavement. Given enough time the pavement becomes brittle and has less resistance to the loads placed on it. Asphalt is a petroleum product so any other petroleum derivatives that contact it will dissolve into the asphalt, weakening or dissolving the “glue-like” properties. These products commonly include motor oil, transmission/power steering or brake fluids, gasoline and perhaps household solvents. A good quality sealcoating will protect the asphalt from all these damaging factors while providing curb appeal. Many years of research has proven that proper maintenance including sealcoating can double the life of an asphalt driveway.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE CRACKS
Cracks need immediate attention. Cracks in the pavement require crack sealant materials. Left alone cracks allow moisture to penetrate the asphalt surface. Water expands as it freezes, so moisture in the cracks does the greatest damage in the winter months. Cracks are filled with an injected rubberized material. This slows deterioration of the asphalt by reducing water flow through the cracks despite being visible after the driveway has been sealed. Crack sealing is not guaranteed.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE STAINS
One way to prevent stains is to sealcoat the pavement in the first place as asphalt is naturally porous. We broom and scrub the stain to abolish any free-floating residue. The area is primed prior to the sealing process. Some oil stains will not be 100% eliminated however the affects of further oil stains will be minimized.We may recommend patching the area if excessive damage has occurred.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF SEALCOATING
We have a customized approach to quoting each driveway and provide a fast and efficient process by asking a few questions over the phone. This allows us to quote and schedule your driveway sealcoating all at the same time with one phone call. We offer special discount programs during the season too. Please ask about them when you contact us.
DO YOU USE SPRAY OR SQUEEGEE APPLICATION?
Our crews are trained in both applications. Our preferred method is the spray application because it is more precise and gives a more uniform color. However, if you have a preference, please let us know when you contact us to make your appointment and we would be happy to oblige.
CAN YOU BILL ME OR MAY I PAY IN CASH?
Unfortunately we do not bill and for the security of the crew do not accept cash. T&K does accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Personal checks and money orders can be left the day of the service.
HOW SOON AFTER THE SERVICE IS COMPLETE WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY DRIVEWAY?
You can walk and park your car on the driveway 24 – 48 hours after service is completed depending upon temperatures and sunlight.
ONCE I APPROVE THE ESTIMATE, HOW SOON CAN I GET ON THE SCHEDULE?
T&K has a fleet of sealcoat trucks available throughout the South Shore, Cape Cod and Metro West. We can schedule you within 5-10 business days depending on the availability in your area and the weather.
WHAT TIME WILL THE CREW ARRIVE?
No two driveways are alike. Some may take longer than others and require more work. We can advise you if you are on the AM crew or the PM crew the morning of your scheduled appointment.
IF T&K CANNOT MEET THE SCHEDULED SEALCOAT DATE, HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
T&K will contact you that morning. We can call home, work, cell or notify you by e-mail if you wish.
WHY DO I NEED TO GIVE 2 TELEPHONE NUMBERS + AN EMAIL?
Should the crew not be able to complete the driveway for any reason, we would like to notify you immediately. We send service confirmation notices via e-mail.
DO YOU COME BACK AND PICK UP THE T&K SIGNS?
No, these signs are disposable. However, we would appreciate you leaving them up for 7-10 days. The signs are our number 1 source of advertising. This is the most effective way of controlling our costs, keeping our prices competitive and passing this savings to our customers.
SHOULD I CLEAN MY DRIVEWAY PRIOR TO SERVICE?
Yes, please power wash your driveway to ensure a high-quality surface for the sealcoat application. We will use high-powered blowers to remove sand, dirt and free-floating debris.
WILL YOU DO ASPHALT PATCHES AND FILL HOLES?
We do not offer asphalt repairs.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO SEALCOAT MY DRIVEWAY?
Ideally, days above 50 degrees and nights not lower then 40 degrees. We begin sealcoating in late April (weather permitting) and continue through most of October.
IF I HAVE A STONE WALL OR FENCE, WILL SEALCOAT SPRAY ON THIS?
T&K takes every precaution to ensure the safety of your property. The crews will “trim” the edges with special tools to avoid overspray issues.
WILL SEALCOAT AFFECT MY GRASS?
No, sealer will not harm your lawn. A mowing or two will eliminate the sealer.
WHY HAVE TIRE MARKS APPEARED ON MY DRIVEWAY?
Tire marks are common 1-2 weeks after sealcoating. They will disappear as the sealer continues to cure. Please avoid turning the wheels when car is stationary.
WHY ARE THERE AREAS OF SEALCOAT THAT APPEAR GRAYISH IN SOME AREAS ON MY DRIVEWAY?
Sealer needs sunlight to cure! Shaded areas (near house or trees) may appear grayish in color but will darken and blend with the driveway 1-2 weeks after sealcoating.
WHY ARE THERE TEXTURE DIFFERENCES ON MY DRIVEWAY?
Certain areas of a driveway (i.e., garage, stone walls, railroad ties, etc.) need to be trimmed out by hand first. The texture may appear different, but will conform over a period of time.
WILL MY DRIVEWAY STILL HAVE SURFACE CRACKS (SPIDER CRACKS) AFTER YOU SEAL?
These spider cracks will not be eliminated. They do not affect the overall structure and condition of the driveway.
WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Please call our Residential Sealcoating Department at 781.523.3241 for any additional questions or concerns you may have regarding sealcoating. Our Sealcoating team is available M-F, 8am-6pm (Eastern Standard Time)