Top 5 Myths About Sealcoating (and the Truth You Should Know)

In Eugene and throughout Lane County, rain, moisture, and changing temperatures can be rough on asphalt. Driveways and parking lots slowly fade, crack, and ravel if they are not protected. Sealcoating is one of the most effective tools you have to slow that process down, but there are a lot of myths that cause property owners to put it off.

Seal It Up! provides professional sealcoating, asphalt paving, crack and pothole repair, chip seal, and parking lot striping across Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding Lane County communities. In this article, we will break down the top myths about sealcoating in our area and share the truth you should know.

Why Sealcoating Is Critical In Eugene And Lane County

Our climate is very different from a hot, dry desert. In Eugene, your pavement deals with:

• Frequent rain and surface moisture
  
  
• Occasional freeze thaw cycles
  
  
• Moss and algae growth on shaded asphalt
  
  
• Vehicle fluids and day to day traffic
  
  

Water is one of asphalt’s worst enemies. When moisture penetrates the surface and reaches the base, it can weaken the structure and lead to cracks and potholes. Sealcoating adds a protective barrier that helps repel water and slow weathering.

Myth 1: Sealcoating Is Just For Appearance

Many people assume sealcoating is simply a way to make faded asphalt look black again. They see it as cosmetic, not functional.

The Truth

Sealcoating absolutely improves appearance, but its job goes beyond color.

A good sealcoat:

• Helps keep water on the surface instead of soaking into the asphalt
  
  
• Blocks UV exposure that dries and weakens the pavement
  
  
• Provides some protection against oil, gas, and chemical spills
  
  
• Reduces surface raveling and wear from traffic
  
  

In a wet climate like Lane County, that water resistance is especially important. A dark, uniform look is the visible sign that your asphalt has a protective layer, not just a fresh coat of paint.

Myth 2: Only Old, Cracked Pavement Needs Sealcoating

Some property owners believe sealcoating is something you do at the end of a pavement’s life, when it already looks bad.

The Truth

Sealcoating is most effective when it is part of early and regular maintenance, not a last resort.

A typical pattern looks like this:

• New asphalt is allowed to cure, then receives its first sealcoat after 6 to 12 months.
  
  
• After that, sealcoating is repeated on a regular cycle to slow down wear.
  
  

Waiting until your driveway or parking lot is already badly aged reduces the benefits and may mean you are closer to needing resurfacing or new asphalt. In Eugene and Springfield, planning ahead with sealcoating can significantly extend the life of your pavement.

Myth 3: Sealcoating Can Replace Repairs

Because sealcoat covers the surface, it is easy to think of it as a fix for all kinds of problems.

The Truth

Sealcoating does not replace proper repairs. It is a protective measure that works best on sound pavement.

Before we sealcoat, Seal It Up! focuses on:

• Cleaning out and filling cracks so water cannot get deeper
  
  
• Repairing potholes and failed areas of asphalt
  
  
• Addressing drainage issues where possible
  
  

If you simply sealcoat over open cracks and potholes, moisture will keep getting in, and the damage will continue underneath the coating. Combining repairs with sealcoating gives you much better long term results.

Myth 4: Sealcoating Is Only For Commercial Parking Lots

Because large parking lots often get sealcoated, some homeowners think the process is only for big commercial properties.

The Truth

The same principles apply whether the asphalt belongs to a shopping center or a single family home.

Sealcoating is a smart choice for:

• Residential driveways
  
  
• Small office and medical parking lots
  
  
• Church and nonprofit parking areas
  
  
• Multifamily housing and HOA roads
  
  

In neighborhoods around Eugene, Springfield, and across Lane County, a freshly sealcoated driveway or lot can make a big difference in curb appeal. It also sends a clear message that you care about maintenance and safety.

Myth 5: All Sealcoating Jobs Are Basically The Same

Because sealcoating tends to look similar when finished, it is easy to assume that any contractor, any product, and any process will deliver the same results.

The Truth

There is a big difference between a quick, cut corner job and a well planned sealcoating project.

Key factors include:

• Surface prep: cleaning, edging, and addressing vegetation or moss
  
  
• Crack filling and minor repairs before sealing
  
  
• Material quality and how it is mixed
  
  
• Number of coats and application technique
  
  
• Choosing the right weather window for curing
  
  

In our wet Pacific Northwest climate, timing and preparation matter. At Seal It Up!, we focus on scheduling jobs when conditions will allow the sealcoat to cure properly and provide the protection you expect.

How Often Should You Sealcoat In Eugene?

The right interval depends on traffic, sun exposure, and existing condition, but a general guideline for our region is:

• Every 2 to 4 years for busy commercial parking lots
  
  
• Every 3 to 5 years for many residential driveways and light use areas
  
  

Heavily shaded or very wet locations may benefit from closer monitoring. During a site visit, we can walk your pavement, look at drainage, traffic, and wear patterns, and recommend a realistic schedule.

Sealcoating As Part Of A Complete Maintenance Plan

Sealcoating works best when combined with other preventative maintenance steps, such as:

• Crack sealing to keep water out of the base
  
  
• Pothole and patch repairs to remove failed sections
  
  
• Chip seal or new asphalt where surfaces are beyond simple maintenance
  
  
• Fresh parking lot striping and markings for safety and organization
  
  

This approach helps you protect the asphalt you already have instead of constantly reacting to new damage.

Ready To Protect Your Pavement In Eugene And Lane County?

In a climate like ours, ignoring asphalt maintenance can lead to faster deterioration, higher repair costs, and a rough, unattractive surface in front of your home or business. Sealcoating is not a luxury; it is a smart, cost effective way to preserve what you have.

Now that you know the truth behind the top sealcoating myths, you can plan with real information instead of guesswork.

If you own or manage asphalt in Eugene, Springfield, or anywhere in Lane County, reach out to Seal It Up! to schedule an evaluation. We will inspect your pavement, explain what we see in plain language, and design a sealcoating and repair plan that protects your investment and keeps your property looking its best.