FAQ – West Coast Asphalt

Important Pre-Seal Information

To ensure a smooth and efficient sealing process, please review and follow these guidelines prior to our
arrival:

Driveway & Garage Access: Please remove all vehicles from the driveway and any garage vehicles you plan to use within the 48 hours following your service.
Sprinkler Systems: Turn off any sprinkler systems at least 24 hours before our arrival and keep them off for 48 hours after sealing.
Payment: An owner will typically be on-site during the job and will collect payment upon completion. If you will not be home, please arrange payment in advance.
Arrival Time: The timeframe given in this email is an estimate. Delays may occur due to unforeseen circumstances, and we appreciate your patience. If you have any concerns please call us (509) 609-4349.
Weather Considerations: We will not complete work in inclement weather. If we proceed, it is because we have thoroughly reviewed the forecast and determined optimal conditions. Light rainfall 48 hours after sealing is beneficial, aiding the curing process. However, sprinklers must remain off, as rain distributes water more evenly and with less force than sprinklers.

Defects & Warranty: Report any workmanship defects within 48 hours of the curing period. After this timeframe, we are not responsible for damage due to homeowner actions.
Curing Process: Full curing takes approximately 30 days. During this period:
- The sealer will darken, and the surface will become more uniform.
- The odor will dissipate.
- Temporary tire marks may appear but will fade over time.
Drying Time:
- No vehicles on the driveway for 48 hours.
- Keep sprinkler systems that may spray on the driveway off for the 24 hours preceding service and the 48 hours following service.
- If the surface feels dry after 12 hours, foot traffic is at your discretion, though we strongly recommend avoiding it for 24 hours. Keep pets off the surface for 24 hours.
Driving & Parking Precautions:
- Avoid turning wheels while stationary or in an aggressive manner, as this may cause permanent marks.
- Avoid sudden accelerating and braking.
- Use wide, sweeping turns when maneuvering vehicles.
Expansion Gaps: We do not seal gaps between the driveway and garage/house foundation, retaining walls, patios, or Belgian blocks unless explicitly included in your estimate. These gaps accommodate expansion, prevent cracking and can be in place for drainage purposes.

Surface Cleaning: We will thoroughly treat and remove moss, mildew, weeds and debris before sealing. Please do not power wash or make the surface wet in any way prior to our arrival.
Oil Stains: Stains identified at the time of the estimate will be treated with an oil-spot primer. While we take every precaution, oil may still bleed through over time.

Crack Treatment: Cracks are cleaned carefully to avoid damaging the foundation. Hot tar is applied at 350-400°F.
Appearance of Filled Cracks: As the tar cools, it contracts. A properly filled crack may not be flush with the surrounding asphalt as it is a different material make up than both the existing asphalt and the sealcoat. Deep cracks will be treated up to three times to ensure a secure seal.
- It is important to understand that there will be visible lines / signs of repair where the crack fill has been applied. Even when a seal coat is applied overtop, these lines and signs of repair will be visible to some extent.
Effectiveness: Crack sealing slows down aging by preventing water infiltration but does not eliminate future cracks due to natural ground movement.
Vegetation & Insects: Crack filling is not an herbicide or insecticide. While it may temporarily deter ant hills and grass growth, they may return over time.
Crack Size Limitations: We can only fill cracks 1/8 inch wide or larger. Hairline cracks will be broom-flooded with extra sealcoat but may still be visible after sealing.

Regular Maintenance: Sealcoating and crack filling should be repeated every 2-4 years for optimal protection.
Chemical Exposure: Avoid exposing the driveway to oil, gasoline, harsh cleaners, salts, and fertilizers.
Snow Removal:
- If possible, use a snowblower instead of a plow.
- If plowing is necessary, ensure the plow blade does not scrape the driveway surface as the sealcoat is only a bit thicker than a coat of paint.

Please contact us for any concerns not addressed here – we look forward to completing your work!