Question 1

How long before I can walk on it?

Accepted Answer

Usually about 2 to 4 hours. The easy way to tell: once the sealer turns from shiny to a dull, flat black, it's ready to walk on. Cool, foggy, or humid days can take longer, so we'll give you a time for your job before we leave.

Question 2

How long before I can drive on it?

Accepted Answer

Plan on at least 24 hours, and 48 hours is safer, especially in cool or humid weather. Driving on it too early leaves tire marks, so follow the reopening time we give you.

Question 3

How long will it last?

Accepted Answer

Most driveways on the Central Coast do best with a fresh coat every 18 to 24 months. Sun, traffic, and how many coats you start with all play a part, and we'll tell you honestly when yours is due.

Question 4

Should I do one coat or two?

Accepted Answer

Two thin coats last longer than one and cure better than one thick coat. They're what we recommend for most driveways, especially worn or high-traffic ones. One coat can be enough for a driveway in good shape that's been sealed recently. We'll look at yours and recommend what it needs.

Question 5

What is sealcoating, and what does it do?

Accepted Answer

Sealcoating adds a protective coating to asphalt that helps reduce weathering and surface wear while restoring a dark, refreshed appearance. It helps maintain existing asphalt, but it does not repair structural damage.

Question 6

How do I know if my driveway needs sealcoating?

Accepted Answer

Faded color, a worn surface, and exposed aggregate can be signs that it's time for maintenance. We can inspect your asphalt and recommend whether it needs sealcoating, repairs, or another service.

Question 7

How often should asphalt be sealcoated?

Accepted Answer

Most driveways on the Central Coast benefit from sealcoating every 18 to 24 months. The right schedule depends on traffic, weather, the surface's condition, and the sealer used. We'll check yours and let you know when it's due, so you never pay for a coat you don't need.

Question 8

Can you sealcoat newly installed asphalt?

Accepted Answer

New asphalt needs time to cure before sealcoating. The wait is usually 6 to 12 months and depends on the pavement, climate, and sealer requirements. Check with your paving contractor before scheduling.

Question 9

Do I need pressure washing before sealcoating?

Accepted Answer

Only if your driveway is extra dirty, with stuck-on dirt, sand, or grime. We'll look at it during your free estimate and tell you if it needs a wash first.

Question 10

Why pressure wash before sealing?

Accepted Answer

Sealer has to stick to the asphalt, not to the dirt on top of it. A super-clean surface lets the sealcoat grip properly, so the protection lasts for years.

Question 11

How long after washing can you seal?

Accepted Answer

Right away. Our sealer is water-based, so any moisture left from washing simply mixes in with it. In fact, on hot days sealcoaters often wet the surface on purpose before sealing, so the sealer doesn't dry too fast.

Question 12

Will pressure washing remove oil stains?

Accepted Answer

It lifts dirt and grime, but oil soaks into asphalt, so a stain may not come out completely. Most oil spots seal over just fine. If one needs extra help, we can prime it before sealing for a small added fee.

Question 13

Is pressure washing included in my estimate?

Accepted Answer

If your driveway needs it, we'll list it on your estimate so you can see exactly what it costs before you say yes.

Question 14

Who actually does the work?

Accepted Answer

We do. Every job is done by hand by our own family-run crew. We don't use subcontractors.

Question 15

How long have you been doing this?

Accepted Answer

Brent has been sealcoating driveways for more than 17 years. He knows what Central Coast asphalt needs, and he still does every job by hand.

Question 16

How much does sealcoating cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the size and condition of the surface, cleaning requirements, crack repairs, and access. Contact us for a free estimate based on your property's specific needs.

Question 17

Do you provide free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 805 Sealcoating offers free estimates. Call (805) 975-4151 or request a quote on our contact page to discuss your project.

Question 18

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Whatever's easiest for you. We send you an invoice link where you can pay by credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, or bank account, or send it with Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App. Cash and checks are welcome too. Card payments include a small convenience fee; every other way has no fee.

Question 19

How long does the sealcoating process take?

Accepted Answer

Many residential driveways can be completed within a day. Larger surfaces or surfaces needing extensive preparation may take longer. We'll explain the work schedule and drying time before starting.

Question 20

How should I prepare before you arrive?

Accepted Answer

Remove vehicles, trailers, furniture, and other movable items. Turn off sprinklers that could wet the work area for 24 hours before and after the job, and let us know about access needs or drainage concerns. We'll provide any additional preparation instructions.

Question 21

Do you clean the asphalt before applying the sealer?

Accepted Answer

Proper preparation includes removing loose dirt, debris, and vegetation from the work area. Oil spots usually don't need anything extra, but we can prime them for an added fee if needed. Priming helps the sealer stick; it won't remove the stain.

Question 22

Can you keep part of my driveway or lot open during the work?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the layout, we may be able to complete the project in sections to maintain access. We'll discuss traffic flow, entrances, and drying time when planning your job.

Question 23

When is the best time of year to sealcoat?

Accepted Answer

Sealcoating works best in warm, dry weather. Air and pavement temperatures need to be at least 50°F and rising, and stay there for 24 hours after we apply it. We schedule work around suitable conditions to help the coating dry properly.

Question 24

What happens if it rains before or after the job?

Accepted Answer

Rain can prevent proper application or wash off sealer that hasn't dried. Sealer needs about 24 hours without rain, so if rain is expected, we'll reschedule. If unexpected rain occurs after application, contact us so we can assess the surface.

Question 25

Do you fill cracks before sealcoating?

Accepted Answer

Suitable cracks should be treated before sealcoating, and your estimate will spell out any crack repair. Larger cracks or areas with extensive cracking may need more substantial repairs.

Question 26

Will sealcoating fix potholes or uneven asphalt?

Accepted Answer

No. Sealcoating is a maintenance coating, so it won't fill potholes, level uneven pavement, or correct drainage problems. Those issues require separate repairs — and we do pothole repair too.

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