Why You Should Consider Sealcoating Your Asphalt

If your asphalt surface is showing signs of oxidation, if it has major cracking that can’t be repaired or if you have potholes, then it is time to sealcoat. Seal coating prevents oxidation, stops weather damage and beautifies pavement.

It also protects the paved surface from oil, fuel and chemical substances that can soften or degrade the asphalt. A sealcoat application every 3-5 years will protect your asphalt investment and extend its life. Visit https://www.rochesternysealcoating.com/ to learn more.

The seal coat acts as a protective layer that shields the asphalt from water, air, UV rays, oil, and chemical penetration. When these elements come into contact with asphalt, they degrade the binder that holds the rock and aggregate together causing the pavement to become brittle over time.

Regular sealcoating slows down this deterioration process, protecting the asphalt from damage and prolonging its lifespan. Asphalt that is properly maintained with sealcoating can last decades, saving property managers significant money over the life of their parking lots.

Sealcoating is a mixture of liquids and small particles such as sand that is applied to the surface of asphalt pavement. It works as a waterproof sealant, and it helps to fill the small cracks in the pavement that allow water to seep through and cause further damage to the asphalt. Sealcoat also gives the pavement a deep black, shiny appearance that enhances its visual appeal.

Before the application of the sealcoat, the pavement needs to be completely clean. This means removing any debris, dirt, oil spills, or chemicals that may be on the surface of the pavement. If there are any raised markers used to delineate parking spots, they need to be removed as well. A broom is a great tool to use for this, and we have an entire line of Bensink rotary brooms that are perfect for this purpose.

During the sealcoating process, workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure that they are not exposed to any contaminants. This is because some types of sealcoats contain toxic chemicals such as coal tar and other crude oil byproducts that are carcinogenic and can be harmful to the health of workers who are regularly exposed to them.

The best time to apply the sealcoat is during warm weather. The temperature needs to be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the sealcoat to fully dry and bond with the asphalt pavement. If the sealcoat dries too slowly, it can begin to peel off or fail to protect the pavement from damage. It is also important to avoid sealing any new asphalt pavement before it has had a chance to mature and harden.

Prevents Stains

Sealcoating protects asphalt surfaces from absorbing oil and other liquids that deteriorate the pavement. It also fills surface voids that help prevent the sun from damaging your driveway or parking lot.

The ideal time to sealcoat is spring through fall. The temperatures must be warm enough to dry the pavement quickly and provide a good bond between the asphalt and the sealcoat.

However, you can have a professional sealcoat your driveway or parking lot in the summer if the conditions are right. The weather must be warm and sunny, with low humidity. If rain is in the forecast, you should have the project postponed.

Stains are caused by traffic, gasoline, motor oil, chemical products and other fluids that damage the asphalt binder. They leave unsightly marks on the pavement, but more importantly they can destroy the surface and cause premature deterioration. Sealcoat can prevent these stains by creating an impenetrable barrier that protects the asphalt binder from the harmful chemicals.

A well-designed and properly applied sealcoat will last about 5 years. After this period, it will begin to degrade and need to be reapplied. If you have a low-traffic driveway, one coat will suffice; for moderate or heavy traffic two coats are recommended. A quality sealcoat is thicker than an asphalt shingle and is typically a dark charcoal color. The thickness of the sealcoat is important, because a thin coating will not provide adequate protection and will wear down much faster.

Before the application of a sealcoat, the driveway or parking lot must be swept to remove any loose material and dirt that could interfere with the bonding process. It is also recommended that you wait to mow the grass prior to having professionals apply the sealcoat. If you use a fertilizer on your lawn, do not apply it the day of or immediately after the sealcoating process. You should also turn off any sprinklers that are located on or near the asphalt, as they may disturb the wet sealcoat.

Many manufacturers offer a wide range of additives to enhance the performance of their sealcoat. These additives may aid in drying the sealcoat, altering sand suspension, increasing water repellency or improving resistance to salts and petrochemicals. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use of these additives.

Protects Vehicles

The asphalt sealant acts as a layer of protection between the road surface and your vehicles. It also helps slow the oxidation of the pavement, which can cause cracks and deterioration. While you can’t stop oxidation entirely, a good sealcoat will shield the pavement from damage and keep it looking like new for longer.

Your customers will have a much more pleasant experience in your parking lot if they don’t have to deal with potholes and other damage, regardless of how great your customer service is inside the store. In fact, a dirty-looking lot may actually discourage customers from visiting your business at all. Sealcoating is a relatively inexpensive solution to protect your customer base and prevent a lot of hassle down the road.

It’s important to hire a professional contractor for your asphalt sealcoating project. They’ll be able to identify problem areas and repair them while the coating is still fresh, preventing them from getting worse over time. You should also make sure all vehicles are removed from the area before the contractors begin work, and turn off any sprinkler systems so the surface doesn’t get wet.

A quality asphalt sealcoat contains a blend of binders, clays, fillers, and special additives. It dries to a black finish and offers a protective barrier against the elements. You can choose from different types of binder, ranging from refined coal tar to petroleum asphalt and even acrylic, which provides high-quality protection but without the harmful effects of coal tar and other toxic chemicals.

Once the coating dries, it creates a strong, resilient layer that resists oil and chemical spills. In addition, it’s water-resistant and repels UV rays. It’s a great choice for any parking lot or driveway that sees a lot of traffic.

If you’re ready to protect your pavement, contact our expert asphalt sealcoating team today for a quote. We’ll provide you with a thorough analysis of your parking lot, determining which type of coating will best suit your needs. Make sure you schedule your services early so that any repairs or resurfacing can be completed before winter arrives.

Prevents Damage

Asphalt is susceptible to a lot of damage. It can crack, erode and lose its structural integrity over time, especially if it isn’t sealed properly. Luckily, the lifespan of your asphalt parking lot or driveway can be greatly extended by regular seal coating. It can’t fix existing problems like cracks, but it will prevent them from getting worse and help protect the underlying pavement.

If you don’t sealcoat your asphalt regularly, it’s likely to oxidize and become gray and unattractive. This is due to constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays which weaken the surface and cause it to break down quickly, leading to further damage over time such as potholes and cracking. A new coat of sealcoating restores the natural black color of your pavement and makes it look fresh and attractive.

It’s also a good idea to sealcoat your asphalt when it begins to show signs of damage such as fine cracking, fading and weed growth. It’s a quick, affordable way to keep your pavement in tip-top shape and extend its lifespan.

When it’s applied correctly, a sealcoat acts as a protective layer over your pavement and helps to block out damaging elements such as sunlight, water, oil, gas and more. Whether it’s your driveway or your business parking lot, a sealcoat will stop auto fluids such as oil and gasoline from absorbing into the surface which can break down and soften it. It can also stop corrosive chemicals such as salt and battery acid from eating away at the pavement surface.

The only real way to avoid the need for repairs or replacement of your paved surfaces is to have them regularly sealed. It’s a cost-effective solution to prolonging the life of your asphalt and can be done with minimal effort on the part of you or your contractors.

However, it’s important to note that the conditions have to be right for a successful sealcoating project. It can’t be too hot or too cold and there needs to be a dry forecast in the 24 hours before and after the process. The area being worked on must be clear of vehicles and pedestrians so nobody is injured while the work is underway. Employees working on sealcoating should be fully trained and equipped with adequate personal protection equipment such as masks, eyewear and gloves to ensure their safety and health.