Seal coating is a preventative maintenance treatment that protects asphalt pavement. It can restore sun-bleached asphalt to its original black appearance and form a protective barrier against oil, water and other oxidizing substances.
It’s important to keep people and cars off newly-sealed pavement so the material can cure. This is why sealcoating is best performed from spring through fall when the weather is drier. Visit Website to learn more.
Getting your asphalt pavement sealed on a regular basis prevents water damage from damaging the base and sub-base. Water seeping through untreated asphalt quickly erodes it and creates cracks that spread over time. These cracks then allow the groundwater to seep in which leads to even more deterioration, eventually making the entire surface weak and prone to further damage.
Crack filling services can help with this problem, but a more effective solution is sealcoating. It fills in any newly forming cracks and prevents water from seeping through these cracks, which can then wreak havoc on the asphalt underneath. This can lead to severe deterioration and cracking that requires expensive repairs to fix.
To protect your pavement from water damage, it is important to have your asphalt surfaces regularly sprayed with a high-quality sealant that can last for years. Professionals use specialized spray equipment that allows them to cover large areas with an even coat of sealant and ensure there are no missed spots. They also clean the surface of any dirt or mud, which is essential since the sealant won’t adhere to the dirty surface. Additionally, they will typically turn off any sprinkler systems and block off the area with cones and barricades to keep vehicles and pedestrians away until the surface is dry.
As a note of caution, the spraying process can generate dangerous fumes that can affect a person’s health if they are exposed to it for an extended period of time. To avoid this, it is crucial that workers wear proper personal protective equipment, such as a face mask and safety glasses, while they are applying the sealant.
If you notice that your pavement is beginning to show signs of deterioration, such as the surface color changing from black to gray or small cracks starting to form, contact us today. We offer affordable sealcoating services that will prolong the life of your pavement and keep it looking great for decades to come. We can also provide maintenance services like sweeping, crack filling, and pothole repair to further extend the lifespan of your pavement.
It Prevents Oil Damage
If auto fluids like oil and antifreeze spill, they can soften the asphalt and cause long-term damage. Sealcoating is an excellent way to protect your asphalt surface from these toxins. The dark black color of the sealant acts as a barrier that oil and other chemicals can’t penetrate. If these substances seep through the pavement, they can cause immediate damage and leave a bad impression on customers. However, if they remain on the surface of a properly sealed parking lot, they will be easily washed away with rain or hose water.
Sealcoating is made from a mixture of emulsified asphalt, mineral fillers, and additives that boost the coating’s performance. The coal tar used in some types of sealcoating is a byproduct of the distillation of bituminous coal. Other products use refined petroleum or a combination of other ingredients. The additives can perform a number of functions including drying the coat faster, altering sand suspension, and increasing resistance to salts and petrochemicals.
In addition to protecting the surface of the pavement, sealcoating also increases the lifespan of your asphalt driveway or parking lot. A well-maintained asphalt surface can last up to a decade longer than a poorly maintained one. By dedicating time and resources to periodic sealcoating sessions, you can save money on repairs and replacements in the future.
In order for the seal coating to bond effectively with the asphalt, workers need to work under ideal weather conditions. The temperature has to be above 50 degrees and rising, with low humidity levels and plenty of sunshine to speed up the curing process. If it is raining or likely to rain within 24 hours, it’s best to postpone the project until it can be completed properly. This may mean closing your driveway or parking lot for a few days while the seal coat dries. If this isn’t possible, you can partition the space and let one section be occupied while another gets sprayed with sealant. The closure should be reopened once the newly-sealed area is dry and safe for traffic.
It Prevents Chemical Damage
Asphalt isn’t just susceptible to water damage, it can also be damaged by chemicals like gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze and de-icing products. These substances can stain and corrode the surface, especially when they are exposed to sunlight. Sealcoating creates a barrier that prevents these chemicals from damaging the asphalt, extending its lifespan.
When applied to a fresh, intact asphalt surface, seal coat can fill in small cracks, preventing further deterioration and keeping the pavement looking like new for longer. This is a great way to extend the life of your parking lot and save money on expensive repairs down the road.
Before applying a seal coat, your professional will thoroughly clean the asphalt surface and repair any potholes. They will then spray or squeegee the application to ensure an even and comprehensive cover. During this process, the area will be closed off to vehicular traffic with cones and barricades, ensuring everyone’s safety. After the application, the crew will remove all of these materials and perform a walk-through to ensure that all of the small cracks have been properly filled.
Once a sealcoat has been applied to a driveway or parking lot, it acts as a protective barrier against UV rays, rain, oil and chemical damage. It also replenishes the asphalt binder and oils that have degraded over time, helping to prevent cracking and fading.
Aside from preventing damage and extending its lifespan, seal coating is a great way to improve the curb appeal of your property. Asphalt pavement tends to fade and lose its deep black appearance over time, but a quality sealcoat can restore it to its original condition. The coating also adds a smooth, rich texture to the asphalt and fills in small gaps between the aggregate for a more uniform look.
Regular sealcoating can keep your driveway or parking lot looking good as new for decades, saving you from costly repairs and resurfacing. But it is important to hire a professional for the job, as they will be able to spot smaller cracks and holes that you may have missed, preventing them from getting worse over time.
It Prevents Deterioration
Asphalt deteriorates quickly if it is not protected. It will fade in color, develop cracks and crumble over time if it is not seal coated. Moreover, it can become unsafe for drivers and pedestrians. The good news is that this deterioration can be prevented with regular seal coating sessions.
Sealcoating preserves the asphalt and prolongs its life for pennies per square foot, compared to costly asphalt repairs. The process can also be performed on a scheduled basis, such as once every two to three years. Generally, surface damage such as small cracks or the transformation of its color from black to gray are the first signs that it is time for minor maintenance.
Water is the main cause of deterioration in asphalt. When it seeps into tiny cracks and then freezes in winter, the expansion of this water will widen the crack. Repeating this process over and over will eventually create large, dangerous potholes in your asphalt. Sealcoating creates a waterproof barrier that stops this from happening and protects your driveway from the destructive elements of inclement weather.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays also deteriorate asphalt over time, which leads to oxidation. The oxidation of asphalt causes the binders to break down and this leads to the pavement becoming brittle, making it more susceptible to cracking and other forms of deterioration. Sealcoating acts as a sunblock for your asphalt and prevents this from happening, which helps extend the lifespan of your driveway.
Lastly, the deterioration of your driveway can also result in unsightly and dangerous potholes. If you do not treat these holes, they will expand over time and eventually cause your entire paved surface to collapse. Sealcoating helps to prevent these holes from forming by blocking out the elements that create them such as water, oil and chemicals.
In addition, it is important to know that not all sealcoating materials are created equal. Some contain refined coal tar, which is known to cause cancer and other health problems in people who come into contact with it. However, other types of sealcoating are available that do not contain these hazardous substances and have been shown to be safe for use.