Asphalt sealcoating is a vital, cost-effective maintenance measure that significantly extends the lifespan of asphalt pavements like driveways and parking lots.1 By applying a thin, protective liquid layer, sealcoating acts as a shield against the elements and corrosive substances.2
The primary importance of this process lies in its ability to prevent damage caused by UV rays and oxidation, which causes the asphalt binder to become brittle and gray.3 It also creates a waterproof barrier, preventing moisture from seeping into small cracks.4 This is crucial for mitigating damage from the freeze-thaw cycle, which leads to larger cracks and potholes.5
Furthermore, sealcoating resists the damaging effects of petroleum-based spills like oil and gasoline, which soften and dissolve unprotected asphalt.6 This protective layer not only reduces the need for expensive repairs and repaving down the line but also restores the pavement's rich, black color, enhancing the property's overall curb appeal.7 Regular sealcoating is an investment that preserves the structural integrity and appearance of your asphalt surface for years.
When cracks appear in asphalt, they create pathways for water infiltration. During cold weather, this trapped water expands when it freezes (a process known as the freeze-thaw cycle), which rapidly accelerates the damage. This expansion pushes the pavement apart, leading to larger cracks, alligator cracking, and eventually, the formation of potholes.
Sealing these cracks with a specialized hot-applied sealant acts as a flexible, waterproof barrier. This process stops the cycle of water damage, preventing the undermining of the base layer (subgrade) which is crucial for structural support. By addressing cracks early, you significantly extend the pavement's service life by years, deferring the need for much more expensive repairs like resurfacing or full reconstruction. Essentially, crack sealing is a highly cost-effective investment that maintains a smooth, safe driving surface while protecting your valuable infrastructure.
Timely asphalt repair is non-negotiable for maintaining both pavement integrity and safety.1 Potholes, extensive cracking, and uneven surfaces quickly lead to structural failure as water infiltrates the subgrade, requiring far more expensive full-depth reconstruction down the line.2 Beyond the cost, neglected pavement poses significant liability issues for the property owner (or "customer," whether commercial or residential).3
Unrepaired defects like potholes and raised edges create hazardous conditions that can cause trip-and-fall injuries for pedestrians or vehicle damage (e.g., bent rims, tire blowouts).4 Under premises liability law, property owners have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment.5 If a visitor is injured due to a known, but unaddressed, hazard, the owner can be found negligent and held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees—often leading to settlements far exceeding the cost of the original repair.6 Proactive maintenance is thus the best defense against costly lawsuits.
Asphalt line striping is fundamental to achieving and maintaining ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance in commercial parking lots.1 It is far more than just painting lines; it is the precise execution of a legally mandated, accessible design.2 Faded or incorrect striping can render a parking facility non-compliant, immediately opening the property owner up to costly lawsuits and federal fines.3
Compliance hinges on clearly marking specific elements:4
By strictly adhering to ADA dimensional requirements through clear, high-contrast striping, businesses demonstrate inclusivity, protect against liability, and ensure all customers can safely and independently access the facility.9
The installation of asphalt millings, or Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), provides a durable, cost-effective surface, often for driveways or low-volume roads. The process begins with site preparation, which is critical: the area must be cleared of vegetation and the underlying soil or gravel base must be properly graded and heavily compacted to ensure adequate drainage and stability.
Once the base is ready, the millings—which are recycled asphalt—are dumped and spread across the area using a skid steer or paver. The material is typically laid in a layer roughly three to four inches thick. The most essential step follows: compaction. A heavy vibratory roller or plate compactor is used repeatedly to press the millings tightly together. This pressure releases residual asphalt binder within the material, causing the pieces to interlock and "lock up" into a dense, semi-permanent surface that resists shifting and weathering much better than loose gravel. A light spray of water can aid this binding process.
Paving an asphalt driveway is a multi-stage process where preparation is key to longevity. It begins with excavation and site grading, removing the old surface and shaping the underlying earth (subgrade) to ensure a minimum slope (typically 2%) for proper water drainage away from the home.
Next, the sub-base is installed—a thick layer (often 6-8 inches) of dense, compacted crushed stone or aggregate. This is the structural foundation that bears the weight of vehicles and helps protect the surface from the destructive freeze-thaw cycle. This base must be thoroughly compacted using heavy rollers.
Finally, the hot mix asphalt (at roughly $300^\circ\text{F}$ or $150^\circ\text{C}$) is delivered and laid in layers (often a coarse binder course followed by a smooth surface course). Using a paving machine and hand tools, the material is spread evenly and immediately compacted with rollers until a smooth, dense, watertight finish is achieved. The new driveway requires 24-48 hours to cure before use.
With over 20 years of experience in the asphalt industry, J and J Asphalt Seal Coating has the knowledge and expertise to handle any job, big or small. We are proud to be the shores' elite asphalt maintenance company, known for our exceptional J & J Sealcoating services.
At J and J Asphalt Seal Coating LLC, we utilize state-of-the-art equipment and the highest quality materials to ensure a smooth and long-lasting surface. Our process includes thorough site preparation, during which we clean all parking lot or driveway surfaces to remove any debris. We eliminate dirt, overgrown grass, and oil spot stains,
At J and J Asphalt Seal Coating LLC, we utilize state-of-the-art equipment and the highest quality materials to ensure a smooth and long-lasting surface. Our process includes thorough site preparation, during which we clean all parking lot or driveway surfaces to remove any debris. We eliminate dirt, overgrown grass, and oil spot stains, and all cracks in the asphalt are meticulously cleaned out before our Hot Rubberized Crack Sealing services are applied. Additionally, we offer a commercial water-based sealcoating service, where sand and additives are incorporated to deliver the highest quality materials on the shore, ensuring you receive the best from J & J Sealcoating.
Welcome to J&J Sealcoating! We are your trusted, full-service asphalt maintenance experts dedicated to keeping the paved surfaces across Kent and Sussex County, Delaware safe, beautiful, and structurally sound for years to come.
From minor repairs to comprehensive installa
Welcome to J&J Sealcoating! We are your trusted, full-service asphalt maintenance experts dedicated to keeping the paved surfaces across Kent and Sussex County, Delaware safe, beautiful, and structurally sound for years to come.
From minor repairs to comprehensive installations, we offer a robust suite of services designed to maximize the lifespan and curb appeal of your asphalt.
Here is a breakdown of the essential services we offer to protect your investment:
For larger projects or areas requiring complete replacement, we also specialize in:
No matter where you are in the region—from Dover to Rehoboth Beach and everywhere in between—J&J Sealcoating is ready to serve your residential, commercial, and municipal asphalt needs.
Ready to protect your pavement? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate!