The sun oxidizes asphalt, evaporating the binder that holds the pavement together, petroleum or oil spills soften the asphalt and cause the asphalt to fail in those spots, and water that enters the cracks in your driveway works its way to the sub-surface and softens the base. The pavement then begins to separate and break-up.

We recommend you sealcoat your asphalt every two to three years. There are several factors that will decrease the lifetime of the sealant. Some of these include heavy traffic, an excess amount of dirt and debris, chemicals, scraping from shovels and snow plows, water that puddles, harsh temperatures, and more. For brand new pavement, we recommend you have the asphalt sealed between nine and twelve months after the installation.

That’s true, you can do it yourself for slightly less than a professional can, but the truth is it’s a very messy job and the sealant you purchase off-the-shelf at your local retail store will not have the same adhesion properties or rich dark color as a BorderLines professionally applied seal coat. Our special formula includes polymers that increase strength and elasticity, thus reducing tearing and cracking during the expansion and contraction of the asphalt during freeze and thaw cycles. We also add sand to increase traction when the asphalt is wet.

On an average driveway, depending on how dirty or how many repairs are needed, applying the sealcoat can take one to three hours. Dry time is 24 – 48 hours, depending on the weather.

Pavement sealer is an emulsion, or blend of clay, water, and either refined tar or petroleum products. As the sealer cures, the water evaporates and what is left on the asphalt are the “solids” of the sealer. BorderLines uses a premium formula of asphalt sealer and special additives. Each additive has been selected to produce a sealant with the deepest and longest lasting color, firmest body, and greatest durability during changes in pavement temperatures. Our sealer is non-tracking and slip resistant. It is formulated to be compatible with both new asphalt and structurally sound old asphalt.

Sealcoat should be applied when temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during and at least 48 hours after application.

In full sun, you can walk on your driveway after 4 - 6 hours, but we recommend you wait at least 12 hours. You should not drive on it for 24 - 48 hours, depending on ground temperatures. We recommend you wait a full 48 hours before driving or parking on your newly sealed driveway. If you must drive on it, do not park or turn your wheels while stationary and always avoid using harsh chemicals, like tire shine.

*Dry times can vary significantly in extreme weather conditions. Humidity, colder conditions, and cloudy days can increase dry time. Hot, sunny days can reduce dry times.

Scuffing and/or tire marks on the newly sealcoated surface may occur especially in the hot sun. Expect power steering marks as the sand is sheared away from the asphalt emulsion but over time these marks will go away. Scuffing and/or tire marks is normal and temporary, usually occurring within the first month after the sealcoating has been applied and while turning tires sharply.

On 80 plus degree days the sun can reheat the asphalt, softening the new pavement and sealer, increasing the risk of tire marks. If this happens these marks will fade away after a period of time.

Driveway sealers are basically applied like paint and can be applied by either hand, spraying or squeegee. We apply the pavement sealer by hand using a nylon brush (called pro-strand) applicator. Brushing the sealer into the asphalt allows the sealer to fill all voids and gaps, similar to using a brush to apply paint to a porous piece of wood. Light brush marks are normal.

Pavement sealer will not adhere to oil stains unless the stain is first torched and treated with an oil spot primer. BorderLines torches and primes oil stains on the pavement surface before applying sealer. In the case of heavy stains we will do our best, but can’t guarantee complete coverage.

Driveway sealers are basically applied like paint and can be applied by either brush coating, spraying or squeegee. We hand apply the pavement sealer to driveways using a commercial grade Prostran© nylon brush applicator. Brushing the sealer back and forth into the pores of the asphalt fills all the voids and gaps, ensuring optimal adhesion and a uniform appearance throughout. The precise control of brush coating allows our technicians to be meticulous in their application, making sure the product is not applied on neighboring sidewalks, walkways, or vegetation.

It is recommended you have your cracks sealed annually. It is the most cost-effective approach to extending the life your pavement.

Movement of the sub-surface, expansion and contraction from freeze and thaw cycles, and poor drainage can cause cracks in the asphalt. Crack filler should be part of your yearly maintenance plan. The better job you do at sealing out the moisture, the less movement you will get during freeze and thaw cycles.

Vehicle tires become hot during prolonged driving at highway speeds. If parking directly on the crack sealer, the hot tires can re-heat the crack filler, which then re-cools, adhering to the tire. When the vehicle is later moved, a small portion of the hot pour crack filler is pulled up with the tire. There is not much that can be done to prevent this except try not to park directly on the hot pour crack filler while the tires are still hot. **Always avoid turning tires on driveway while stationary.

Our premium grade crack fill is 100% rubber that is heated to 400 degrees. After it has been applied and allowed to cool, hot pour crack filler is supposed to remain flexible, allowing it to expand and contract with the freeze and thaw cycles and movement of the pavement. If you press it with your finger, it will flex. If you park on it with your car tires, it will temporarily retain the tread pattern. This is normal for this type of material.

Yes, you will be able to see the crack fill through the sealcoat! Because the texture of the crack fill is smoother than the texture of the asphalt. This is unavoidable if you want your driveway protected. We apply a silica sand to the rubber and extra sealcoat to help mask that look.

BorderLines cuts overgrown grass along the edge of the blacktop and along the concrete curb across the front of the lot using a steel blade edger. This allows us to seal the entire crown of the asphalt and gives the entire property a fresh manicured look.