Once you get a paved area sealcoated, you’re probably expecting a pristine, newly-minted pavement that shows no signs of human efforts. However, there will inevitably be some scuff marks and other issues with your pavement after sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA, usually within the first month or so. Don’t worry—as time goes by, those problems will disappear into the sealcoating.
If you have newly-sealcoated pavement or need help determining whether your pavement needs repair, sealcoating or replacement, the team at Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. can help. We’re Santa Rosa’s premier concrete and asphalt providers, so be sure to call us as soon as you notice an issue with your pavement.
What causes scuffs?
The longer you can keep traffic off your pavement after sealcoating, the better results you’ll have—but that’s not always a practical way of doing business. There will always be an unavoidable number of scuffs that you’ll have to deal with, but you can reduce them by keeping your new pavement closed for a few days, or even a week, if you can manage it.
Most scuffs are caused by cars or trucks turning their wheels while the car is stopped. Nothing tends to damage fresh pavement more than this—especially if it’s heavy. If you have big rigs stopping in your parking lot or paved area, you might consider closing it off to them until the sealcoating has cured. If that’s not feasible, try putting up signage to remind drivers not to turn their wheels when stationary.
The more heavy-duty the tires are, the more your asphalt will suffer. Traditional bias-ply tires aren’t going to damage pavement as much as off-road versions or those intended for heavier duty vehicles. The bigger the gaps between the cleats, the more likely they will be to damage your newly-sealcoated pavement.
Those who are especially worried about scuffs may choose to coat the pavement with sand for a few months, especially around areas where delivery trucks may drive. In the summer, a good way to help preserve your asphalt is to run some cool water over it at least once per day.
The good news: Your sealcoating will survive
Lest you consider closing your pavement off for a year until the sealcoating completely cures, here’s the good news: early scuffs tend to disappear as the sealcoating cures, which usually takes between two months to a year, depending on your local weather. As the sealcoat settles in and cures, scuffs are obscured and it still looks fresh. Additionally, when it’s finished curing, you’ll find that it’s much harder to scuff the pavement than it was when it was brand new.
When you have to deal with marks on your pavement after sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA, call the pros at Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. We can help you determine whether your pavement will need refinishing or if you can wait for the sealcoating to do its job in a month or two. Call us today to learn more about our services.
