Residential Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can walk and park your car on the driveway 24 – 48 hours after service is completed depending upon temperatures and sunlight.

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.

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.

T&K will contact you that morning. We can call home, work, cell or notify you by e-mail if you wish.

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.

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.

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.

We do not offer asphalt repairs.

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.

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.

No, sealer will not harm your lawn. A mowing or two will eliminate the sealer.

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.

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.

These spider cracks will not be eliminated. They do not affect the overall structure and condition of the driveway.

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)