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Driveway Sealcoating and Crack Repair in Montgomery, AL
A small crack now is a lot cheaper than a failed driveway later. Here is how crack filling, patching and sealcoating work, and when each one makes sense.
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Why Maintenance Matters Here
Heat, sun and water are hard on asphalt. Montgomery averages roughly 78 days a year at 90 degrees or higher on the long-term normal, and about 53 inches of precipitation. Sun oxidizes the asphalt binder, which stiffens and dries it out over the years, and water entering through cracks softens the base. Letting small cracks stay open is how a small repair becomes a replacement.
Maintenance does not make an asphalt driveway immortal, but it is the best way to get the most from one that is structurally sound.
Repair Options
Crack filling
Cracks are cleaned and filled with a flexible sealant that keeps water out. It slows down damage but does not fix movement under the pavement.
Patching
Damaged areas are cut out, the base is repaired if needed and new asphalt is compacted into place.
Pothole repair
Loose material is removed, the hole is squared and filled with compacted patch material. A pothole usually means water has already reached the base.
Edge repair
Crumbling edges are cut back, supported and filled so the pavement does not keep breaking away.
Sealcoating
A thin liquid coating is applied to the surface to protect it from sun and water and refresh the black color.
Cleaning and prep
Oil spots, weeds and dirt are removed so repairs and coatings stick.
What Sealcoating Does and Does Not Do
- It helps shield the surface from sun, water, oil and fuel, and it brings back a uniform dark finish.
- It does not fill structural cracks, correct drainage or repair a failed base.
- Timing matters. Many suppliers advise waiting several months before sealing new asphalt so it can cure. After that, sealing is typically repeated every few years, based on wear and the company's advice.
- Over-application can cause problems. Thick coats can crack or peel, and sealing a driveway too often is not better.
- Weather matters. Sealer needs dry weather and temperatures in the range the manufacturer specifies to cure properly.
If your driveway shows alligator cracking, deep ruts or a spongy base, sealcoating will not save it. See our replacement page or ask about resurfacing.
A Simple Driveway Maintenance Routine
- Look it over each spring and fall. Note new cracks, low spots and loose edges.
- Fill cracks promptly. Water in cracks is the main reason small problems grow.
- Keep water moving. Clear gutters and downspouts so they do not discharge onto the driveway, and keep edges free of piled debris.
- Protect the edges. Add soil along the edges if they have eroded, since asphalt needs side support.
- Be careful with weight in summer. Avoid parking heavy vehicles, trailers or kickstands in one place on hot days.
- Clean spills. Fuel and oil soften asphalt, so wash them off.
Questions to Ask
- What is wrong with my driveway, and is a repair or sealing enough?
- What material will you use to fill the cracks?
- How many coats of sealer, and what product?
- How long do I stay off after sealing?
- How often will it need to be redone?
- What does the warranty cover?
Our cost factors guide lists what changes the scope of a job. When you are ready, request a quote and we will route it to an independent local company.
Weather and Timing
Repairs and coatings are weather-sensitive. Crack filler and sealer need dry surfaces, and sealer needs enough warmth and dry hours to cure, following the manufacturer's directions. Rain soon after application can ruin the finish. Montgomery gets roughly 53 inches of precipitation a year, so ask how the company watches the forecast and what it does if rain moves in.
Very hot days bring their own problems. Fresh patches and sealer can stay tacky and pick up tire marks, so follow the company's instructions about staying off the surface.
When to Call a Company
- Cracks wider than a finger or cracks that make the pavement feel uneven
- Any pothole, since water has already reached the base
- Sunken areas or places where the surface flexes underfoot
- Edges that crumble along long stretches
- Water that stands on the surface after rain
Early repairs are much easier than late ones, and an honest company will tell you if sealing is enough or if a bigger fix is the better call.
Common Questions
Should I seal cracks before sealcoating?
Yes. Cracks should be cleaned and filled first so the sealcoat does not just bridge over them and water does not keep reaching the base.
How soon can I sealcoat new asphalt?
Many suppliers advise waiting several months for new asphalt to cure. Ask your company for its recommendation.
Can sealcoating fix a sagging or cracked driveway?
No. Sealcoating protects the surface. Structural damage from a failed base needs repair, resurfacing or replacement.
Nearby Communities
We route requests from Montgomery and the surrounding area. Pick your town, or see the full service area list.
Ready for a Driveway You Will Like Coming Home To?
Call or send a request. We will route it to an independent, insured local company that paves driveways in the Montgomery area.