Property owners across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana often have questions about asphalt paving, sealing, and maintenance—and Julius C Howe Asphalt Sealing Co is here with the answers.

Whether you own a business in Fairfield, manage a property in Bridgetown, or need driveway repairs in Ross, we’re here to help you protect your pavement investment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Asphalt Maintenance & Paving

This FAQ section covers the most common concerns about sealcoating, crack filling, blacktop repair, parking lot paving, and more—so you can make informed decisions about your pavement maintenance or asphalt repair needs.

1. How often should I schedule asphalt sealing for my driveway or lot?

   For most residential and commercial properties in the Greater Cincinnati area, asphalt sealing, also called sealcoating, should be scheduled every 2 to 3 years. This regular maintenance helps protect your pavement from UV damage, moisture intrusion, and surface wear caused by traffic or seasonal weather. Routine sealing extends the lifespan of your blacktop and preserves that fresh, dark finish customers and neighbors notice.

2. What’s the best time of year for seal coating in Ohio’s climate?

   In Southwest Ohio, the ideal time for seal coating is late spring through early fall, typically from May to September. During this period, temperatures stay above 50°F and there’s less risk of rain, both critical factors for proper curing. Sealcoating in cooler or wet conditions can prevent the material from bonding correctly, shortening its lifespan.

3. Does sealing help prevent asphalt from cracking or fading?

   Yes, sealcoating plays a vital role in preventing both cracking and fading in asphalt surfaces. Over time, UV rays, rain, and automotive fluids break down the binder in asphalt, causing it to become brittle and gray. A properly applied sealcoat creates a barrier that shields your pavement from these damaging elements. In high-sunlight areas like Mason or Fairfield, sealing helps maintain a rich, black finish while protecting the underlying surface from drying out and cracking. It’s one of the most effective and affordable pavement maintenance strategies available in the Tri-State region.

4. How long after sealcoating can vehicles drive on the surface?

   We recommend waiting at least 24 to 48 hours before driving on freshly sealcoated pavement, depending on weather conditions. In warm, dry weather, like during a typical summer in Hamilton County or Boone County, KY, sealcoat can cure faster. However, cooler temperatures or high humidity can extend the drying time. For commercial properties with high traffic, we may recommend staging access in sections.

5. Will seal coating fix existing cracks or damage?

   Seal coating is a protective surface treatment, not a structural repair solution. While it helps slow future wear and oxidation, it won’t fill or repair existing cracks, potholes, or surface damage. Before applying a sealcoat, our team at Julius C Howe Asphalt Sealing Co performs necessary prep work like crack filling or patching to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish. For properties in places like Harrison or Delhi, where winter freeze-thaw cycles can widen cracks, early repair followed by sealing is key to preserving your asphalt’s integrity.

6. How can I tell if my pavement needs sealing or full resurfacing?

   The condition of your pavement’s surface will determine whether it’s ready for sealcoating or in need of resurfacing. If your asphalt is faded, lightly cracked, or dry-looking but still structurally sound, sealing may be sufficient to restore its appearance and protect it from further wear.

7. What’s the difference between pavement maintenance and asphalt repair?

   Pavement maintenance includes proactive services like sealcoating, crack filling, and line striping, designed to protect and extend the life of your asphalt. Asphalt repair, on the other hand, addresses existing problems like potholes, crumbling edges, and structural damage. For example, a driveway in Ross may only need sealcoating every few years, while a commercial lot in Cincinnati with deep cracks or surface failure may require targeted asphalt patching. Julius C Howe Asphalt Sealing Co offers both services to help property owners maintain and restore their surfaces effectively.

8. When is it time to consider parking lot paving instead of sealing or patching?

   If your parking lot shows signs of widespread deterioration, such as frequent cracking, standing water, or uneven surfaces, sealcoating or patching may no longer be effective. In busy commercial areas like Mason or Fairfield, ongoing traffic and weather exposure can break down the pavement beyond simple fixes. Full parking lot paving provides a fresh, even surface and allows for updated layout and line striping.

