Frequently Asked Questions

Crack sealing or crack filling depending upon how you refer to the procedure is an  important step in extending the life of your asphalt. There are two common culprits in developing cracks in the asphalt. 

First is base erosion. As the base settles beneath the asphalt surface and loses its  integrity, cracks will form in the asphalt. It is important to seal those cracks with  an appropriate crack sealant to reduce the negative effects of the cracks. If you do  this within the first few years of the asphalt, you can reduce the severity of those  cracks. By sealing these cracks, you will divert water to the berm of the asphalt  instead of allowing the water to settle in the base which can cause more erosion. 

The second harmful component is the sun. Once a crack develops, the UV from the sun can cause more damage during the expansion of the crack. Crack filling can  block out the damaging UV rays that will deteriorate the inside walls of a crack. Two different types of crack sealants can be used depending upon the job at hand  and what equipment is available. Ask our experts what is right for your application.

Contact All-Size Blacktop Sealing today with sealcoating questions or any of your pavement maintenance needs at 608-513-8020. Or, you can e-mail your sealcoating concerns to info@allsizeseals.com.

Asphalt pavement, to keep in simple terms, is primarily rock and/or stone and gravel, along with a binder. The rock, or aggregate, is held together with this binder also known as asphalt cement. The binder is created from the distillation process of certain crude oils. Maintaining this binder is essential in prolonging the deterioration of asphalt surfaces. Rain, U.V. rays, and chemicals, as they are introduced into the asphalt, will degrade the binder and thus begin the degradation process of the asphalt. This will continue and create a surface that turns brittle. To reduce the effects of these elements, it is important to implement a maintenance program that utilizes sealcoating to extend the life of your parking lot or driveway. 

Sealcoating will provide a layer of protection blocking out the elements: water, oils, and U.V. damage. In addition, when applied to manufacturers ’specifications, sealcoating provides a slip-resistant surface with a deep black finish that beautifies the parking lot or driveway. Sealcoats are typically bituminous based products or acrylics. The sealcoat is in a liquid formulation of one of the above emulsions, mixed with water, silica sand, polymer additives, and other proprietary fillers and solids. These products can  be applied by brush, spray or squeegee. A regularly scheduled sealcoating program will more than double the life of the asphalt, saving you significant dollars down the line. Instead of having to pay thousands of dollars for new pavement, it is more cost effective to spend only pennies on the dollar per square foot to maintain. 

When applying a sealcoating product, follow the important steps referenced below to get the most protection and optimum performance: 

• A minimum of two coats should be applied. 

• Temperatures must be a minimum of 50 degrees and rising for a period of not less than 24 hours. Do not apply when temperatures are forecasted to get below the 50-degree mark. 

• Do not apply if rain is imminent within the same 24-hour period. 

• Once finished with the application of sealcoat, allow to cure 24 hours before allowing vehicle traffic back on the surface. 

To summarize, sealcoating every two to three years will certainly extend the life of your asphalt pavement for minimal cost. When applied appropriately and at the right time, sealcoating prevents oxidation, sealcoating stops weather damage, and sealcoating beautifies pavement. 

Contact All-Size Blacktop Sealing today with sealcoating questions or any of your pavement maintenance needs at 608-513-8020. Or, you can e-mail your sealcoating concerns to info@allsizeseals.com.

Coal tar-based sealants, which contain PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon), are banned statewide in Minnesota and many southeastern cities in Wisconsin, including the entire County of Dane.  There are several other states and municipalities throughout the United States that ban them as well due to their harmful effects on the environment and human health.   Many local governments have also banned or restricted the use of coal tar-based sealants.   Asphalt-based sealants are a safer alternative to coal tar-based sealants.

All-Size Blacktop Sealing uses an asphalt emulsion pavement solution that contains 0.00% PAH.  

Contact All-Size Blacktop Sealing today with sealcoating questions or any of your pavement maintenance needs at 608-513-8020. Or, you can e-mail your sealcoating concerns to info@allsizeseals.com.