FAQ

Sealcoating

when is the best time of year to sealcoat?

The best time of the year to sealcoat is after Easter and before Halloween. This time frame allows the ground and air temperature to be at its prime for application. The warmer air temperatures aid in the drying process, which expedites access back into your driveway. While good ground climate will play a key role in the overall quality of the sealcoating, both of these conditions are paramount for the longevity of the sealcoating application.

How long should i wait before i sealcoat my new driveway?

Before considering a sealing application, you should wait at least one full year after the completion of your new driveway. If sealcoating is applied prematurely to your new driveway it will increase the probability of cracking and softening. These issues are caused by the new oils in the driveway not being allowed to dry out properly. It is a very common mistake to sealcoat too quickly, which can actually harm your new driveway and cost you hundreds of extra dollars.

How often should sealcoating be applied?

You should apply sealcoating every 2-3 years depending on the amount of traffic and weather related conditions. Much like changing the oil in your car, your driveway also needs yearly maintenance. A visual inspection of your driveway every so often will help you recognize any small issues before they become a big problem. Some of the issues you may encounter are discoloration, the appearance of new cracks, or simple wear and tear. Ultimately, the maintenance of your driveway is important to the longevity of your investment.

how long before i can use my driveway after sealcoating?

This is the first question that everyone asks. Normally, I recommend 48 hours after completing the sealcoating process. This time allows your driveway to complete the drying and curing step. A proper waiting period will increase your driveway’s sustainability and longevity.

An important item to note, Mr. Pothole will block off the driveway (once completed) with construction grade caution tape to make sure that no cars interrupt the curing process.

CAn sealcoating be applied during the rain?

If there is rain in the foreseeable forecast a sealcoating application can not be applied. Once applied, we would recommend to allow at least 24 hours of dry weather. This will insure the application will properly adhered to your existing pavement. Weather is a large factor when considering any sealcoating treatment, but this extra step will insure the longevity of your sealcoating investment.

what type of material do you use for sealcoating?

The most common type of product our Team uses is a water-based sealant combined with a sand additive. The benefit of using a water-base solution helps to provide a non flammable mixture, while making clean up simple and easy. This versatile sealcoating treatment allows for an easy application to any pavement surface. The sand additive helps to create a slip resistant surface, which will ultimately keep your driveway safe from any slips or trips.

Crack Filliing

When should crack filling be applied?

Crack filling needs to be applied when you begin to see your pavement pulling apart from each other. A cautionary sign your driveway’s cracks need to be filled is when you start to see a crack that is larger than 3/8 of an inch wide. Most, if not all pavement damaged occurs when cracks as little as these are left unattended. If these tiny cracks are not properly maintained, water a natural enemy of pavement, will seep into the cracks and erode your driveway’s foundation. By spending a little extra time and money properly maintaining these small cracks, you will save you thousands on future reconstruction costs.

Should crack filling be done every year?

Pavement cracks should be maintained annually. Based on our years of experience, Mr. Pothole would recommend filling your pavement cracks after Halloween and before Christmas. The danger of allowing an open crack to be left untreated, will leave your pavement surface exposed to standing water, which will untimely freeze and expand your crack. The widening of these cracks will be most evident during the Spring, when temperatures start to warm up and thaw out these cracks. A good rule of thumb would be to preform an “end of year inspection” of your pavement surface. This will be a great way to extend the life of your pavement surface.

what is the filler that goes into the cracks?

The filler that is used is a hot pour rubber filler. This is the same type of materials that is used on roads and parking lots. The material starts out in a solid form then is heated for a certain amount of time, on site, then poured into the cracks where it cools down in about 15 minutes before sealcoating application or drive time. This is the simplest and least expensive in the pavement repair process.

do i have to clean the cracks myself?

No, you don’t have to clean any cracks yourself. Crack cleaning is factored in with the cost of the crack filling service. If the cracks are wet when we arrive on your job, we have tools and equipment that will dry out the cracks as we are prepping and cleaning the driveway its self. The only thing you will have to do when it comes to prepping of your driveway, is to make sure it is cleared off of any obstacles such as, trash cans, free standing basketball hoops, bicycles, toys, etc.

Asphalt Repair

HOW DO pothole form?

Potholes begin to form when the rain or snow drain into the ground thru any gap, crack or void in the pavement. Once the precipitation settles below the surface of the driveway or roadway. The water freezes causing the ground to expand and push against the pavement. Thus, a crack is formed. When the temperature rises, the ground settles back into its normal position, but the pavement itself remains raised. This repeated action creates an increasing void between the pavement and the ground. When vehicles drive over the affected area, the raised surface begins to crack and those pieces fall into the hollow space. Thereby leading to the formation of a pothole.

HAve an Emergency?

Nobody expects a pothole to occur. While most companies operate between 6am-6pm, Mr. Pothole provide service for the other 12 hours. Our teams can accommodate anytime or any location. We are here to support you with any type of emergency asphalt repair.

Do you offer year round pothole repair?

No matter what time of year Mr. Pothole is able to resolve any pothole problem you encounter. In any type of season and weather, we are able to supply ‘hot-mix’ material providing the customer with the best and most effective material constantly and consistently. While traditional paving companies only operate 7-9 months a year, with our latest equipment we are able to meet your pavement needs all year round and into the next.

what is the better material for repairing a pothole, hot-mix or cold mix?

The better material depends on the type of repair and the scoop of the work. When it comes to larger and more extensive repairs a hot-mix material is always the better material of the two. While with a smaller and more simpler repair the cold-mix material will do just as well as the hot-mix method. However, with either material, you should keep in mind that some repairs are just a temporary solution to a permanent problem.

Am i responsible to dispose of any excess material or debris after my job is complete?

Any excess material that is left over from your job site is our responsibility. this is apart of the clean up process that is already factored in with the cost. We always make the extra effort to leave your property just as clean as when we first arrive.