Sealcoating in Hayward, CA

Sealcoating protects asphalt from sun, oxygen, water and spilled fuel and oil. Hayward gets about 2,950 hours of sunshine a year, and that sun slowly oxidizes the binder that holds asphalt together, turning it gray and brittle. Winter rain then gets into the fine cracks that form. A sealcoat every few years slows that cycle and keeps the surface looking black and uniform.

Timing

HomeGuide recommends waiting three to six months after new paving, sealing in dry weather between about 50 and 95 degrees, and resealing every 2 to 10 years depending on sealer and climate. Hayward's mild temperatures make the window wide, but morning fog and winter rain mean we pick dry days carefully.

Preparation

We clean the surface, scrape edges, treat oil stains and fill cracks before sealing. Sealing over dirt or open cracks wastes the material.

Products

HomeGuide notes that coal tar sealers resist fuel and oil but are banned in many areas, while asphalt polymer emulsion is considered more environmentally friendly but can stain from gas and oil. We use asphalt emulsion.

Lots

HomeAdvisor lists lot sealcoat at about $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot and suggests resealing every two to five years. We seal lots in sections and restripe afterward.

Curing

Most sealers allow foot traffic after one to three hours and vehicles after 12 to 72 hours.

What sealcoat cannot fix

Sealcoat does not repair potholes, broken edges or failed base, and it will not bridge wide cracks. Those are repaired first. If your pavement needs more than sealcoat, we tell you.

Signs it is time

• Surface has faded from black to gray
• Fine cracks and loose stones are appearing
• Water soaks in rather than running off
• Oil stains have softened spots

Driveways and lots together

For HOAs and multi-unit properties, sealing all driveways and lots at once reduces mobilization costs. We phase the work so residents keep access.

Sun and fog

Hayward's morning fog can delay drying. We schedule application for late morning through afternoon on dry days so the coat cures properly.