Your driveway takes a beating every day. Between heavy loads, weather exposure, and the wear-and-tear of daily life, asphalt can crack, fade, and weaken over time. That’s where asphalt sealcoating comes in—it’s a simple yet powerful way to extend the life of your driveway while keeping it looking smooth and polished. At Baughman Magic Seal, we take pride in delivering a professional finish, and we’re excited to share how our process works.
Why Sealcoating Matters
Sealcoating is essential for maintaining your asphalt’s durability and appearance. It creates a protective layer that shields against moisture, UV rays, and chemical damage from items like oil or gasoline. Additionally, it prevents small cracks from becoming big, expensive problems. Beyond protection, sealcoating gives your driveway a sleek, updated look that enhances curb appeal.
Our Step-by-Step Sealcoating Process
We believe a great-looking driveway starts with top-notch preparation. Here’s how we ensure your driveway gets the care it deserves:
1. Cleaning the Surface:
Every successful sealcoat begins with a spotless surface. We use a blower to remove loose debris like dirt, leaves, or rocks. While we don’t hose down the driveway, if you’d like to wash it beforehand, be sure to do so the day before we arrive to allow ample drying time. Starting with a clean, dry surface is key to ensuring the sealcoat adheres properly.
2. Ensuring the Driveway is Dry:
Speaking of dry surfaces, this is a critical step in the process. A wet driveway doesn’t hold sealer well, which can lead to uneven coverage or peeling. If you do wash the surface, we recommend doing it at least a full day before our team works on it to avoid any delays.
3. Trimming the Edges:
Overgrown grass around the edges can interfere with a smooth application. We use a weed wacker to trim grass on both sides of the asphalt. However, we don’t edge or dig deeply around the driveway because water can seep underneath, which could eventually cause the asphalt to heave or crack. By taking these precautions, we protect the long-term integrity of your driveway.
4. Treating Oil Spots:
Oil stains can be a major challenge when sealcoating, as they can prevent the sealer from adhering properly. That’s why we treat oil spots in advance with Polyoil Seal, specifically designed to address these problem areas. If you want to tackle oil stains yourself ahead of time, using ERA or Tide detergents can help. However, keep in mind that even with treatment, oil stains may resurface in extremely hot weather.
5. Applying Our Superior Mixture:
Finally, we coat your driveway with a high-quality sealant blend created for maximum durability. Our mixture includes Coal Tar Sealer combined with 30% water and 1% latex additive. We also add 3 pounds of sand per gallon, which enhances traction and adds durability to the finish. The sand won’t be visible, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring the surface withstands both foot and vehicle traffic.
The Baughman Magic Seal Difference
Every step in our process is designed to give you the perfect balance of appearance and longevity. From careful preparation to expertly applying our custom mixture, we take pride in delivering results you can rely on. Sealcoating doesn’t just protect your driveway; it also showcases the professional care and attention to detail that sets us apart.