Quality asphalt maintenance is essential in extending the life of your driveway or parking lot and to keep it looking new. We use an asphalt emulsion commercial sealer that is applied to the surface of asphalt to protect and preserve the integrity of the pavement. Surfaces that remain unprotected will develop hairline cracks which allows the elements to penetrate the surface of the driveway or parking lot. This will lead to the premature failure of your asphalt. For more information on all of the benefits of sealcoating and crack filling, please see our FAQ’s section.
View service areaA: We recommend sealcoating your driveway every other year as a baseline but that time frame may vary depending on several factors. Crack filling should take place whenever cracks open up to prevent water from getting to the base of the driveway and causing further issues.
A: Sealer is not a buildable material. Adding more layers of sealer or crack filler will not repair a broken one, or raise the pavement surface. Placing a more than necessary amount of sealer or crack filler in an area always causes more harm than good.
A: Too much crack filler in one area will cause the product, as well as well as chunks of asphalt, to be ripped up when driven over. To prevent this, we fill the outer most cracks of the bad area as well as a few in the center. This process is called containing and seeks to prevent those cracks from spreading to other areas of the pavement.
A: This question is typically asked when there are cracks in the sealer or surface of the asphalt that do not penetrate to the base of the pavement. The purpose of crack filler is to prevent moisture from seeping into that base and washing away foundation. Filling all of these cracks is neither cost nor functionally effective.
At Black Earth Pavement we take extra care when it comes to weather. We use our best judgement when it comes to dealing with rain and are in contact with our crews about any changing situations throughout the day.
Download our driveway weather guide and FAQ• Please allow 48 HOURS for sealer to cure prior to using the driveway.
• Avoid turning the steering wheel on newly sealed driveway when vehicle is NOT IN MOTION.
• LIGHT TIRE TRACKS AND SCUFFING may occur in first week of driveways use but will fade over time.
• Be sure sprinklers are turned off until sealer has completely cured.
• Driveways should be sealed every two years depending on wear. SURFACE WEAR in the first year is to be expected.
• SHADED LOCATIONS tend to wear faster due to prolonged exposure to moisture.
• Crack Filler is applied for the purpose of preventing water penetration to the base of the asphalt. Crack Filler may sink slightly below the surface of the asphalt but will still prevent water penetration.
• All cracks in “alligatored” areas will not be filled. Build-up in these areas can cause tear-up from tire traffic.
• You may experience some tire marks in the crack filler throughout the summer, especially on hotter days. Warmer temperatures cause crack filler to become temporarily malleable. These marks will fade overtime.
• It is very important not to turn your wheel when your vehicle is not in motion.
Maintaining the integrity of your paved surfaces is a critical responsibility for any property owner. At Black Earth Pavement, we provide specialized sealcoating solutions designed to shield your asphalt from the harsh Wisconsin elements. Quality asphalt maintenance is essential in extending the life of your driveway or parking lot and to keep it looking new for decades. Without a protective barrier, your pavement is vulnerable to oxidation from the sun and damage from moisture. As leading asphalt contractors in Waukesha, WI, we understand that proactive care is the only way to prevent the high costs of total pavement replacement. By choosing our professional sealing services, you are investing in the long-term health and curb appeal of your property.
Not all sealants are created equal, and at Black Earth Pavement, we refuse to compromise on quality. We use a premium commercial sealer that is applied to the surface of asphalt to protect and preserve the integrity of the pavement. This specialized formula creates a flexible, waterproof membrane that bonds directly to the existing surface. This barrier is specifically engineered to repel oils, chemicals, and UV rays that naturally break down the binders in asphalt. Local property owners frequently seek out asphalt contractors in Waukesha, WI who use commercial-grade materials because they offer superior durability compared to off-the-shelf products. Our emulsion sealer provides that deep, rich black finish that makes any driveway or parking lot look brand new while providing industrial-strength protection.
Timing is everything when it comes to asphalt maintenance. Surfaces that remain unprotected will develop hairline cracks, which allows the elements to penetrate the surface of the driveway or parking lot. Once water finds its way beneath the asphalt, it begins to erode the gravel base, leading to soft spots, potholes, and structural instability. This will lead to the premature failure of your asphalt, requiring expensive excavation and repaving. By acting now, you can avoid these pitfalls. Many asphalt contractors in Waukesha, WI focus only on new installations, but Black Earth Pavement prioritizes the preservation of your current assets. Our sealcoating process fills the small pores of the pavement, smoothing out the surface and preventing those initial hairline fractures from ever forming.
Before we apply our sealer, we meticulously inspect the surface for existing damage. Crack filler is applied for the purpose of preventing water penetration to the base of the asphalt. We use a high-performance hot-rubberized filler that expands and contracts with the changing temperatures. It is important to note that crack filler may sink slightly below the surface of the asphalt, but will still prevent water penetration effectively. However, there are limits to what filler can achieve; for instance, all cracks in “alligatored” areas will not be filled. Build-up in these heavily fractured areas can cause tear-up from tire traffic and may require a more permanent patch. As the go-to asphalt contractors in Waukesha, WI, we provide honest assessments of what can be saved through maintenance and what requires more intensive repair.
Consistency is the key to a long-lasting driveway. We generally recommend that driveways be sealed every two years, depending on wear. This frequency ensures that the protective layer is always thick enough to combat the abrasive forces of traffic and snow removal. Surface wear in the first year is to be expected, especially in high-traffic zones, but the underlying protection remains intact. Property owners should also be aware that shaded locations tend to wear faster due to prolonged exposure to moisture, as the asphalt stays damp for longer periods. As experienced asphalt contractors in Waukesha, WI, we customize our maintenance schedules to fit the specific environmental conditions of your property, ensuring you get the most value out of every application.
Once our crew completes the application, the success of the sealcoat depends on proper curing. Please allow 48 hours for the sealer to cure prior to using the driveway. This timeframe allows the emulsion to harden and bond completely. It is also vital to be sure sprinklers are turned off until the sealer has completely cured, as water can wash away the fresh material or cause unsightly streaks. Even after the initial cure, the surface remains somewhat tender during the first week. You may experience some tire marks in the crack filler throughout the summer, especially on hotter days. Warmer temperatures cause crack filler to become temporarily malleable, though these marks will fade over time. We advise all clients to be patient during this phase to ensure the finish remains flawless.
To maintain the pristine look of your newly sealed surface, there are several behaviors to avoid. Most importantly, avoid turning the steering wheel on a newly sealed driveway when the vehicle is not in motion. This is the most common cause of "power steering marks," which are scuffs created by the friction of tires against the fresh sealer. While light tire tracks and scuffing may occur in the first week of driveway use, they will eventually blend in and fade. It is very important not to turn your wheel when your vehicle is not in motion to prevent deep gouges. As professional asphalt contractors in Waukesha, WI, we want your property to look its best, and following these simple guidelines will keep your sealer looking sharp for its entire lifespan.
