FAQs

Asphalt sealcoating is an important part of pavement maintenance, helping improve longevity, prevent major repair issues and maintain overall durability. Many damaging factors can cause asphalt to degrade over time, including UV exposure, freeze/thaw cycles, water penetration and heavy traffic. Once cured, sealcoating shields your pavement from those harmful effects for long-lasting resilience and beauty.

Sealcoating is sensitive to many environmental factors. Most sealers have specific requirements concerning temperature, sun exposure, wind, relative humidity levels, etc. The best time to apply sealer is during the warm, dry summers in St. Louis when the weather is warm and dry with more hours of sunlight.

Asphalt sealcoating is a preventative measure used to protect surfaces against damaging factors, but it’s not a fix-all solution to issues like potholes. It’s important to repair potholes before applying sealer. Otherwise, the product won’t bond to the pavement correctly, sacrificing protection. Furthermore, the pothole will continue to deteriorate underneath. Sealcoating isn’t a substitute for proper maintenance and repairs.

Whether or not pavement sealer covers stains depends on the type of blemish you’re dealing with and its severity. High-quality sealers can cover minor stains caused by leaking vehicle fluids, such as oil or gas. In addition to masking unsightly stains, the sealer will also prevent automotive fluids from oxidizing and damaging your pavement. Major stains may require additional attention, such as pretreatment before sealer application, to mitigate damage and ensure a uniform color.

How often your pavement needs sealcoating depends on many factors, including age, overall condition and the daily traffic it receives. The quality of the pavement sealer, sealer mix design and the number of coats applied also impact sealcoating frequency. Generally, most properties benefit from fresh applications every two or three years, sometimes more. The Element Facility Solutions team can help you develop a schedule that meets the unique needs of your asphalt.

Asphalt sealcoating is a multi-step process. We begin by blocking the area and turning off any automatic sprinkler systems. Then, our team cleans the surface, removing debris to ensure the sealer adheres to the asphalt correctly. Depending on your needs, we may treat stubborn stains, fill cracks or repair potholes. Once the surface is ready, we can apply the sealer to the pavement’s surface before allowing it to cure for at least 24 hours.

Spider cracks are a common issue that spread from a central point, creating the look of a spider’s web. Sealcoating may mask or reduce the visibility of small and shallow spider cracks. High-quality sealers form a smooth and protective layer over the asphalt surface that can hide minor defects like spider cracks. However, deep and wide cracks will need appropriate filling and sealing.

Asphalt sealing products require specific environmental conditions and ample time to cure. The best time to do sealcoating in St. Louis is during the warm summers whenever temperatures are consistently 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Cooler temperatures and high humidity can interfere with the curing process, resulting in a weak bond to your pavement. Warm and dry conditions lead to better results.

Many use the terms “cement” and “concrete” interchangeably, but they are two different materials. Concrete is used for finished products like sidewalks, pavement, road surfaces, building foundations, etc. While formulas vary, the primary ingredients of concrete are sand, aggregate (gravel) and cement. Cement is the binding ingredient that makes concrete harden upon contact with water. Common cement mixtures include 60 percent limestone, 24 percent silica, 5 percent alumina and 10 percent additional minerals like gypsum and iron oxide.