About Sarah Leech Expertise Our family asphalt business has been proudly installing and sealcoating driveways and commercial parking lots for over 40 years. I welcome any and all questions about the asphalt sealcoating and/or asphalt paving of your driveway and/or parking lot. How to's for do it yourself sealcoaters, professional advice for your commercial parking lots, what products and tools to use; and what not to use. Tips, tricks and general useful knowledge in an area where most people don't know where to look for help!
Experience I grew up in the family business of asphalt paving. For 11 years I was the VP of the family asphalt business and now at 34, I own my own company, ASAP Asphalt Sealing And Paving Co. Currently, ASAP Asphalt is one of the largest asphalt sealcoating companies in Western PA!
Organizations Peters Township Chamber of Commerce
Building Trades Association
Education/Credentials Graduated from Peters Township High School 1992
BA in Psychology from Slippery Rock University 1997
National Pavement Expo Convention 2006
Awards and Honors Member of Manchester Who's Who
Past/Present Clients Babies-R-Us
The Home Depot,
Liberty Mutual,
Consol Development,
PNC Bank,
Kohl's,
Sheraton,
Red Roof Inn,
Michael's,
Question Hi Sarah.
1 month ago we had our fairly large driveway re-asphalted and they also sealed it at the same time. Now we are experiencing areas where it is "coming up" from tire marks but also some areas where it is cracking and coming up. Called the Contractor but he has still not come out to look. He tried to normaalize the problem on the phone but does not look normal. It also seems rather soft.
I notivced on your site one of your answers to someone said, "hopefully they didn't seal it at the same time as that can be another whole can of worms" What might our worms be?
Thanks so much for a response & any suggestions. kelly
Answer Hi Kelly,
The protocol for immediately sealcoating a driveway after new asphalt is installed is different in different parts of the country. Here in the Eastern part (PA), we believe that we should wait one full year before sealcoating new asphalt. The reason being is because the asphalt needs to cure and release certain gases in order to perform properly (we feel). Therefore, if new asphalt is sealed immediately, all of those gases are trapped and not allowed to escape.
Now, this shouldn't mean that your contractor did something wrong, as obviously in your part of the country, that is acceptable. But that's probably why the driveway is still soft, and 'coming up' from the tire marks.
Couple things to do:
When you are turning in the driveway, make sure that you keep your car in motion as you are turning your wheels. This should help with the tire marks, and as the driveway does cure (it's going to take a while) you should see the tire marks start to diminish.
Also, don't set anything on the driveway for an extended period of time. For example, if you park on the driveway, make sure that your cars are moved frequently. If the asphalt is still soft the cars, etc. will leave indentations.
Again, I can't say that your contractor did anything wrong as I can see that it would be normal if he did sealcoat the driveway right away. As time goes on, you should notice that the driveway does get 'harder' and it shouldn't be an issue.
But, if you do notice that it's not getting any better, refer back to your contractors warranty--that should be for at least a year. If you don't have that, I would suggest obtaining a copy from the contractor--just to be safe.
