
Driveway Sealing Process
Driveway sealing protects your asphalt from weather, vehicle wear, and oxidation helping it last for decades. Truseal’s professional driveway sealing process in Southern New Hampshire delivers durable protection and a smooth, dark finish that enhances curb appeal.

The Process
We utilize a meticulous, professional-grade process that combines careful surface preparation with top-tier sealcoating techniques to produce the longest lasting and best looking results possible.
Step One: Surface Prep
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The first step in our process is always proper preparation. We trim back grass along the edges of every driveway, then thoroughly remove all loose debris using high-powered blowers. We also utilize steel brooms to agitate the surface and break up any dirt or material that has become caked into the pavement. This detailed prep work is essential for achieving maximum sealcoat adhesion, resulting in a smoother finish and the longest-lasting protection possible.
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Step Two: Hot Rubber Crack Filling
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Next, we begin our crack filling process. During the preparation stage, we clear all cracks of grass, dirt, and debris to create a clean surface that allows the rubber to properly bond. We use hot rubber crack filler, which provides far superior, longer-lasting results compared to cold-pour products. Sealing cracks helps slow the deterioration of your driveway by keeping water out—preventing it from washing away the base or freezing inside the pavement, which can cause cracks to expand during the winter months. After the crack is filled, and while the rubber is still hot, we apply a fine black aggregate sand over the top. This added material strengthens the repair and helps prevent the rubber from tracking or sticking to tires and shoes on hot days.
Step Three: Professional Sealcoat Application
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Finally, we get to the sealing. We begin by carefully edging around garage doors, pavers, concrete, walls, and any other areas where sealer should not reach. Using brushes for this step ensures we can fully protect and keep clean all surrounding surfaces while delivering precise, detailed edges. Once the perimeter is completed by hand, we move into the spraying process. We apply an even coat with a consistent 50% overlap, creating the ideal thickness for a smooth, uniform, and long-lasting finish. At the end of the driveway, we lay down a tape line and finish with a brush to leave a sharp, crisp edge—maximizing curb appeal and giving your driveway a truly professional look.
FAQs​
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What kind of Sealer do you use? ​​
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We currently use Tarconite which is a coal tar based sealer produced by NEYRA industries. Coal tar is widely accepted in the industry as the longest lasting sealer available on the market. ​
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Can you apply the sealer by hand?​
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Yes, we can offer hand application, but it does require additional labor, so it is priced higher than our standard spray application. In certain situations, a driveway may benefit from being brushed on—particularly if it is newly paved and very porous. Fresh asphalt tends to absorb a large amount of sealer, and brushing helps work the material deeper into the surface for better coverage. However, if a driveway is no longer porous, or has been sealed in the past, hand application typically provides no added benefit and can sometimes result in a less desirable finish. Much like painting a car, spray application generally produces a smoother, more uniform coat, while hand application can occasionally leave visible brush lines.​​
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How often should I get my driveway sealed?
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Our general rule of thumb is to sealcoat your driveway about every three years, although the ideal schedule can vary depending on the age and condition of the pavement. In the right conditions, a newer driveway may go as long as five years between applications, while an older driveway may benefit from sealcoating every one to two years. For aging driveways, it’s especially important to stay on top of crack sealing, which may be needed more frequently than sealcoating—particularly if the base is shifting or cracks are continuing to develop. We recommend monitoring the surface and allowing the previous coat to wear naturally before reapplying, as over-sealing can actually lead to peeling or other issues over time.
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How long should I stay off my driveway after it has been sealed?​
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We recommend keeping vehicles off your driveway for a minimum of 48 hours after sealcoating. If you’re able to wait longer, it can be even better, as the full curing process may take up to two weeks. During very hot weather, we may advise keeping cars off for additional time, since fresh sealer is more susceptible to tire marks on high-temperature days. While it’s best to avoid them, any tire marks that do occur will typically fade on their own within about two weeks as the sealer fully cures. In most cases, the surface is safe for foot traffic after approximately 3 hours, depending on weather conditions and sun exposure. ​
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What is the best time of year to sealcoat a driveway in New Hampshire/ Massachusetts?
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​The best time to have your driveway sealcoated is typically from late spring through early fall. Our sealcoating season usually runs from early May through early October, although exact timing can vary depending on weather conditions. For proper application and curing, we look for nighttime temperatures consistently in the 45–50°F range, with warmer daytime temperatures. Sealcoating should not be applied in colder conditions, as low temperatures can prevent the material from curing properly and may affect the durability and finish of the final coat.
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How long does driveway sealcoating last?
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We expect sealer to last anywhere from 2-5 years depending on traffic, sun exposure, and condition of the asphalt.​
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Can you sealcoat over existing sealcoat?
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Yes, as long as the previous coat has started to fade and is not peeling. If you have only had one previous coat a second coat will not be too much, but you do not want to layer too many coats.​
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What happens if it rains after Sealcoating?
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​Rain can wash away or splatter sealer if it has not had enough time to properly dry before precipitation. That’s why we closely monitor the forecast and plan applications carefully to avoid unexpected weather issues whenever possible. While occasional pop-up showers can occur, we are generally able to prevent problems through diligent scheduling. If the driveway has had several hours to dry before rain, it typically will not be damaged—even if rain occurs later the same day.
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Will sealcoating fix cracks or potholes?
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Sealcoating will protect the surface of the asphalt, but cracks and potholes requiring repair before sealing.​
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Do I need to sealcoat a brand new driveway right away?
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No, in fact we recommend waiting one full year to sealcoat a newly installed driveway.​
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Does sealcoating make my driveway slippery?
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No, our sealer has sand mixed into it which creates a textured surface.​
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How much does driveway sealcoating cost in New Hampshire?
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Cost depends on square footage, linear footage of cracks, driveway condition, etc. If you are located in Southern New Hampshire or Northern Massachusetts request a free quote and we will get you an estimate.​
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Do you offer commercial sealcoating or just residential?​
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We offer both commercial and residential Sealcoating and line striping for parking lots.​
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How should I prepare my driveway before the crew arrives?
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Clear your driveway of any vehicles and any object we cannot move by hand and we will take care of the rest. Preparation is included in our cost.​
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What makes Truseal different from other Sealcoating companies?
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We pride ourselves on quality work, a seamless customer experience, and premium results. We have been committed to transparency and quality since the beginning and the results speak for themselves. Check out what previous customers have said! ​
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