Why Preparation Is Key For Southern Tier Driveway Sealcoating

Southern Tier driveway sealcoating is your ticket to enjoying long-lasting pavement that looks beautiful for decades to come. This vital maintenance service is all about protection, ensuring your asphalt doesn't fall prey to weather exposure and wear. Regular sealcoating will help you avoid the risk of damage while improving overall longevity. The job looks simple enough, but it involves more than applying asphalt sealer and calling it a day. Experienced contractors say that successful sealcoating is mostly just excellent surface preparation! Read on to learn why.

What's the Main Reason Why Contractors Spend Time Preparing for Southern Tier Driveway Sealcoating?

There are a few different reasons why asphalt sealcoating is so vital. The biggest is to ensure proper adhesion. Asphalt sealer products vary in quality, but even the best won't bond to dirty, cracked, or oil-slicked pavement. Sealers will only adhere to clean and dry surfaces. Considering that most driveways have open exposure to the elements, there's a good chance that yours has a layer of filth that would prevent strong adhesion.


Northeastern Pennsylvania sealcoating companies with any amount of experience would know that poor adhesion translates to low durability and poor longevity. When the asphalt sealer can't bond to your pavement, it'll quickly wear down, flake off, and peel away, resulting in lackluster protection and an ongoing need for repeat sealcoating.

Why Preparation Is Key For Southern Tier Driveway Sealcoating

What Happens If Sealcoating Companies Skip Surface Prep?

Sealcoating in Southern Tier is a multistep process; most of the time spent on your property goes to surface prep. But what if less-experienced Northeastern Pennsylvania sealcoating companies skip this step or attempt to rush it? Initially, the asphalt sealer may look fine. However, you'll quickly find that the finished product doesn't last. Asphalt sealcoating should last between three to five years before you need a fresh application. Without prep, you may be lucky to make it to the end of the year!


Even worse, a lack of surface prep may put your pavement at risk of severe oxidation, water penetration, and overall deterioration. Once the asphalt sealer is gone, your pavement doesn't have the protection it needs. Additionally, a big part of surface preparations is mending existing damage. When Northeastern Pennsylvania sealcoating companies skip it, they'll apply the sealer to damaged asphalt, depriving the surface of the more extensive attention it needs. Even the best sealers won't stop water intrusion through cracks, so that mistake could lead to substantial problems like foundation damage.


What Does Successful Southern Tier Driveway Sealcoating Preparation Look Like?

Contractors should begin with comprehensive inspections when preparing for sealcoating in Southern Tier. A visual assessment provides sealcoating companies with more insight into the needs of your pavement, allowing them to develop a preparation and application plan that leads to five-star results. From there, your pavement's surface preparation may include:


  • Cleaning and Sweeping: Contractors may sweep away dirt, pick up trash, and remove debris.
  • Repairs: Sealcoating in Southern Tier doesn't fix damage like cracks or potholes. Professionals should perform repairs to create a smooth and reliable surface for sealing.
  • Washing: Surface cleaning or power washing can remove stuck-on grime and any remaining loose debris.
  • Stain Pretreatment: To ensure proper bonding, contractors must treat all areas with stains caused by chemicals, soil, and any other leaking vehicle fluid.
  • Drying: Surfaces must be completely dry before sealing. Therefore, contractors typically perform surface prep early to allow your pavement to dry fully before proceeding.


If you're searching for sealcoating companies that won't skimp on all-important surface prep, turn to NWS House Washing And Asphalt Seal Coating. We understand the importance of proper preparation for asphalt sealcoating and spending all the time necessary to do things right. We use high-quality materials, perform successful repairs, and use the right equipment to ensure exceptional results. We're available for all your pavement maintenance needs, offering services like sealcoating, repairs, crack filling, parking lot striping, power washing, and more.


Ready to see what successful asphalt sealcoating looks like? Call NWS House Washing And Asphalt Seal Coating today at (570) 539-7728, email nws@usa.com, or use our online form to get in touch and receive a free quote.

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