Sealing

• How is the sealer applied?

We apply a thick coat of sealer by hand using five-foot wide rubber squeegees. This is the equivalent of 2-3 sprayed applications.

• How long does it take for the sealer to dry?

Sealer takes 24-72 hours to dry depending on the weather and sun exposure.

• How are cracks handled?

We pretreat large, isolated cracks greater than 1/4” inch with a heavy crack filler (excluding spiderweb/alligator and border cracks (ex. concrete to asphalt)). Crack filler will settle. We cannot guarantee that the filled cracks will be flush after fully curing. We recommend patching for fissure-like cracks. Please provide photos of these when scheduling as patching costs extra.

• How does rain affect the work?

Rain the day before does not affect our ability to apply the sealer. After the sealer is applied, it requires between 4 and 8 hours of drying time in order not to be rain affected, depending on the sun exposure of the asphalt and the temperature on the day of the work. If there is deep shade or the asphalt has northern exposure, it may require more drying time. We are cautious not to work if we expect rain to affect the work. We will contact you by 9am on the morning of the work if we feel the need to re-schedule due to the weather.

• Is vegetation removed from the cracks prior to them being filled?

Our crews will endeavor to remove the weeds and grass growing through the cracks using scrapers. However, we ask that you use a weed killer on any of those areas 2-3 days prior to the work to try to ensure that it will not grow back.

• There is tar on the grass after the work, how long will that stay there?

Our crews are instructed to step off on to the grass so there are no footprints on the sidewalk or other abutting surfaces, there will also be a little spill over from the edges of the driveway. However, any tar on the grass will mow out within 1-2 weeks.

• What time will the work be performed?

We work between 8am and 5pm, we do not require anyone to be home because the day is not routed until the morning of the work, when all jobs are finalized in the system. If you provide your cell phone number, you will receive an automated text message the morning of with a time window. You are welcome to call our office any time after 7:30am on the morning of the work to get a 2-3 hour time window for when the work will be performed.

• How does the warranty work?

Academy Sealers warranties the sealer for 2 years from flaking, chipping, or peeling. The cracks are NOT warrantied.

• Is sand added to the sealer?

We do not add sand to the sealer, but can do so on request. We only recommend adding sand for steep, smooth driveways where traction is an issue.

• Will leaves dropping from trees stick to the sealer?

It is possible for leaves or other debris to stick to the sealer while it is still wet. However, they rarely embed and are easily removed once the sealer has dried. To avoid the worst of the leaves dropping, we recommend sealing the driveway in the Spring or Summer.

• Do you price match?

We will do our best to match the price of any competitor providing the same service with a two-year warranty, hand-applied sealer.

• There is a small depression in the driveway, will that be level after the sealing?

The sealer is a liquid, and thus cannot be applied more heavily to level out a low area, as that will lead to the sealer cracking. Repaving is the only way to remedy those areas.

• Do you patch potholes?

We are able to patch clear cut potholes on the driveway using either a cold asphalt patch or a hot asphalt patch, both costing extra. Cold asphalt patching is designed as a short-term solution to buy time and help the hole not to deteriorate further. Hot asphalt patching is a longer-term solution to patching, at a lower cost than repaving. Either option will require a quote.

• How long does the driveway need to cure after repaving?

New asphalt needs time to cure before being sealed for the first time. We recommend waiting 10-12 months before you seal the driveway for the first time after repaving.

• How do you treat oil stains?

Oil stains will be primed before we begin, however, we cannot guarantee that there won’t be some discoloration.