Frequently Asked Questions–Asphalt Maintenance & Repair

Is it normal for the crack-filling material to settle?

The cracks are filled with a heated rubber product. It is the same product that Cal Trans and the Town of Truckee use to fill cracks in the roadway. As the material cools it works its way into the crack and can settle below the surface of the driveway. More settling will occur in larger cracks; this settling is normal and the material will still act as a water barrier when it is below grade.

Can you still seal my driveway if it is badly broken?

We’ll provide you with an accurate, honest assessment regarding the condition of your driveway. We will suggest that you seal your driveway if we feel that this will benefit your driveway and improve its longevity. We may advise you against sealing your driveway and suggest that you contact a paving contractor if we feel that you won’t receive a performance or longevity benefit from sealing your driveway.

Do I have to turn off my sprinklers while you seal my driveway?

Please turn off all sprinkler zones adjacent to the driveway during the week that your driveway is sealed and for a short period after the driveway has been sealed. Sprinklers can inadvertently wash away the driveway sealant. Regular exposure to water, especially after the driveway was sealed, can affect the performance of the sealant and cause it to fail or flake off.

Do you fill in all of the cracks and is that a permanent repair?

We fill cracks that are equal to or larger than 1/4 inch in width. If the width of the crack is less than 1/4 inch the viscous crack-filling material won’t penetrate into the crack and properly fill it up. Filling cracks does not eliminate the cause of the problem, but rather slows down the deterioration process.

When can I seal my freshly/newly paved driveway?

We suggest that you wait at least 6 months and preferably up to one year before you seal new asphalt for the first time. This allows the surface oils of the new asphalt to dry and off-gas. This allows our sealant to adhere to the asphalt surface better.

Why do I see tire scuff marks in my newly sealed driveway?

Tire scuff marks are unavoidable, especially in the summer when the driveway surface is hot and the newly sealed material becomes soft. There is a lot of pressure and friction created on the driveway when you turn your tires. This can make superficial scuff marks. These marks won’t affect the protection provided by the sealant and will fade over time.

What if it rains after you seal my driveway?

The sealant should be dry enough to stand up to rain within a couple of hours after its application. We are careful to work during good weather, but sometimes mother nature may surprise us with unpredicted rain. If this should happen give us a call and we will happily send someone to inspect your driveway and reseal any areas that may have been affected by the rain.

How long does it take for the sealant to fully cure?

It takes about 30 days for the sealant to properly cure and harden. During this time we ask that you try to minimize sharp, slow turns with your vehicle while on the driveway, as this may result in superficial tire scuff marks.

How long do I stay off the driveway after it has been sealed?

We recommend that you keep vehicles off of your driveway for 48 hours after the sealant is applied. For example, if your driveway was sealed at noon on Wednesday we recommend that you do not drive on it until noon on Friday. Driveway sealant dries like paint from the top down. It may feel dry on the surface but may still be wet underneath. You can walk on the driveway as soon as it feels dry to the touch, which is usually just a few hours after it has been sealed.

What should I do to prepare for driveway sealing?

Please have your driveway clear of all vehicles, trailers, firewood and other items. Please turn off your sprinkler zones adjacent to or spray the driveway. Please also make arrangements to avoid using your driveway for 48 hours after we apply the sealer.

Do I have to be home when my driveway is sealed?

Nope. Our crews bring all necessary materials with them. As long as your vehicles have been moved from your driveway our crews will complete each phase of the job and place a barricade at the street to detour vehicular traffic.

When is the best time of year to seal my driveway?

The best time of the year to seal your driveway is during the summer months when the temperatures are regularly above 50 degrees. However, we suggest that you seal your driveway as early in the season as possible to ensure faster drying times and to avoid the cool nights in the fall as the sealing material may take several days to completely dry and the weather is less predictable.

How often should I seal my driveway?

We recommend that you seal/reseal your asphalt driveway every 2 to 4 years. Driveways with steep upslopes or steep downslopes that receive more abuse from snow removal equipment may need to be sealed more often. Many people seal their driveway annually as it is an affordable way to increase the longevity of your driveway and beautify a very visible part of your home.

Will sealing fix structural problems or low spots in my driveway?

Driveway sealing is a thin, protective coating. It is not a structural repair. Whatever forces are affecting your driveway (tree root growth, frost heave, base settlement) will continue after we seal your driveway. Driveway sealing does not fill in or build up low spots on your asphalt surface. To change the grade of your driveway you will need to have a paving contractor perform this work.

How many days do you require to reseal my driveway?

Driveway sealing is a multi-day process, it is not completed in a single day. We require two consecutive days to complete all driveway sealing steps and allow for proper sealant dry time. Fridays/Mondays will be considered consecutive days. We clean, pressure wash, and prep on the first scheduled day. Then crack fill and seal on the second scheduled day. This schedule may vary due to weather or temperature concerns or unforeseen road construction. We recommend not driving on a freshly sealed surface for 48 hours.

Why should I seal my driveway?

We pride ourselves on quick quote turnaround, response time to customers, and a fast working crew with an eye for quality. We use the best sealant products available and do not “thin out” our material. Thanks to our office admin team and dedicated asphalt management team, you will always be able to get your questions answered promptly and accurately.

What sets you and your crew apart from other driveway sealing contractors?

We are one of the only contractors in the Truckee/Tahoe area to use a product called SteelGuard 60. SteelGuard 60 is the most protective sealant of commercially available seal coating products. We always apply SteelGuard 60 at full strength without “thinning out” the material. We take great care and pride to hire conscientious, productive employees and hold them to the highest levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

 

What sealant product do you use?

SteelGuard 60 is the most protective sealant of commercially available seal coating products. We always apply SteelGuard 60 at full strength without “thinning out” the material. Customers searching for a “green” alternative have peace of mind knowing SteelGuard contains no biocides or formaldehyde – it meets the EPA’s definition of “GRAS” – Generally Regarded As Safe. For more info: https://raynguard.com/premium-asphalt-coatings/steelguard/

Why did I only get $300 off of my summer service when it is supposed to be 10% off?

Elements Mtn Co offers all new and existing snow removal customers 10% off their summer services UP TO $300.