Asphalt drive sealcoat.....better to spray or squeegee ?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Asphalt drive sealcoat.....better to spray or squeegee ?
Last sealcoating was 2011. Still OK, but needs new coat. Four contractors here for bids. Two want to spray and two say squeegee. One coat only. Product is Armor A-100.
Is one method better ?
Is one method better ?
#2
Forum Topic Moderator
While it's ok to spray the coating on unless it's worked into the asphalt with a squeegee [or even a roller/brush] it will just lay on top and only color the driveway giving very little sealing protection.
#4
Agree with above reasons. Need to work it in.
Here's how to make the job easy.
The evening before, clean driveway and using a paint brush seal a 6 to 8 inch border around the drive. Next morning at about 5:00 am (as long as it's dry) get out there and finish the job with brush, squeegee, or roller. It will be easy and cool. Not like trying to spread glue in 80 to 90 degree weather under the hot sun. You'll be able to use it by noon. But wait the whole day for it to set.
BTW... If you have left over sealer, save it in a cool dry, dark place. It will keep indefinitely. Just don't let it freeze. When you go to use it again it will be a bear to mix but it will be OK.
Here's how to make the job easy.
The evening before, clean driveway and using a paint brush seal a 6 to 8 inch border around the drive. Next morning at about 5:00 am (as long as it's dry) get out there and finish the job with brush, squeegee, or roller. It will be easy and cool. Not like trying to spread glue in 80 to 90 degree weather under the hot sun. You'll be able to use it by noon. But wait the whole day for it to set.
BTW... If you have left over sealer, save it in a cool dry, dark place. It will keep indefinitely. Just don't let it freeze. When you go to use it again it will be a bear to mix but it will be OK.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Thank you for your help. Last question. One firm wants to blow the drive prior to sealcoating....the other wants to use a powered wire brush and then blow the drive.
I am leaning towards the wire brush contractor. Any thoughts ? Thank you.......
I am leaning towards the wire brush contractor. Any thoughts ? Thank you.......
#6
Member
Depending on the condition of your driveway, the powered wire brush is probably a good idea. Blowing will just get rid of any loose material and dirt while using the wire brush will also loosen and remove any questionable material.
#7
Forum Topic Moderator
Most around here pressure wash the driveway and then come back in a few days [next day if the weather cooperates] blow it off and apply the sealer. I'd be leery of just blowing off the driveway!
#8
I'd be concerned about a power brush cleaning. That will only loosen and open up crevices that may not be have been there before. The whole point of sealing is to seal and cover those weak points. If the driveway is old a power brushing will tend to weaken any bonding that may be holding it altogether. For my part a yearly sealing with only a blow or sweep cleaning is necessary.
#9
Member
Problem is that if you don't clean the surface efficiently before applying the new sealer it's only going to attack to the old sealer and not to the base material. You want the new sealer to really bonded to the driveway itself, not just to the old deteriorated sealer.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
I got my info wrong......I called to find out it is NOT any kind of powered wire brush. Just a wire broom that will be used selectively in certain areas. Told that contractor....OK, you got the job.
Thank you for all your help.
Thank you for all your help.