Before we get started
A few common questions.
How should I care for my pavement after sealcoating?
Keep traffic off while the coating cures
Our aftercare guide recommends waiting at least 24–48 hours before walking on the surface and 48–72 hours before driving or parking. Cooler temperatures, shade, humidity, and limited airflow may require more time. Follow the project-specific reopening instructions we give you.
Prevent tire marks and concentrated loads
Avoid sharp turns, hard braking, and rapid acceleration for the first 30 days. Keep heavy equipment, motorcycle kickstands, trailer jacks, and other concentrated loads off the surface for at least 7 days. Alternate parking positions during the first 14 days to help reduce uneven wear.
Keep the surface clean
Sweep away debris gently. Address oil, fuel, fertilizer, and chemical spills promptly using cleaning methods compatible with the coating. The guide recommends mild soap and water; ask us before using strong cleaners or pressure washing on a fresh surface.
Water and weather
Avoid standing water, sprinklers, pressure washing, and heavy runoff during the first 48 hours. Confirm any watering or cooling instructions with us before wetting the coating, and follow the sealcoat manufacturer’s requirements.
Winter and ongoing maintenance
Ask us which traction materials and de-icers are suitable for your coating before use. Sweep regularly, address vehicle leaks and new cracks, and inspect the coating for wear. Our guide suggests considering resealing every 3–4 years; the actual need depends on traffic, exposure, and pavement condition.
Open the sealcoating aftercare guide ↗
Download the PDF · Questions? Call 608-348-7325
What should I know about asphalt sealcoating?
What sealcoating does
Sealcoating applies a protective surface coating over existing asphalt. It refreshes faded pavement and provides a wearing layer that helps protect the underlying surface from exposure and everyday wear. It is maintenance for pavement that is still structurally sound, rather than a replacement for asphalt repairs.
Our polymer-modified sealcoat
We use polymer-modified sealcoat. Polymer modifiers are included to enhance coating performance, such as flexibility and wear resistance, depending on the formulation. The material must be mixed, applied, and allowed to dry according to its manufacturer’s instructions.
Evaluating your asphalt first
Before coating, the pavement should be checked for loose material, potholes, cracking, drainage problems, and areas weakened by oil or other contamination. Crack filling and patching may be needed before sealcoating. New asphalt also needs time to become suitable for coating; timing depends on its condition and the sealer manufacturer’s guidance.
Cleaning and preparation
Dirt, dust, sand, leaves, and loose debris need to be removed so the coating can contact sound pavement. Edges and vegetation need attention, and oil spots may require compatible cleaning or a manufacturer-specified primer. If the pavement is washed, it must dry adequately before coating. Sealcoat cannot bond reliably to loose contamination or repair asphalt that has deteriorated beneath a stain.
Application and coverage
The coating is applied at the coverage rate and under the conditions specified for the product. The application method, number of coats, and any approved additives should suit the surface and project requirements. More material is not automatically better: excessive thickness can delay drying and affect performance. Edges, transitions, and adjoining surfaces require care during application.
Weather and curing
Air and pavement temperature, humidity, shade, airflow, and the forecast all affect scheduling and drying. The coating needs a suitable weather window and protection from rain while it develops. A surface that looks dry may still need more time before vehicle use. We’ll provide instructions for reopening your driveway or lot based on your project.
Care after sealcoating
Follow the recommended waiting time before walking, driving, or parking on the coating. Early sharp turns, stationary tire twisting, heavy loads, and concentrated pressure can mark a fresh surface. Keep the pavement clear of debris and address fluid leaks promptly. Ask us when striping or other follow-up work can take place.
Planning future maintenance
How often pavement needs another coat depends on traffic, weather exposure, drainage, and the condition of the existing coating. Inspect for wear rather than applying extra coats on a fixed schedule regardless of condition. Address new cracks and localized damage as part of ongoing maintenance.
Where do you work?
Southwest Asphalt Sealing & Striping LLC serves Southwest Wisconsin. Contact us with the property address or nearest town so we can confirm service at your location and discuss access to the site.
Let us know whether the project is a residential driveway, commercial parking lot, apartment property, or another paved area. Include any access restrictions, narrow entrances, gates, or business hours that may affect a visit or the work.
Call 608-348-7325 or email southwestsealing26@gmail.com with your location and the service you need.
What should I include when requesting a quote?
Start with your name, a contact number, the project address, and the service you are interested in: sealcoating, crack filling, striping, hot mix patching, cold mix patching, or new asphalt coming in 2027. If you are unsure what the pavement needs, describe the problem you want to address.
Approximate length and width or total square footage are helpful if available. Send wide-angle photos of the whole area and close-up photos of cracks, potholes, pavement edges, oil spots, and places where water collects. For striping, include the existing layout and any proposed changes.
Tell us about your preferred timing, how the area is used, and any requirements for keeping entrances, parking spaces, or business access available. Photos help start the conversation; some conditions and measurements may need to be reviewed on site before the scope and quote can be confirmed.
Email details and photos to southwestsealing26@gmail.com, or call 608-348-7325 to discuss your project.
How soon can I drive on the surface?
The reopening time depends on the service, materials, and site conditions. We’ll provide instructions for your project before you resume walking, driving, or parking on the treated area. A surface that looks ready may still need additional drying, cooling, or curing time.
After sealcoating: temperature, humidity, shade, airflow, and coating thickness affect drying. Keep vehicles off until the specified waiting period has passed, and follow guidance about parked vehicles and sharp turns on the fresh coating.
After hot mix patching or new asphalt: the asphalt must cool sufficiently before traffic returns. Heavy loads, stationary tire turning, and concentrated pressure can mark a fresh surface. Ask about any restrictions for your vehicle type and use.
After cold mix patching or crack filling: reopening depends on the specific material, depth of repair, weather, and traffic. Follow the instructions for the product installed rather than assuming it has the same waiting time as another repair.
After striping: allow the paint to dry sufficiently before traffic crosses the markings. Weather and pavement conditions influence readiness. If conditions change or you are unsure, call us before reopening the area.
Can sealing fix damaged asphalt?
Sealcoating maintains the surface of asphalt that is otherwise sound. It adds a protective wearing layer and refreshes its appearance, but it does not rebuild a weakened base, replace missing pavement, or level depressions where water collects.
Individual cracks: crack filling may be appropriate depending on their size, movement, and condition. We use hot-applied ASTM D6690 Type II crack sealant. The cracks need suitable preparation before the material is installed.
Potholes and localized damage: hot mix or cold mix patches may be appropriate. Hot mix is placed and compacted while hot; cold mix is formulated for placement without those high temperatures and is often useful for smaller or interim repairs. The choice depends on the site, season, material availability, and repair needs.
Widespread failure: extensively broken pavement, recurring potholes, soft areas, or persistent drainage problems may require more substantial repair or replacement. New asphalt is coming to our services in 2027.
Send photos of the whole surface and close-ups of damaged areas so we can discuss the next step. Cleaning, patching, and crack treatment should be considered before coating; covering damage with sealer alone does not correct its cause.