FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
Here we provide answers to customers' most frequently asked questions. If these don't solve what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to give us a call, email, or contact us through the contact form on this site.
General Sealcoating Questions
How often should I sealcoat my asphalt?
Every five to seven years. Many factors must be considered including the amount of traffic and exposure to deteriorating elements. We are happy to come inspect your property to let you know when your next sealcoat should take place.
How much does it cost?
Asphalt sealing only costs pennies per square foot compared to new pavement. Island Asphalt Maintenance offers free estimates.
How long should my asphalt last?
The cost of replacing non-maintained asphalt costs ten times what it would cost to maintain the original asphalt. A properly maintained asphalt pavement will last up to three times longer than an unsealed pavement. This can amount to thousands of dollars, even for small parking lots or small driveways. A properly installed, well maintained asphalt surface should last 50 years or beyond.
How soon can I apply a sealcoat to freshly laid asphalt?
As soon as the asphalt is laid a chemical reaction takes place and it begins to oxidize. When some of the light oils leave the surface it can be sealed. A simple test will tell when it is ready for sealing. Spread some water on the surface. It the water spreads evenly without beading and shows no “rainbows” from surface oils you are ready. This is called a “water break test”. It usually takes a minimum of 30 days.
What type of sealcoat does Island Asphalt Maintenance Use?
We use SealMaster Polymer Modified MasterSeal Ultra Plus.
FAQ Before Your Sealcoating Service
There are a few things you should know before we come to your home or business to complete our sealcoating project. Please review these carefully as this will help you get the most out of your sealcoating and reduce the number of issues that may arise if not followed.
Cars/Other Objects
Be sure all vehicles are out of the garage by 8am and parked 25-30 feet from any asphalt surface to allow our team to work as well as limit potential of any accidents.
Sprinklers
Turned off 24 hours prior & until 48 hours after service. Avoid lawn cutting during this same period. The surface must be dry for our arrival.
Rain
If it is raining the day of scheduled service or a high probability of rain is in the forecast, assume we are not coming, and we will contact you to reschedule as soon as possible. We understand this can be especially frustrating as you could potentially be rescheduled several times depending on the weather in your area. However, this is something we cannot change so please stay patient with us and we will do our absolute best to get you scheduled on a clear day. If it rains after our installation, please contact us. We monitor the weather closely and can generally predict this very well. If an unexpected storm happens, we will touch up any areas where sealer has not bonded.
FAQ After Your Sealcoating Service
When can I drive on my sealed Driveway?
No rubber tire traffic (vehicles, bikes, trash cans, etc.) for 24 hours is vital for the best project. Even traffic will ruin this project. It is your responsibility after our crews leave your site to maintain all parameters of barricading after we leave the site.
Pavement Sealer
Will take a minimum of 30 days to fully cure and is sensitive to animal droppings, tree droppings, water stains from irrigation systems, ponding water & tire markings during this time. This is normal and no reason to be concerned, it will fade over time. Areas of shade will take longer to dry and cure then areas in the direct sunlight.
Sealer On Grass
You may expect a small amount of asphalt sealer on the edges where the grass meets the asphalt. This is normal and will disappear after the next mowing.
Existing Splashing / Overspray
If your existing pavement surrounding area has splashing or drip areas, we are not responsible for removal of that material.
Tire Marks
Once you start driving again on the newly sealed surface, avoid turning your wheels unless your car is moving. We understand this may be difficult to do but understand that when you turn wheels on a freshly sealed driveway scuffing and turn marks will be evident, no worries in time they will blend in with surrounding surface.
Tire Marks on the Surface of the Sealer
Tire marks on the surface of the sealer is both normal and temporary. When the sealer is applied on a hot surface the portion of the film touching the driveway or parking lot can dry immediately then the hot sun beaming down on the surface of the film can flash dry as well leaving water trapped in the middle. These conditions combined with turning the wheels of your car when it is not moving or possibly maneuvering the car to get into the garage can lead to tire marks.
Is my sealer faulty?
The good news is that you received a good coat of sealer. A product with a high amount of water won’t leave tire marks but a sealer with high solids content, (what is left on your asphalt after the water dissipates) possibly under the above conditions, can.
When will the sealer be cured or dry?
Approximately 90% of the curing process takes place within the first 24 hours after application. The remaining 10% can take up to several weeks.
Why we should NOT apply more sealer
Imagine golf balls placed throughout the entire surface of your driveway. These golf balls represent molecules. As the product fully cures these “golf balls”, the molecules bond to form a solid film and typically the tire marks go away. If this happens the worst thing we can do is apply more sealer in an attempt to cover the tire marks. It will aggravate the situation. Be patient and if by chance the marks don’t go away we will come back after the weather cools and perform any touch up required.
Power Steering Marks on Newly Applied Sealer
Due to our climate in Hawaii power steering marks are a common sight on newly laid sealer. These markings are mainly caused by tires turning in a tight area (such as in and out of a garage or pulling into a driveway) or twisting a tire with a vehicle not yet in motion. When temperatures (and therefore asphalt surfaces) are high, the sealer will flash fry both on the bottom of the film from the hot pavement and on the surface of the film due to the hot sun. This traps a layer of water that takes even longer to dry, thus causing the sealer to be soft for a longer period. High humidity levels also retard he curing process. Fortunately, once the sealer fully cures and reaches its full harness, 90% of these markings fade from sight.