Your asphalt driveway takes a very heavy beating under the Phoenix sun. Between record-breaking summer heat waves and heavy monsoon downpours that drop inches of rain in an hour, that blacktop expands, contracts, and dries out fast. If you notice your driveway looking faded or the aggregate starting to peek through, Asphalt Sealcoating is usually the best move you can make to protect it. But sealcoating requires careful timing, proper prep work, and hiring the right crew to make all the difference between a job that lasts and one that peels off by August. Progressive Asphalt Solutions knows Phoenix, AZ, and the local climate very well.
Timing Your Asphalt Sealcoating Project in the Desert
Here in the Valley, weather dictates everything. You cannot pave or complete Asphalt Sealcoating when the pavement hits scorching temperatures because the product dries too fast, leaving you with a brittle and uneven surface. The team at Progressive Asphalt Solutions recommends scheduling your Asphalt Sealcoating between late fall and early spring when daytime temperatures hover comfortably in the 70s and 80s. Avoid the peak summer months entirely. You also need to watch out for rain during the monsoon season. A sudden pop-up storm in Ahwatukee can wash fresh sealer right down the street if it has not cured properly.
What to Expect During the Process
Asphalt Sealcoating is not a quick spray job if it is done right. First, the crew will thoroughly clean your surface. They blow away debris, wire brush stubborn oil stains, and power wash the whole area when needed. Any cracks wider than a quarter-inch need hot pour rubberized crack filling before the seal goes down; otherwise, water will get right back underneath. Once the prep is dry, the actual Asphalt Sealcoating gets applied either by squeegee or spray, depending on the size and texture of your driveway. Expect your driveway to be completely off-limits for foot and vehicle traffic for at least 24 to 48 hours so the Asphalt Sealcoating can cure hard.
How to Properly Prepare Your Property
Homeowners have a little homework to do before the crew shows up. Move all vehicles off the asphalt and park them out on the street the night before. Turn off your lawn sprinklers for at least 48 hours prior to the project because wet sub-grades ruin adhesion. If you have pets, keep them inside so they do not track black tar across your clean concrete walkways. Clear away any trash cans, basketball hoops, or patio furniture resting on the edges of the driveway.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign Any Contract
Do not just hire the cheapest contractor who leaves a flyer on your front door. Ask these specific questions first:
- What exact type of sealer are you using for Asphalt Sealcoating, and is it coal tar or asphalt emulsion?
- Are you filling all the cracks before you apply the coat, and is that included in the price?
- How long do I need to keep my cars off the driveway after you finish the Asphalt Sealcoating work?
- Do you carry active general liability insurance and worker's comp?
Taking care of your asphalt before it crumbles into gravel saves you thousands of dollars in premature replacement costs. Get Asphalt Sealcoating scheduled when the weather cooperates, prep your site right, and Progressive Asphalt Solutions will help keep that driveway looking sharp for years in Phoenix, AZ.