The short answer is every two years. I’ve read some articles in the local newspaper by the “know it all” jack of all trades, columnist who gets paid to write about various home improvement projects. He may or may not be qualified to expound on every article he opines but his editor demands pen to paper for his keep.
As soon as new asphalt is installed, the UV rays begin to work its (not so black) magic. Initially, oxidation is a good thing. The light oils need to dissipate in order for the asphalt to properly harden. As oxidation process continues the liquid asphalt, the glue that holds the aggregate together begins to turn the driveway gray and brittle. This leads to raveling, the breaking apart of the sand and tiny stones that comprise your driveway. This process allows water to penetrate and via the freeze / thaw cycle causes cracking. So, you could say that sealcoating is like putting sunscreen on your driveway.
Sealed asphalt will outlast unsealed asphalt by 300% and will save thousands of dollars along the way. The cost of not maintaining your driveway versus replacement costs can be as much as 700%. This doesn’t factor in the curb appeal that a freshly sealed driveway provides. After all, your driveway is the welcome mat to your home.
But, how often should this process be done? Here at Jet-Seal we offer a premium product, Poly Cote manufactured by The Brewer Company and strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended mix design. This means not diluting the product with too much water. The result is a “high solids” film left on the asphalt. “Solids” is the residue left after the product has fully cured and all the water has dissipated. No other manufacturer makes a sealcoat with a higher solids content.
Our recommended maintenance schedule is as follows; wait at least six months before applying a sealcoat. The very first time apply two coats, allowing the first coat time to totally dry before applying the second coat. Then, going forward apply a single coat every two years. This will allow the film to wear and not build up. If the film builds up and becomes too thick it will crack, causing surface or “mud” cracking. Most homeowner’s have been advised to sealcoat every year. That is only good for the contractor’s bottom line. Over sealing is the single most mistake made by homeowner’s when it comes to their driveway and a lot of contractor’s lead them down that road. I have had this discussion with reputable firms who have told me, “if we don’t do it, someone else will.”
Our philosophy hasn’t changed since my dad founded Jet-Seal in 1958. Offer the best quality product at affordable prices and never forget who writes your paycheck. Repay them with the best application methods, offer good honest advice followed by unparalleled customer service and you will retain that customer for life. The cost of marketing for a new customer is three times that of retaining an existing one. So, by doing business the way my dad taught me and passing that wisdom down to my son who is about to take the reins is beneficial to both Jet-Seal and our customers.
We really do mean it when we say, “Jet-Seal – We’ve Got You Covered”.
-Ted Lovell
President
Jet-Seal, LLC
