03/20/2026
If someone has recently knocked on your door offering a quick, affordable sealcoat, please read this before you say yes 🏘️
We've been hearing from customers across the area about door-to-door contractors offering what they describe as an "asphalt-based" or "oil-based" sealer, claiming it's superior to a water-based product. While that description isn't entirely wrong, it leaves out some very important details, and we want you to have the full picture 🖼️
What They're Actually Applying 🚧
The product being sprayed by many of these crews is called Gilsonite sealer. It is derived from a naturally occurring asphalt mineral, so technically it is "asphalt-based," but it behaves very differently from a professional-grade sealer. You'll recognize the results quickly: a shiny, almost glossy finish that can feel tacky in warm weather. It's typically sprayed from a pressure washing setup mounted in the bed of a pickup truck.
What's Missing Is the Problem ❌
The product itself is only part of the story. The bigger issue is what doesn't happen before it goes down:
❌No edging or trimming of grass and overgrowth along the driveway border
❌No hot rubber crack filling. This is the single most important step in any sealcoating job. Cracks left unsealed allow water to pe*****te the base, accelerating deterioration from the inside out. No amount of sealer on top can fix what's happening underneath.
Skipping these steps means the sealer is essentially cosmetic, and a short-lived cosmetic at that
What We Use and Why It Matters🧑🏫
We source our sealer from Sealmaster, one of the most trusted names in the industry. Their asphalt emulsion sealer is an entirely different product, formulated with the correct ratios of sand, latex, and protective additives specifically engineered to:
✅Fill the pores of your asphalt surface
✅Rejuvenate the binder that holds your pavement together
✅Protect against UV rays, water intrusion, and oxidation
✅Leave a uniform, matte black finish that looks professional and lasts
The Bottom Line💯
We understand the appeal of a quick, low-cost option at your door. But sealcoating done wrong doesn't just waste money. It can actually trap moisture and debris, making your driveway harder and more expensive to service correctly down the road.
When you're ready for a job done right, with proper prep, professional-grade materials, and a finish that lasts, we're here
☎️(804) 234-3180
💻www.rivercitysealcoating.com/booking
