• Applying sealcoat can extend the life of asphalt.asphalt image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  Sealcoating is an emulsion overlay put over asphalt to seal any cracks, make the asphalt look like new, and extend the life of the asphalt. If the asphalt is in relatively good shape with only a few cracks, sealcoating is less expensive than repaving the entire area.
  
  

Dirt Removal

• It is extremely important to remove as much dirt and dust from the area you need to sealcoat as possible. The sealcoat will not apply evenly if the area is covered with excess dirt and will not penetrate the asphalt.
  
  

Size of Application

• You can use a small asphalt distributor to transport the sealcoat if you are sealcoating a large area like a parking lot. For smaller areas, a squeegee can be used to disperse the emulsion evenly.
  
  

Leaf Blowers

• The wind can certainly be your enemy as you are preparing to sealcoat. You can use a leaf blower to remove any leaves and excess dirt and dust that have settled onto the previously prepared area.
  
  

Crack Sealer

• If you have fairly prominent cracks, an asphalt crack sealant can be used to fill the cracks prior to applying the layer of sealcoat.
  
  

Temperature

• It is easier to sealcoat in warmer weather, as the sealcoat will penetrate the asphalt deeper, and the deeper the penetration of the area the better the application will set. If you apply the sealcoat in colder weather, the emulsion can cool too quickly and will not spread evenly.