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Maintaining asphalt’s beauty and reliability over the long haul requires periodic sealing. Asphalt sealcoating is a vital maintenance task that helps protect your pavement from the sun, rain, wear and the many other damaging factors it faces. Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating looks simple enough, but you should leave it to the professionals. Otherwise, you might encounter the following amateur sealcoating mistakes.

What Happens If You Don’t Prepare the Surface Before Asphalt Sealing?

One of the biggest mistakes an amateur can make is not cleaning and drying your pavement before applying sealer. Experienced asphalt sealcoating companies take their time to remove weeds, sweep up trash and pre-treat stains. They also know to perform necessary repairs and fill cracks before proceeding with asphalt sealing.

Failing to prepare the pavement for application will result in a weak bond. While the finished product might look good, tire turns and light traffic will quickly cause the poorly bonded sealer to peel and flake.

Will Applying Sealer in One Thick Coat Speed up Indianapolis Asphalt Sealcoating?

Asphalt sealcoating contractors apply at least two thin coats of sealer, allowing each layer to dry before proceeding with the next. Amateurs often try to save time by doing one thick coat. However, thicker layers of asphalt sealing products don’t cure properly. Instead, they become a thick, sticky, peeling mess that offers zero protection to your asphalt!

While applying thinner coats takes longer, asphalt sealcoating companies do it to ensure long-lasting protection and proper bonding.

Is Curing Necessary for Successful Asphalt Sealcoating in Indianapolis?

Asphalt sealcoating needs at least 24 hours to cure. Depending on weather conditions, it may take longer. During that time, asphalt sealcoating contractors keep the treated area blocked from traffic, ensuring no pedestrian or vehicle uses the pavement. Ignoring the curing requirements will lead to many issues. First, the sealer won’t bond to your pavement.

Secondly, pedestrians and vehicles will likely track the material as they move over the pavement, creating an unsightly finish. Asphalt sealcoating must receive ample time to cure before you open your pavement to traffic.

How Can Inclement Weather Impact Indianapolis Asphalt Sealcoating?

Sealcoating companies often don’t complete projects unless the weather conditions are just right. Asphalt sealcoating in Indianapolis requires warm, dry weather with no chance of precipitation. Exact recommendations vary from one sealer to another. However, most require ground and air temperatures to be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler weather, sealers will not cure.

The same applies to rainy conditions and high humidity levels. Moisture in the air can cause the sealer to cure unevenly, preventing that all-important bond to your asphalt. Reputable sealcoating companies will schedule appointments around the weather, giving your pavement the best chance at success.

Can Using Cheap, Low-Quality Asphalt Sealing Products Save Money?

Sealcoating products vary in quality. While you can find sealer at big-box stores, it’s often low-quality formulas. It can get the job done, the sealcoating finish won’t last. Furthermore, it may offer lackluster protection.

Asphalt sealcoating contractors use premium asphalt emulsions. They have a deeper color and high-quality ingredients, providing long-lasting protection. Cheaper alternatives may cause your asphalt to degrade quicker and require more frequent reapplications.

Don’t leave asphalt sealcoating in Indianapolis to amateurs. Instead, turn to experienced professionals like Black Hawk Paving. We have nearly 50 years of experience being one of the most trusted sealcoating companies in the area. We use high-quality products and have the equipment to seal surfaces of all sizes. Our team works hard to exceed your expectations and deliver customer service you can count on. In addition to being among the most skilled asphalt sealcoating companies around, we’re available for asphalt paving, repairs, concrete paving, grading and excavation, crack routing and filling and more.

Get a free quote and schedule your sealcoating appointment today by calling Black Hawk Paving at (463) 225-0400. You can also email info@blackhawkpaving.com or use our online contact form below.