Tuff Coat Sealcoating
& Crack Repair

Residential & Commercial

Increase the Lifespan of your Driveway ..... FREE estimates! Striping Available! Hot rubberized crack repair.

What is your driveway made up of?
Blacktop is made up of gravel, sand, and asphalt. Asphalt is a naturally occurring by-product of the crude refining process. Asphalt is the bonding agent in blacktop. Concrete driveways are composed almost the same way. Concrete consists of gravel, sand and cement. Cement is the bonding agent in concrete. Blacktop driveways have special needs in order to continue providing an attractive and well-maintained surface. Sealcoating is a major step in protecting your investment. A regular sealcoating schedule will save you money by extending the life of your driveway.

Why should you sealcoat?
Air, sunlight, and freezing causes asphalt to oxidize. This results in the asphalt becoming brittle with cracks forming. Gasoline & oil can literally eat away an unprotected driveway. Proper sealcoating prevents this from occurring.

When should you sealcoat?
A new driveway or parking lot should be sealcoated after it has cured for 90 days of average 70 degree weather. It is important to wait this amount of time in order to allow the asphalt to cure. If a new driveway is sealcoated before the asphalt has cured the area will remain soft for a very long time. This will result in dents caused by kickstands, heavy objects. etc.

What is sealcoating?
Good blacktop sealers consist of refined coal tar products that protect against damage caused by sunlight, air and petroleum products.

Why are there cracks in my driveway?
Cracks occur because of two major reasons. The first is shrinkage caused by the asphalt loosing volume due to evaporation of the light weight oils that are a part of the asphalt's make up. This occurs early in the life of the driveway or parking lot. The second reason is due to structural decay. Structural breakdowns happen when the base is unable or undersized to do the job.

Why should cracks be repaired?
When cracks appear, they allow dirt, debris, water and gasoline to seep down to the underlying base of the asphalt. Dirt and debris can harbor plant life that is not only unsightly but can cause cracks to be forced larger because of their root systems growing into the base and body of the drive. Freezing water will eventually stress the cracks into ever larger cracks that drastically shorten the life span of the asphalt. Gasoline and oil will eat away at the structure and destroy the asphalt.

How are cracks repaired?
The best way to repair cracks is to first properly clean and prepare the cracks. All loose debris and plant materials need to be removed. This can be accomplished by hand or with the aid of a heat lance. Deep cracks need to be partially filled with sand before repairing. Hot rubberized fillers are the best way to fill cracks. These fillers are heated to a temperature between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This forms a bond with the asphalt and allows the filler to move with the pavement to ensure a good seal. Large holes need to be filled with a cold patch filler.

Should I do it myself or hire a professional?
Simple jobs can be done by the homeowner but the results are usually not good. A professional sealcoating company will have the knowledge and experience to properly protect the asphalt. Professionals have access to the most advanced tools, techniques and products on the market. Remember they do this for a living! Eliminate the guesswork as to how much product, type of product and application to use...hire the professional and get the results you want the first time!

What do I look for in a professional?
Make sure the company is insured. Ask what products they are using and if their products and work is guaranteed. Most of all, get references.

We promise our crew will never look like this bunch of guys.

How often should you sealcoat?
The Asphalt Pavers Association of Southeastern Michigan recommends sealcoating every other year. There are exceptions as some areas need more attention. Call for more information.

When can I use my driveway?
You can walk on the sealcoated area after 12 hours. You can drive on it after 48 hours unless FassDri has been used.