Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete | Asphalt | Sealcoating
Concrete
How soon after installation can I walk or drive on my concrete?
You can walk on it gently the following day. Light vehicle traffic is generally fine after 48–72 hours. Wait 1–2 weeks before placing anything heavy on it — such as large trucks, campers, or equipment.
💡 Air temperature affects cure time. Cooler weather may require waiting longer before resuming normal use.
What if my driveway develops a crack shortly after installation?
We take preventive steps by installing control joints as early as possible after the pour, but cracking is an inherent risk with concrete. If a crack does appear, it does not compromise the structural integrity of your driveway.
What can I use on my concrete driveway to remove snow and ice?
⚠ Do not use salt or standard ice melt products. Salt will delaminate the surface of your concrete, including salt tracked in on vehicles from salted roads.
If you need a de-icing product, use one specifically labeled as safe for concrete. Even these carry some risk of surface damage and are used at your own discretion.
How do I handle oil spots on my driveway?
Clean them up as quickly as possible. Apply a heavy-duty degreaser, let it soak for a few minutes, scrub with a brush, and rinse thoroughly. This should remove most oil stains. Contact us if you need further guidance.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
25 to 35 years with proper care.
What maintenance does a concrete driveway require?
Very little. We recommend pressure washing every two years as needed to keep the surface clean. No other treatments are necessary for standard broom-finish concrete.
Should I seal my concrete driveway?
For standard broom-finish concrete, we do not recommend sealing. Sealer can magnify minor surface inconsistencies, resulting in a blotchy appearance.
For stamped, stained, or exposed aggregate concrete, sealing is recommended to protect the color and finish. Your first sealer application is included in the project price. After that, we recommend a thorough cleaning and resealing every 2–3 years.
Why doesn’t my exposed aggregate, stamped, or stained concrete look its best yet?
The sealer has not been applied yet. The sealer brings out the full, true color of decorative concrete surfaces — it will look significantly better once that step is complete.
Why does my broom-finish or slick concrete look blotchy or uneven in color?
This is completely normal during the curing process. Concrete is not fully cured until 28 days after installation. During this time, the color will lighten unevenly — it may appear dark or blotchy in spots. By the 2–3 week mark, it will begin to even out.
💡 Please allow the full 28 days before reaching out with color concerns to ensure the final appearance has been achieved.
Asphalt
How soon can I walk or drive on my new asphalt?
Keep all vehicle traffic off fresh asphalt for at least 8 hours after installation. Heavier vehicles — such as trucks or equipment — should stay off for at least 2 days. We will rope off the driveway with caution tape at the end of the job. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to remove the caution tape at the appropriate time.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
15 to 25 years with proper maintenance.
What happens if it rains during or shortly after installation?
This is not a problem. Our roller/compactor applies water to the surface during compaction as part of the normal process. While we monitor the forecast closely to avoid rain, if it does occur, it will not damage the asphalt.
Why does it look like there are puddles of water sitting on my new asphalt?
This is normal for the first few weeks after installation. Oils near the surface of fresh asphalt cause water to pool rather than absorb. It is typically not a drainage issue and is most noticeable in flatter areas.
💡 If you are still seeing standing puddles more than 30 minutes after rainfall — deeper than approximately 1/8 inch — at the one-month mark, please contact your salesperson.
Why do I see scuff marks or swirl marks on my asphalt during warm weather?
Power steering marks are common on fresh asphalt during warm months, particularly in the first season after installation. They occur when a vehicle is stationary and the wheels are turned. To minimize this, keep your vehicle moving whenever you turn the wheel — avoid turning while sitting still. If the marks become significant, feel free to contact us.
Why is grass growing up through or along the edges of my asphalt?
We make every effort to remove all existing grass and vegetation during installation, but grass — especially Bermuda grass — can push up through edges or other areas over time. Bermuda grass is particularly damaging because it grows into the asphalt, causing it to degrade significantly.
You can contact us to come out and apply grass killer, or handle it yourself. To flatten a raised area, choose a warm day and apply firm pressure with your foot — the asphalt should press back down. We recommend keeping all driveway edges regularly trimmed or treated with grass killer to prevent this from occurring.
Is it OK to drive off the edge of my asphalt?
