TARMAC SUPPLIES LLC

Q: Can animals or barefooted children be harmed by walking through wet asphalt sealer?



A: Celeste Sealcoating products are waterbased asphalt products that in general will not cause skin irritation. However, anyone with sensitive skin should avoid contact. If the sealer is still wet, rinse area immediately with water. For dried particles, try a waterbased citrus cleaner designed for washing skin, as this should remove any excess.



A second non-health issue is tracking wet sealer into the house. Asphalt sealers can stain, even if cleaned up while wet. Anyone who comes in contact with wet sealer should remove their shoes and other clothing that has sealer on it before they come in contact with fabric, wood, paint, tile, or other valuable household surfaces. If the driveway sealer has dried on children’s feet or pet paws it will not track, and it will eventually wear off. 

Q: Do I need to do anything to prepare for my driveway or parking lot to be sealcoated?



A: If you fertilize your lawn or plantings, please don't fertilize for a week prior to our visit.  Fertilizer products will discolor the sealer products.  The pavement must be dry.  Please don't hose off the parking lot or driveway in the 24 hours prior to sealcoating.  Otherwise, just be sure that the work area is clear from all vehicles, toys, bikes, grills, etc. Also, be sure that your pets are either inside or secured away from the work area.

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Q: Will you get rid of grass growing up through my driveway?



A: Celeste Sealcoating will cut down the grass areas.  However, without a regular spray of some type of weed killer, the grass will come back.  Grass has the power to grow through the asphalt.  It easily has the power to grow through sealer.



Q: What should I do to stop the grass from growing more into the asphalt?



A: Consistently use a weed killer such as Round-Up.

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Q: When is the best time of the year to seal my driveway or parking lot?



A: Celeste Sealcoating generally does sealing work from May 1st through the end of October (depending upon weather conditions).  The outside temperature must be above 50 degrees in order for the sealing process to cure correctly.



Q: Does weather make a difference in the sealcoating process?



A: Yes.  If it has rained the previous evening or if rain is in the forecast for the day scheduled for work, Celeste Sealcoating may call to reschedule your appointment.  We generally call the night before if the forecast calls for rain.  We recognize this is an inconveience, but dry pavement is important to proper curing of the sealant. 

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Q: How soon until you can walk on a driveway after seal coating?



A: Generally 6-8 hours, Celeste Sealcoating will advise you on the drying time for your particular job.



Q: How soon until you can drive on a driveway after seal coating?



A: Generally 24 hours, but your Celeste Sealcoating will advise you on the drying time for your particular job.

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Q: Will leaves stick to the seal coating?



A: If leaves fall onto the driveway when it is wet, they may stick slightly.  The wind or a broom, however, will take them off.



Q: My driveway (or parking lot) is brand new.  Should it be sealed?  If so, when?



A: It is recommended that new asphalt pavement surface should be sealed within its first year. 

**Take note if you have a new driveway "DO NOT" seal it in the first 90 days from when it was applied. A new driveway takes 90 days to cure fully. After the 90 days then you should consider  sealing your driveway for longer lasting.**



Q: How often should I seal my driveway or parking lot?



A: On average, every 2-3 years.  Some poorly laid or older asphalt driveways need sealing every 1-2 years to prevent early cracking and pot holes.  Cracks should be filled and repaired every year.

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Q: How often should I fill the cracks in my driveway?



A: Yearly.  The asphalt will continue to expand and contract with the warm and cold weather.  Celeste Sealcoating uses the top commerical products; however the filler cannot stop the asphalt from expanding and contracting.  The crack filler will prolong the life of the asphalt by preventing water getting into the asphalt foundation.



Q: If I see cracks in my driveway, is it time to seal coat?



A: Cracks are a sign that the driveway is in need of mainteance and repair.

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Q: There are a lot of cracks in my driveway.  Can you still seal it?



A: Sealcoating is a preventive measure, but will not "fix" cracks.  Sealcoating will help keep driveway glued together and will prolong the life of the driveway.



Q: Can sealer fill-in dips and depressions left in the asphalt?



A: No.  If sealer is put on too thick it will never completely harden to produce the highest level of protection for asphalt.  Our application provides a consistent level of thickness over the asphalt surface.

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Q: How is the sealer applied?



A: Driveways can be sealed using a brush application upon request or for small areas.  All commerical parking lots and most driveways can be either broomed, squeegeed, Celeste Sealcoating does not use spray systems.

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Q: Will sealer get on my brick or garage doors?



A: No.  Our service professionals will make sure not to splatter any sealer on your concrete, brick or garage doors.



Q: My driveway looks pretty bad.  Can it be fixed? 



A: Whether you need to install a new driveway, or if you can get away with resurfacing or repairs, depends largely on the condition of the base layers, or foundation. However, if cracking covers 3/4 of the driveway, the surface is too far gone to repair. The root of the problems may come from lower down, and a complete overhaul should be considered.

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A good rule of thumb is if 25% or more of your driveway has cracks then resurfacing with asphalt will be recommended.  Each driveway is different and a Celeste Sealcoating can assist you in making the right decision for your specific needs.



Q: You sealed my driveway and crack filler has settled and/or pulled away from the edge of some cracks.  Is this normal?



A: Yes.  The crack filler is expected to settle in cracks.  More settling will occur in larger cracks. It is common for the product to shrink and contract, regardless of the application. It will not visually make cracks disappear.



Q: You sealed my driveway and I can see tire tracks.  Is this normal?



A: Yes.  This is a temporary situation due new sealer being applied.  We add sand to our sealer to help fill in cracks and to produce an anti-skid surface.  This is normal because our sealer is a rubberized, pliable material and on warm days it is typical for this to occur

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Q: You sealed my driveway about a month ago and I spilled automotive fluids on it, what can I do to remove them off my driveway?



A:  Celeste Sealcoating has a special formula in our store that will remove these spills. We have a combo package for these types of spills to keep your driveway looking brand new..

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Alternative for best results take "DAWN LIQUID DETERGENT" apply directly to the spill lather with soft brush and rinse. Generally 2-3 washings will remove the spill.