Frequently Asked Questions
Can sealcoating new asphalt too early cause premature cracking?
Yes, applying sealcoat to new asphalt too early can potentially cause premature cracking. It’s generally recommended to allow new asphalt to cure and weather for at least 6 months to a year before applying a sealcoat. This allows the asphalt to settle and release any excess oils, which can interfere with the adhesion of the sealant. Applying seal coat too soon can trap these oils, leading to potential issues like cracking or peeling.
Are all cracks the same?
No, all cracks are not the same.
Structural Cracks: Larger than ¼” wide. All structural cracks should always be filled along with sealcoating. Large cracks can be filled until they reach approx. 1/2” wide. Then, we recommend saw cutting and replacing the severe crack.
Hairline Cracks: Less than ¼” wide. Cannot be filled due to lack of space within the crack. The sealer will help protect the crack but will not hide it. Hairline cracks will still be visible after sealcoating.
Surface Cracks: Surface cracks are superficial, cosmetic cracks on the driveway surface. They are almost always caused by over sealing the asphalt.
Edge Cracks: Edge cracks are longitudinal cracks located near the edges of the pavement and can be caused by factors such as settling of underlying material, soil drying, and lack of lateral support. Clearing nearby trees and shrubs and improving drainage can help prevent these cracks from occurring or worsening. These cannot be effectively crack filled.
Fatigue/Alligator cracking: Alligator cracks are clusters of cracks in a concentrated area (that may resemble the skin of an alligator). These sections of asphalt have failed and cannot be crack filled effectively. These cracks are load-related and can be caused by a weak base, subgrade, or surface, as well as poor drainage. Sealcoating can only help maintain these areas temporarily. At some point, the area must be cut out and replaced with new asphalt. Alligator cracks will always still be visible after sealcoating.
How long do I need to stay off my driveway after sealcoating?
You will need to keep your cars off your driveway for a full 72 hours after sealcoating. You can walk on it after 24 hours.
How long should I wait after my driveway installation to sealcoat?
You will need to wait a min of 6 months but possibly up to one year. We will ask to see photos of your new driveway before determining if its time to sealcoat. Ideally you want the asphalt to be gray before you seal it to prevent trapping moisture inside.
Why are there tire marks on my newly seal coated driveway?
During periods of extremely hot weather, the seal coating material may soften, making it more susceptible to superficial tire marks—especially in high-traffic or turning areas. These marks are purely cosmetic and will eventually cure out over time as the surface continues to harden.
Please note that while driving is permitted after 72 hours, it takes a full 30 days for the sealcoat to completely cure. During this time, we recommend minimizing sharp turns and heavy use to help preserve the finish.
Why do I have Brown Spots on my freshly sealed Asphalt?
Occasionally spots or larger areas of brown occur in an otherwise uniformly black application that is newly dried or even several days old. While it is possible that small areas or spots that are brown can be caused by contamination on the pavement surface, the usual culprit is moisture due to water from underneath the asphalt.
Should I be concerned if it rains the day after my sealcoat?
No. Your sealcoat typically only needs a few hours of dry time to form a crust that will prevent rain from washing it away. If there is ever a concern you can always contact us by sending photos so we can look and give you our professional opinion.
Can I give the crew a check when they are at my house?
Unfortunately, our crews are not permitted to take payment after sealcoating. You will be given the option to pay online the day after your appointment or you can mail us a check to 34523 N Wilson Rd, Ingleside, IL 60041
Can you send someone out to inspect my driveway?
Due to the large number of customers we have we are unable to send someone out to inspect each driveway either before or after sealcoating. You will be asked to send us photos so we can assess them on a case-by-case basis. If there is an issue that needs to be addressed, we will then at that time forward it to our field supervisor who will address the issue.
What happens if there is rain in the forecast?
We avoid making our rain calls until the morning of your appointment as the weather in our area changes frequently. You will get a message from us by 7:00am the morning of your appointment letting you know if we will be out to sealcoat or if we will be cancelling due to weather. If your appointment is cancelled due to weather, we will provide you with a new date within 2 business days.
If my appointment is cancelled due to weather, will I be moved to the next day?
No. Since we service such a large area, we have to break our days into zones. We seal 50-70 driveways a day and people schedule at all different times. We will move you the next open day for your area. Generally, you will not need to wait more than two weeks.
Does Express Sealcoating come back to pick up signs and stakes?
We do not come back to pick these items up. You are free to dispose of them.
Can Sap from my trees on the driveway cause issues with the sealcoating?
- Adhesion Issues
If sap is present on the surface before sealing, it can prevent the oil-based sealer from adhering properly. This may result in peeling, flaking, or uneven patches once the sealer cures. - Discoloration or Bleeding
Tree sap that lands on a freshly sealed surface can bleed into the sealer, creating sticky, shiny, or discolored spots. Over time, this can affect the appearance and uniformity of the finish. - Localized Softening or Damage
Certain types of sap—especially from pine and other coniferous trees—can chemically soften parts of the cured sealer. This may lead to tacky areas that attract dirt or debris and degrade more quickly than the rest of the surface. - Impact on Performance
Sap deposits can degrade the sealer’s UV protection and water resistance by disrupting the uniform surface layer, potentially reducing its service life.
Do my notes or special instructions from last year carry over?
No. Because circumstances can change from year to year, we require updated notes or special instructions for each appointment. Please do not assume we still have the information from the previous season.
I have weeds growing in the cracks on my driveway. How should I handle those?
Any weeds on the driveway should be treated with weed killer before we come out. Our crew will weed whack out the dead stuff at the surface of the driveway. We DO NOT pull weeds by their roots to remove them prior to sealing.
Did someone come out to measure my driveway in person?
We do not come out to measure your driveway in person. Everything we do is via satellite. Please do not assume we know the condition of the driveway prior to sealcoating. If there is anything we should know, please let us know. We only provided the services listed in the quote. If you are unsure of what those services include, please double-check with us.
Do you fill in dips and divots?
We do not fill in dips or divots on driveways with asphalt. These areas will simply be sealed over.
I have a seam on my driveway from a partial replacement/addition. Will this be filled with crackfill?
We do not automatically fill seams with crackfill because they are not technically cracks. If you would like this done, please notify us before we come out to sealcoat. We will not return to complete this unless notified. If you do not notify us and we need to return, a $25 fee will apply.
I have a brand-new driveway that was not installed by Kaplan. Should I let you know?
Yes, it is important for us to know whether your driveway is new and when it was installed, to ensure it is not being seal-coated too early.