We recommend avoiding it. The edges are the weakest part of any asphalt surface. Passenger cars and light trucks are generally fine, but heavier vehicles — delivery trucks, garbage trucks, propane trucks, etc. — can cause edge damage.
💡 If edge protection is a concern, we can install a paved apron during installation. After paving, backfilling the edges with rock or dirt also significantly reduces edge damage.
Should I have my asphalt driveway sealcoated?
Yes. We recommend sealcoating one year after installation. Sealcoating protects the asphalt from oxidation, prevents water from soaking through and damaging the base, and reduces freeze-thaw damage in cold months. It also refreshes the appearance by restoring the deep black color. Any cracks that have developed will be addressed at that time as well.
💡 Contact us when you’re approaching the one-year mark, and we’ll get you pricing and scheduling.
Do you warranty cracks in asphalt?
We do not warranty cracks in asphalt. Cracking is a natural characteristic of asphalt over time and is not considered a defect in installation.
Why do I see tire marks on my parking lines?
Sometimes material can track onto parking lines. This is normal and will fade as the material cures and weathers. If tracking still exists 30 days after installation, contact us.
Sealcoating
How soon can I walk or drive on freshly applied sealcoat?
Keep all foot traffic and vehicles off the sealcoated surface for 24 hours after application.
How long does sealcoating last?
Approximately three years. At that point, the sealer won’t be completely gone, but worn enough that a new application is recommended.
Why do I see tire marks on my sealcoat?
The sealcoat is still curing. Tire marks are normal and will typically disappear within 30 days. In the first few weeks, try to avoid sitting stationary in one spot — pulling slightly forward or backward when parking can help reduce marking.
Why do I see power steering marks on my sealcoat?
Power steering marks happen when a vehicle’s wheels are turned while the car is stationary on fresh sealcoat. To minimize this, keep your vehicle moving whenever you turn the wheel — avoid turning while sitting still.
Why does my sealcoat have a strong odor?
Fresh sealcoat has a noticeable smell while it cures. This is completely normal and will go away as the product fully cures.
What if it rains on my sealcoat shortly after application?
We monitor the forecast carefully, but rain can sometimes be unavoidable. If the sealer was dry to the touch before the rain started, it will be fine. Drying typically takes 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on temperature and sunlight.
⚠ If the surface was still wet when rain hit, some areas may need to be reapplied. Contact your salesperson, and they will assess and advise.
I can still see the cracks through the sealcoat — is that normal?
Yes. Crack sealing is designed to prevent water from penetrating beneath the asphalt — not to fill cracks flush with the surface. Cracks remaining visible after sealing are expected and cannot be avoided.
Why weren’t all of the cracks on my driveway sealed?
Your proposal specifies a recommended crack-sealing length based on what was assessed at the time. Sealing every crack is cost-prohibitive; the scope was communicated in your proposal. Contact your salesperson if you have questions.
Will sealcoating alone fill in my cracks?
No. Sealcoat is not a crack filler. Even if it temporarily bridges a crack, it will reopen shortly after application, and you will still be able to see the cracks through the sealcoat.
Will sealcoating make my driveway look new again?
Possibly, if your driveway is relatively new and crack-free. On older driveways, sealcoating will significantly improve the appearance, but it is not a substitute for an overlay. If an overlay is needed, your salesperson will communicate that recommendation.
Will sealcoating prevent my driveway from raveling or coming apart?
There may be a slight benefit, but it is not guaranteed and is not the primary purpose of sealcoating.
Can asphalt sealer be applied to concrete?
⚠ No. Asphalt sealer does not adhere properly to concrete and is not recommended for that surface.
Will sealing make the cracks disappear?
No. The main purpose of crack sealing is to prevent water penetration, not to improve aesthetics.
Why do I see tire marks on my parking lines?
Sometimes material can track onto parking lines. This is normal and will fade as the material cures and weathers. If tracking still exists 30 days after installation, contact us.
Will my cracks stop getting larger?
No they will continue to grow. However moisture will be stopped from penetrating below the asphalt where it will cause further damage.
How many coats of sealer do you apply?
Typically, we apply one coat on a residential driveway and usually two coats on a Commercial parking lot.