Sealcoating is a protective layer that shields asphalt from water damage, oil spills, UV rays and other damaging substances. It also prevents cracks from getting worse, saving you the cost of costly repairs down the road.
A fresh, dark seal coat improves curb appeal and makes your property look well-maintained. It’s an easy, low-cost way to protect your asphalt investment for decades to come. Visit Website to learn more.
When an asphalt parking lot isn’t properly maintained, the water it absorbs will damage the surface and can even erode it down to the base. That’s why it is so important to regularly apply a seal coat to protect your pavement from damage.
Sealcoating prevents water from damaging your asphalt surface by filling in any newly emerging cracks and creating a seal that stops water from infiltrating and causing havoc below the surface. When the sealcoat is applied properly, it creates a one-eighth inch coating that is hardy and durable.
Keeping the water from directly contacting your asphalt will help to extend its lifespan significantly. This will allow it to hold up to the freeze-thaw cycle of winter better than your untreated asphalt would. Additionally, it will protect the oils in the asphalt that keep it flexible and solid. Without these oils, the asphalt will crumble and lose its strength and durability. Sealcoating helps the asphalt retain its oils, which keeps it in a much better condition than it would be otherwise.
Another way that sealcoating protects the asphalt is by slowing down the oxidation process. The sun’s UV rays break down the carbon bonds of the asphalt. This is why your blacktop will eventually fade and bleach out to a gray color. It is also why you need to make sure trees and buildings shield the asphalt from the sun as much as possible. Sealcoating protects the asphalt from these deterioration processes and can delay the need for complete repaving.
It is recommended to have your parking lot or driveway sealcoated every 3-5 years. If you wait until the pavement is in bad shape to get it done, you will end up spending more money on repairs and replacements. Sealcoating is an inexpensive way to protect your pavement and keep it looking great for years.
The best time to have your asphalt sealcoated is from spring through fall. This is because the weather needs to be perfect for it to work: temperatures should be above 50 degrees and rising, with a chance of no rain in 24 hours before and during the application process. It is also important that the area to be sealed be closed off to vehicular traffic with cones and barricades for safety.
Prevents Oil Damage
Sealcoating acts as a protective layer on your asphalt surface, protecting it from oil spills and chemical leaks. This keeps these substances from penetrating the surface and damaging it, and it also helps you clean up more easily when they occur. The ingredients in a sealcoat typically include emulsified asphalt, mineral fillers, and additives that enhance its performance. The resulting mixture forms an impermeable layer that resists penetration by oil, gasoline, chemicals, and solvents. If you have black spots that are soaked in oil, these must be patched before applying the seal coat, but even if you don’t have any spots like this, the coating will protect your asphalt from future damage.
Pavement that isn’t sealed will dry out and deteriorate over time. This can lead to cracks that eventually turn into potholes. The elements that cause this deterioration are water, UV rays, motor oil, and automotive fluids. When these substances come into contact with unsealed pavement, they oxidize it and cause it to break down rapidly. The seal coat blocks these harmful substances and prevents oxidation, so your asphalt stays flexible and pliable for longer.
In addition, a smoother road reduces the amount of force that is needed to drive a car over it, which saves on fuel costs and extends the life of your tires. Sealcoating also improves safety by making the pavement less slippery. The texture of asphalt tends to be slick when it’s wet, but the mixture in a sealcoat contains additives that add friction and prevent slippage. This makes it safer for people to walk and drive on the pavement, reducing the chance of accidents that could cause injuries or property damage.
Getting your parking lot or driveway regularly seal coated is an inexpensive way to keep it looking great and functioning well for years to come. It’s much more cost-effective than repairing or replacing it, and it will help you retain customers by offering a professional, clean experience from the moment they enter your property.
Prevents Chemical Damage
Asphalt surfaces are susceptible to many chemical spills, including gasoline, motor oil, and fertilizers. When these chemicals come into contact with asphalt, they deteriorate it by breaking down the bond between aggregate and liquid asphalt. Seal coating protects your pavement from these chemical penetrations by blocking them and creating a barrier that resists them.
Regularly scheduled seal coating can extend your pavement’s life expectancy, saving you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and resurfacing. It also protects the surface from sun damage, which is a major cause of cracking and fading. Sealcoating prevents excessive heat from reaching the base of your pavement and destroying the bitumen.
To maximize the effectiveness of your seal coat, you should power wash the surface before applying it. You should also treat any oil stains with an oil spot primer to ensure that the new seal coat will bond well with the asphalt. Once the area has been cleaned and treated, workers will spray on a thick layer of seal coat. They will then use squeegees or brushes to spread the material and fill in any voids.
The best time to perform seal coating is from spring through fall when the weather is warm and dry. It is important to keep traffic away from the surface while it is drying. It is also a good idea to turn off sprinkler systems so that the surface does not get wet. In addition, you should remove any signs or barricades that might restrict parking in the area.
While spraying the seal coat, workers should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). The materials used in this process are often carcinogenic, and repeated exposure can lead to a variety of health problems. PPE should include boots, coveralls, gloves, face masks, and safety glasses.
To get the most out of your sealcoat, you should schedule a maintenance session every two to three years. By committing to this routine, you can enjoy a pristine and attractive asphalt surface for decades, saving you money on frequent repairs and resurfacing. In addition, this method of maintenance can preserve your asphalt for pennies per square foot, compared to the cost of extensive and expensive repairs.
Prevents Damage to Curb Appeal
A dirty, cracked, and faded asphalt driveway or parking lot gives a poor impression to customers and tenants. Sealcoating prevents damage to the surface and keeps it looking new. It also helps to keep your property value up by making it look well-maintained.
Sealcoating your pavement is an affordable, preventive maintenance measure. It protects the surface from damaging chemicals and weathering, which saves you money on costly repairs. In addition, it extends the life of your pavement and makes it easier to clean. It also looks better, which improves your curb appeal and makes your home or business stand out.
Asphalt deteriorates over time due to the sun and rain. The sun’s rays cause it to oxidize and lose its black color. This deterioration can lead to cracking and breaking. Sealcoating preserves your asphalt’s surface and helps prevent cracking and fading, saving you money on expensive repairs in the future.
Most cracks in asphalt parking lots and driveways are caused by shrinkage. Asphalt is made from small rocks held together with oil, and when it gets cold it wants to shrink. As it expands again the small cracks become larger and create potholes and other unsightly damage to your asphalt. Sealcoating helps to prevent these cracks by creating a waterproof barrier to prevent moisture from getting into the cracks.
Pavement that is cracked and worn down can be dangerous, especially for pedestrians and drivers. The uneven surface causes tripping and falling, which can be dangerous for anyone. A smooth, uncracked asphalt surface is much safer and more pleasant to walk on or drive on. Sealcoating your driveway or parking lot prevents the tripping and falling hazards and makes your pavement look newer and more attractive.
A well-maintained driveway or parking lot can increase the value of your home or business, and help it to sell or rent faster if you ever plan to move. A poorly maintained parking lot can turn away potential customers and tenants, reducing your revenue and impacting your bottom line. Sealcoating your asphalt regularly can prevent costly repairs and improve your property’s curb appeal and safety for visitors, clients, and employees.