All sealer is the same (wrong)
The two main types of sealer, asphalt emulsion and refined coal-tar, differ drastically from one another in terms of performance and durability. Furthermore, each contractor mixes his sealer with some water to enable the product to flow. Note, it should be mostly sealer and some water. Some contractors intentionally get that backwards, and you end up with “black water” and a job that wears out in the first year of service.
The more often I seal it, the better (wrong)
A quality sealer lasts 3-5 years, and it is actually detrimental to seal more often than this because the sealer builds up in thickness and can become brittle resulting in flaking and peeling
Sealer will fix the cracks (wrong)
While quality sealers can reduce water infiltration of hairline cracks (usually 1/8? or less), it is not intended to fill significant pavement cracks. If anyone tries to sell you this concept, they are trying to avoid the arduous process of proper hot-rubber crack filling.
I should seal it right after it was paved (wrong)
Unfortunately, we have some misguided and dishonest contractors going around town trying to pave your driveway and then seal it the same (or following) day.This goes completely against the industry’s best practice, which advises waiting at least 1 year after installation to seal pavement
Sealing is for appearance only; it offers no preservation value (wrong)
Organizations, departments and property owners around the country have done testing which confirms that seal coating is cost-effective in extending the life of asphalt because of its ability to reduce oxidation and protect the surface
