When done properly, seal coating extends the life of your asphalt pavement by up to 30 years. It prevents oxidation, stops weather damage and beautifies your blacktop.
The best time to seal coat is late spring, summer (but not during scorching heat) or fall when temperatures are above 50 degrees for at least 24 hours before and after the process. Visit Website for more information.
Asphalt pavement is primarily rock and stone held together by a binder, also known as asphalt cement. Over time rain, sunlight and UV rays will break down this binder, which eventually will cause the asphalt to deteriorate. Seal coating will help to prolong the life of your asphalt surface by protecting it from these destructive elements.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays are the main culprit in the breakdown of asphalt, which leads to cracking and other damage. By adding a seal coat to your asphalt, you will be protecting it from these damaging rays, which can extend its lifespan by years.
As an added bonus, seal coating helps to fill in any cracks or pits that have already formed, which will help prevent further damage and save you money in repair costs down the road. However, it’s important to note that seal coating will not repair severely damaged asphalt, and will only add a few more years of life before it’s necessary to consider other methods of repair, such as an asphalt overlay or complete replacement.
When choosing a contractor to perform your asphalt sealcoating, make sure that they are using a high quality product. There are many inferior products on the market that will not last as long or protect your asphalt as well. In addition, it’s important to remember that a quality sealcoat is only as good as the application process. For the best results, the temperature should be above 50 degrees during and after application and all vehicles should be kept off of the asphalt until it dries.
A professional sealcoating company will use robust cleaning equipment, such as blowers and rotary brooms to remove dirt and debris from the surface of your parking lot or driveway prior to applying the seal coat. If dirt and sand are allowed to remain on the asphalt, it will adhere to the sealcoat and reduce its effectiveness. Lastly, the contractor will thoroughly clean all linear cracks and fill them with hot rubberized crack filling material to extend their longevity. The entire process should take no more than a day, and should be completed under controlled weather conditions.
Prevents Water Damage
Water damage is one of the main causes of asphalt pavement degradation. Untreated asphalt will absorb moisture that sinks into small cracks and pores, and over time this can lead to extensive pavement damage including potholes, cracking, and base course failure. Sealcoating creates a protective layer that stops water from penetrating asphalt surfaces and causing significant damage.
Oil and Gasoline Spills
As petroleum-based substances, oil and gasoline will inevitably spill on asphalt surfaces, softening the material and breaking down the surface. This type of damage can be extremely costly and time consuming to repair. However, a professional-grade asphalt sealer contains additives that prevent this damage by filling in any surface voids and reducing the depth to which these liquids can penetrate.
Commercial Chemical Spills
Many businesses use various chemicals that can spill on asphalt surfaces, causing chemical degradation over time. While the best option is to clean up any spills immediately, this isn’t always possible. Fortunately, a sealcoat is specially designed to be resistant to most chemicals. This protects the asphalt from abrasion, chemical penetration, and damage while also keeping the area looking nice and clean.
De-icing Salts
While necessary for winter safety, de-icing salts can be very damaging to asphalt pavement. This is because the sodium chloride in these chemicals can actually dissolve and degrade asphalt. Fortunately, a sealcoat can help to mitigate this damage by creating a barrier that prevents de-icing salts from seeping into the asphalt and breaking down the surface.
The most important benefit of regular sealcoating is that it helps to save money in the long run. Performing this task every two to three years will help to extend the life of your asphalt and save you money on costly repairs.
If you would like to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your parking lot or driveway in great shape, contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and get started on your asphalt sealcoating project. We serve clients throughout the greater Phoenix, AZ area. Our team is fully licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your project will be completed by professionals who care about your property.
Prevents Chemical Damage
Asphalt takes a beating from chemical spills and traffic, which causes the layers of the surface to weaken and break down. Sealcoating protects the asphalt by creating a protective layer that keeps oil, gasoline, and other chemicals from seeping into the asphalt surface and damaging it. It also prevents chemicals from wearing away the asphalt base, which can cause the underlying road to crumble or shift and leave the brittle surface exposed to further damage.
Aside from extending the life of asphalt, Sealcoating makes driveways and parking lots look brand new. The smooth surface created by the seal coat is easy to clean, and the dark color helps the pavement look vibrant and new. It also saves on fuel costs, as smoother roads can reduce vehicle friction by up to 10%.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that sealcoating is not effective if the asphalt is already damaged or in bad condition. While it can help to extend the lifespan of a deteriorating parking lot, it will not fix cracks or level low spots. Those problems will still need to be addressed prior to sealcoating.
When the paving contractor applies the sealcoat, it is important that workers wear the proper PPE to protect themselves. Spray hoses used for sealcoating often emit fumes that can be harmful if inhaled. Wearing masks and gloves protects the skin, eyes, and lungs from potential contaminants.
Once the sealcoat has been applied, it is necessary to allow the pavement to dry before driving on it again. It is important to choose a good time of year for the process, as it requires temperatures above 50 degrees and a period of 24 hours without rain. It is not something that can be done in the winter, as the ice and snow will make it difficult to drive on the road.
Regular maintenance is the best way to extend the lifespan of asphalt pavement. The protective layer created by the sealcoat stops damage from UV rays, precipitation, automobile fluids, and more. By regularly getting a sealcoat application, you can extend the lifespan of your driveway or parking lot and ensure that it looks brand new for years to come.
Prevents Wear and Tear
A properly applied sealcoat will protect the asphalt surface and withstand traffic stress, saving money on future repairs. Asphalt surfaces that aren’t protected become brittle and more susceptible to cracking under the pressure of vehicular movement. Sealcoating prevents this and extends the life of the pavement.
Adding a layer of protection to the driveway or parking lot also improves the appearance of the property, making it more attractive and welcoming to visitors and employees. This can help to boost morale and increase productivity, as well as give a positive impression of the business and its reputation.
When choosing a professional sealcoating company, it’s important to consider their experience and customer reviews. Look for one that has a strong track record of providing quality service and uses only high-quality materials. They should be able to answer any questions you may have regarding their process, including how long the sealcoat will last and whether it is water-resistant.
In addition to protecting the paved surface, a sealcoat will repel oil and fuel spills, as well as chemical substances that can damage or degrade it. The sealcoat will create a protective barrier against these substances, reducing the need for costly clean-ups and extending the life of the pavement.
The sealcoat will also retain heat from the sun, helping to melt snow and ice more quickly. This makes it easier to remove the ice and snow and keeps the paved surface safer for vehicles to drive on.
As an added benefit, a sealcoat will prevent moisture and debris from seeping through the cracked surface and causing further damage. This can also reduce the need for expensive pothole repair and resurfacing.
As with any other type of maintenance, regular inspections and touch-ups are necessary to prolong the life of a sealcoat. Heavy traffic areas may need more frequent reapplications to keep the surface in good condition. The best time to have a sealcoat application done is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are milder. However, it’s possible to apply a sealcoat in the summer or winter, as long as the weather is mild and dry enough for the product to work effectively.