FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about sealcoating:

• How is the sealcoat applied? 
  We utilize the latest spray system technology and brush squeegee applications.  Depending on the asphalt conditions, dimensions and square footage.
• How long do I need to stay off the sealcoated driveway?
  Time will vary.  48 hours is recommended.  72 hours under humid conditions.  Certain situations may require further drying time.  This will ensure no accidental tracking or damage to the newly sealcoated driveway. 
• How long does it take to cure? 
  Under most conditions it take approximately 30 days to cure so  it is recommended to use caution when turning wheels when vehicle is moving. 
• Will you get sealer anywhere other than the driveway? 
  No, the sealer will either be applied neatly by brush or sprayed using blocker boards to avoid over spray and splashing.  We cut the perimeter of the driveway as an extra precaution. 
• How often should I seal? 
  We suggest that asphalt should be sealed every 2 years to maximize the protection and ensure the look and appearance of the asphalt.
• How many coats will be applied?  Due to the viscosity and the application techniques one coat is sufficient for residential surfaces and two coats for commercial.
• How long will the job take?
  Usually one to two hours depending on repairs, area and difficulty.
• Will rain wash away the sealer?
  In just a couple of hours the sealer should dry enough to prevent it from being washed away.  If it does wash away, we will re-apply the sealer at no cost to you. 
• Will sealer fill in depressions? 
  No, sealcoat is only a surface coating, this type of damage is usually due to a faulty sub base below the pavement surface. 
• When is the best time to sealcoat? 
  Sealcoat is best applied, weather permitting, from March through October and is only recommended to be applied with temperatures of 50 degrees (F) and above.
• Store Brand Sealer vs. Professional Grade 100% Coal Tar Sealer
  This is a complicated answer - Typically applied too thick, store brand sealer tends to spider crack usually after the first season mainly due to the substandard ingredients. The cured sealer does not allow the asphalt to flex with the seasonal changes.  Due to the severity of the damages that are caused, they can not be reversed and in the end this will shorten the life of the asphalt.  Our company only uses Star Seal Asphalt Pavement Sealer.  It offers the highest degree of protection and quality.  Our sealer is 100% coal tar which penetrates the asphalt, bonding with the material below the surface. It is diluted to the manufacturers specifications to ensure its longevity and wear.  We use additives which serve a few purposes - to help suspend sand, giving the sealer  a deep, rich black color and to provide greater resistance to harmful substances such as salt and oils. 
• Should a new driveway be sealcoated? 
  No, a driveway should cure for approximately 90 days to one year.
• What Is The Customer’s Responsibility Before and After The Job is Completed?
  • The customer must remove masking tape before the sealer is fully dry.  Caution tape and any barricading must also be removed.
  • Customer must cut off water hoses and sprinklers to prevent any mishaps to newly applied sealcoat or crackfill.
  • Customer must remove and park vehicles away from area to be serviced.
  • Customer should remove soil from surface of asphalt to save time and money.  Removal of an abundance of soil will add to proposal/quote.
  • Customer will be expected to adhere and respect the responsibilities mentioned to prevent our return to correct damages caused due to the customer's negligence.
• Payment Policy
  • Payments can be made in cash or check and will be due upon completion for residential customers.  We are currently in the process of establishing a credit card payment system. 
  • Commercial customers will be required to provide a 30% deposit upon signing of contract. An additional 30% will be due when the job is at its midway point.  Final payment will be due upon completion of the job unless otherwise agreed upon.
  • Payments must be made to Black Armour Sealcoating, LLC and can either be picked up or left at a designated location on the job site.  Your return check will serve as your receipt for services.  If you would like a written receipt, please let us know and one will be provided to you.