Congratulations on your newly sealcoated asphalt!

We always advise home owners that if you can avoid walking on your asphalt driveway for 24 hours, this is always the safest bet to ensure proper dry time. When applied under ideal conditions though, sealcoat should dry in a matter of 3-4 hours enabling you to walk on it.

A vehicle is completely different and in a class of its own when discussing sealcoat dry time. Depending upon conditions such as humidity, overcast, and temperature, we highly advise a minimum of 48-72 hours of no vehicle traffic on your newly sealcoated drive. We also strongly advise against any hard turns and turning your tires while the vehicle is not in motion for 7 days while the sealcoat cures further.

Rain should not be in the forecast for 24 hours after sealcoating is to be completed. If you have a job scheduled and a good chance of rain pops up in the forecast within this time period, your asphalt maintenance company should contact you and reschedule. During the first 24 hours, the sealcoat needs to dry. After that period, rain will not effect the rest of the curing process.

Keeping the driveway clean should be your top priority between sealcoating applications to maximize the longevity of your sealer. Your biggest enemy is chemicals. Although some asphalt companies recommend a pressure washer, it is always best to avoid any type of pressure with asphalt. It's important to clean up puddles of fuel, oil, transmission, or antifreeze on the pavement immediately as these chemicals eat away at sealer and will continue to eat away through the asphalt if left unattended. Here’s how to get rid of these pesky chemicals and save your asphalt:

• Spread non-clump cat litter, sawdust, baking soda, or diatomaceous earth to absorb as much of the spill as possible
• Spray the area with a hose
• Apply a cleaner—dawn soap, a degreaser or diluted vinegar will work
• Scrub the stain with a stiff-bristled brush until it disappears