Common Questions About Asphalt Sealcoating & Asphalt Care

Tread marks are typically the result of a thick coat of sealer being applied to an asphalt surface. They are most visible during warm temperatures combines with high humidity. The marks will usually blend into the driveway in about three to four months.

Sealcoating is generally recommended every three years.

Asphalt surfaces that are freshly sealcoated should not be walked on for about five hours and not driven on for about 36-48 hours. The goal is for the sealcoat to be completely dry before allowing foot or vehicle traffic.

Sealcoating is usually best if applied from May through September. But there are other times it can be applied, too, so long as the weather cooperates. Ideally, it would be warm and dry with low humidity.

Sealcoat protects your asphalt surface from damaging UV rays, which account for most of an asphalt driveway’s deterioration. The same way that a wooden deck requires sealing, so too does an asphalt surface.

Lawn sprinklers that are too close to a driveway or other asphalt surface keep them constantly wet and unable to dry between waterings. The constant water exposure eats away at the asphalt it contacts. 

 If your asphalt has surface cracks, fading, or minor crumbling, sealcoating can restore and protect it. However, if there are large potholes, severe structural cracking, or significant base failure, replacement may be the better long-term investment. When in doubt, give us a call and we can assess your driveway in person.

Most residential driveways can be completed in a few hours. Larger commercial lots may take a full day or more. We'll give you a time estimate when we provide your quote so you can plan accordingly.

Sealcoating is not a crack filler — it's a protective coating. Cracks should be cleaned and filled with a crack filler product before sealcoating is applied. Addressing cracks first gives you the best results and longest-lasting protection.

Sealcoating gives asphalt a rich, dark, uniform appearance that dramatically improves curb appeal. While it won't repair deep damage, it does restore the fresh, clean look of a newer surface.

Yes, as long as the existing sealcoat is not peeling or flaking. If the old coating is still adhering well to the surface, a new coat can be applied on top without issue.

Please make sure vehicles, basketball hoops, garbage cans, and other items are moved off the driveway. It also helps to sweep away any loose debris. We'll handle the rest from there.

Yes — this is one of the biggest benefits in our climate. Sealcoating helps prevent water from seeping into the asphalt, which reduces the freeze-thaw cracking that is very common during Minnesota winters.

New asphalt should cure for at least 6 to 12 months before sealcoating is applied. Sealing too soon can trap oils in the asphalt that need time to off-gas and harden.

Yes, we work with both residential and commercial customers throughout the Twin Cities metro area. We can handle everything from single driveways to large parking lots.

For most residential driveways, we recommend sealcoating every 2 to 3 years. Sealcoat wears down over time from UV exposure, traffic, and weather — staying on a regular schedule keeps your asphalt protected and looking its best before significant deterioration sets in.

 Once fully cured — typically 24 to 48 hours after application — the surface is safe for children and pets. We recommend keeping them off the driveway until it's completely dry.

Yes! In addition to sealcoating, Black Jacks offers snow removal services. It's a great way to protect your freshly sealed asphalt all year long. Visit our Snow Removal page or call us for details.

Weeds and grass growing through asphalt are a sign of crack or edge deterioration and need to be addressed before sealcoating. We remove vegetation and treat the affected areas so the sealcoat bonds properly and you're not just covering up an ongoing problem.

We serve the greater Twin Cities metro area, including Anoka, Andover, Bloomington, Burnsville, Minnetonka, Prior Lake, Stillwater, Wayzata, and many surrounding communities. Call us at 952-992-0243 to confirm service in your area.