Sealcoating in Hanford, CA

Sealcoating is a thin protective layer applied over asphalt. In Hanford, where summer days average near 98 degrees and the sun is strong for months, the top of unprotected asphalt dries out and turns gray, and fine material starts to wear away. A sealcoat restores a protective film, keeps oil and fuel from soaking in, and helps the surface shed water during the winter rains.

Timing in the Valley

Sealer needs dry pavement and moderate temperatures. HomeGuide puts the working range at about 50 to 95 degrees. In Hanford that rules out much of July and August afternoons and many foggy winter mornings. The best windows are spring and fall. In summer, we start very early; in winter, we wait for clear, dry days. Fast-dry sealers need even warmer, drier conditions, so standard emulsion is the usual choice.

How often

New asphalt needs 3 to 6 months to cure before its first sealcoat. After that, every few years is typical. HomeAdvisor suggests two to five years for lots. Sealing too often builds up a film that can crack and peel, so we look at the surface before recommending it.

The process

• Clean: sweep, blow and treat oil spots
• Fill: open cracks filled first, because sealer does not bridge them
• Edge: hand work along concrete, curbs and landscaping
• Apply: one or two coats of asphalt emulsion sealer
• Cure: area closed until ready, usually 12 to 72 hours

Materials

We use asphalt-based emulsion sealers. HomeGuide notes that coal tar sealers are banned in many areas for health and environmental reasons. The San Joaquin Valley air district also limits volatile organic content in asphalt emulsions under Rule 4641. Water-based emulsions meet those limits.

What sealcoat will not fix

Sealcoat protects sound asphalt. It does not fix potholes, deep cracks or ruts. If your pavement has those, we include repairs in the quote or tell you they come first.

Sealing ranch roads and yards

Long drives and yards can be sealed too. On rural roads, we focus on the most-used stretches and the areas closest to buildings, where oil drips and turning tires do the most damage. Sealing a ranch road every few years keeps the surface tight and reduces the cracking that lets winter rain into the base.

What a sealcoat looks like over time

Fresh sealcoat is a deep, even black. Over the next couple of years, sun and traffic wear it down to dark gray, starting in drive lanes and turning areas. When the stones in the asphalt start to show through, it is time to reseal.

Sealcoating and crack filling together

Crack filling and sealing work best as a pair. Fill alone leaves the surface exposed to sun; seal alone leaves open cracks for water. We always fill cracks before sealing and price both in the quote.