Sealcoating in Valdosta, GA

Sealcoating protects asphalt from the two things that age it fastest in Valdosta: sun and water. UV light dries out the asphalt binder, turning a black surface gray and brittle, and once the surface starts to ravel, rain gets in. A sealcoat puts a fresh, dark layer on top that slows both. It also resists gas and oil drips and makes an older driveway or lot look cared for. What it cannot do is fill potholes, level ruts or fix a failed base.

When to seal

New asphalt should cure before it is sealed; HomeGuide recommends waiting three to six months. After that, cost guides suggest resealing every few years, with HomeGuide giving a range of two to ten years depending on the product and climate and Angi suggesting every three to five years. Sealer needs dry pavement and temperatures roughly between 50 and 95 degrees. Around Valdosta that covers most of the year; in summer we work early and around storm forecasts, since rain on a fresh coat can wash it away.

Our process

• Clean: blow, sweep and scrape the surface and treat oil spots.
• Fill cracks: cracks get hot rubberized filler first, since sealer does not bridge them.
• Patch: failed spots are repaired before sealing.
• Apply: edges are cut in by hand and sealer applied evenly across the surface.
• Close and cure: the area is barricaded until it is ready. HomeGuide lists 12 to 72 hours before driving.

Products

Asphalt-based emulsions and coal tar sealers are the two main types. HomeGuide notes that many areas have banned coal tar emulsion over health and environmental concerns, and that asphalt polymer emulsion is considered more environmentally friendly but stains more easily. We tell you which product we will use.

Value

HomeGuide puts the national average for sealing a driveway at about $600, with a two-car 400-square-foot driveway around $400 to $800. For a sound driveway, that is a small cost against the price of resurfacing. On a driveway that is already breaking apart, we will tell you that repairs or replacement come first.

Lots

Commercial lots are sealed in sections so part stays open, and lines are restriped once the sealer cures.

Pine needles, sap and shade

Valdosta driveways under pines and live oaks collect needles, leaves and sap that hold moisture against the surface. Shaded areas stay damp longer after rain. We clean those areas thoroughly and plan the work for a dry stretch so the sealer bonds and cures.

Driveways and lots together

Churches, small businesses and homeowners' associations often have us seal several areas at once. Grouping the work saves on mobilization and gives a uniform look.