9. Do I need to re-stripe my parking lot after seal coating or repaving?

   Yes, anytime a parking lot is seal-coated or repaved, the original line striping will be covered and must be repainted. Fresh striping is crucial for ensuring safety, accessibility, and optimal traffic flow in commercial properties. Whether it’s directional arrows, ADA markings, or standard parking lines, we can help!

10. How does crack filling work, and when should it be done?

    Crack filling involves applying a rubberized sealant into asphalt cracks to prevent water infiltration and further damage. It’s a vital part of any pavement maintenance plan, especially in climates like Southwest Ohio where freeze-thaw cycles cause cracks to expand. This service is best performed before sealcoating and ideally during warm, dry weather. For roads and lots in places like Harrison or Boone County, KY, regular crack filling can significantly extend pavement life and delay costly repairs.

11. How often should line striping be refreshed in high-traffic commercial pavement?

    In high-traffic commercial areas, such as shopping centers in Mason or office parks in Fairfield, line striping should be refreshed every 1 to 2 years. Faded lines reduce visibility and can lead to confusion, safety hazards, or ADA compliance issues. Exposure to sunlight, traffic, and winter salt all contribute to paint wear and damage. After any seal coating or major repair, restriping is also essential.

12. Will rain or cold temperatures affect the asphalt sealcoating process?

    Yes, moisture and low temperatures can significantly affect the success of sealcoating. Rain can wash away the sealant before it cures, while cold weather slows the drying process and may prevent the material from bonding properly. That’s why sealcoating is typically done in late spring through early fall in Southwest Ohio.

13. What causes asphalt to break down over time, and how can sealing help?

    Asphalt breaks down due to a combination of weather, traffic, and exposure to elements like UV rays, water, oil, and road salt. Sunlight causes the surface to oxidize and fade, while water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, leading to further damage. Sealing creates a protective barrier that shields the surface from these stressors. In climates like Greater Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, where temperature swings and heavy rain are common, regular sealcoating is essential for slowing deterioration and extending the pavement’s life.

14. Is sealcoating necessary for residential driveways, or just commercial parking lots?

    Sealcoating isn’t just for commercial spaces, it’s highly beneficial for residential driveways as well. Even with lighter traffic, driveways are still exposed to sun, rain, and vehicle fluids that can break down the asphalt over time. Homeowners in places like Fairfield, Cleves, or Ross benefit from routine sealing to maintain curb appeal and prevent costly repairs. A properly sealed driveway not only looks better, it lasts longer and stays safer.

15. How long does asphalt repair take compared to full replacement?

    Asphalt repair is generally much quicker and less disruptive than full replacement. Minor patching or crack filling can often be completed in a single day, depending on the extent of the damage. Full removal and repaving, however, may require several days and more extensive equipment.

16. Do I need to clean or prep the pavement surface before a sealing service?

    While Julius C Howe Asphalt Sealing Co handles all professional prep work, including cleaning and crack filling, it’s helpful for property owners to clear the surface of vehicles, debris, and any oil spills ahead of time. This ensures the crew can begin work efficiently and that the sealcoat adheres properly.

17. How long will a new paved surface last before needing repairs?

    A properly installed and well-maintained asphalt surface can last 15 to 20 years or more. However, factors like heavy traffic, harsh weather, poor drainage, or lack of routine maintenance can shorten that lifespan.

18. Can Julius C Howe Asphalt Sealing Co help with long-term pavement maintenance planning?

    Yes! Our team specializes in creating long-term maintenance plans tailored to your property’s needs and usage. Whether you manage a retail lot, oversee a school campus, or maintain a residential driveway, we offer scheduled services like seal coating, crack filling, and inspections.

Let’s Take the Next Step! We’re Here When You’re Ready!

Whether you’re a homeowner in Delhi looking to seal your driveway, or a facility manager in Harrison planning a full parking lot resurfacing, Julius C Howe Asphalt Sealing Co is ready to help.

Want to speak with a local expert? Contact us today to request your free estimate. You can also find us on Facebook for updates and project highlights from across the region.

We’re proud to pave the way for Cincinnati and the entire Tri-State area—one asphalt maintenace job at a time.