Sealcoating is an inexpensive way to dramatically extend the life of your asphalt driveway or parking lot. It also helps prevent cracks and stains. To do it correctly, you need to prepare the surface for sealing. First, clear the area and wash it thoroughly.
Workers should wear masks when working with coal tar or similar asphalt sealers. These chemicals are skin and lung irritants. They must also allow the coating to dry for 24 hours. Visit https://www.pavementsolutionstx.com/ to learn more.
Asphalt is subject to a lot of damage over time, from heavy vehicles, oil spills, UV rays and other elements. Sealcoating can extend the life of your asphalt surface by up to 20 years, saving you a substantial amount in costly repair costs. It also provides a nice, new-looking surface that is more attractive to prospective customers or tenants.
Asphalt pavement is made from rocks, stone and gravel that are held together by a binder that is petroleum-based. The deterioration of asphalt is caused by the degradation of this binder, which happens as rain and UV rays penetrate the surface. Sealcoating helps to prevent this deterioration by providing a thin layer of protection over the existing asphalt pavement.
The process involves spraying a thick coating of liquid over the asphalt surface. Workers then spread the material evenly with brushes or squeegees. This allows the sand and polymer additives to fill in the cracks and crevices. It also creates a non-slippery surface that is easy to clean. Some companies use a hot-mix asphalt for greater consistency and durability.
Once the sealcoating dries, it forms a protective barrier that blocks out water, sunlight and chemicals. It also protects against oxidation and prevents the formation of small cracks that can turn into potholes over time. This makes it important to get sealcoating done every two to three years.
Sealcoating is typically applied to asphalt surfaces such as driveways and parking lots. However, it is not a replacement for paving. It is best to use a professional to ensure that the process is completed correctly. If the job is not done properly, it can cause more harm than good.
It is important to note that oil spots should be repaired before the sealcoating is applied. If left unattended, these spots can leak through the sealcoat and soften the base layers underneath. The resulting damage can lead to faster deterioration and more extensive damage.
It is also a good idea to avoid heavy machinery or equipment on the newly-sealed surface. It can damage the sealcoat and cause indentation, which will shorten its lifespan. It is recommended that you schedule your asphalt sealing for the summer because humidity and cold weather can affect how quickly it dries.
It protects from UV rays
The sun’s UV rays can wreak havoc on asphalt, causing oxidation and fading. Sealcoating creates an impenetrable barrier against the damaging rays, keeping your pavement’s rich black hue intact for much longer. It also guards the surface against corrosive chemicals like gasoline, oil, and salt, preventing them from penetrating the surface.
Another of the sealcoating’s crowning achievements is its ability to thwart the emergence of cracks in asphalt surfaces. These fissures usually occur due to temperature fluctuations and exacerbate as moisture seeps into them, triggering further damage. The cracks may eventually lead to full surface failure, necessitating a costly replacement or repaving. Sealcoating effectively closes these gaps, minimizing the chance of further deterioration and saving you money in repair costs.
Sealcoating also shields the surface against water penetration, a major cause of pavement damage. This is especially important for a commercial or residential parking lot, where traffic is heavy. Water can cause serious structural damage to the asphalt base, resulting in potholes and cracking. The sturdiness of the asphalt’s base is also diminished when water penetrates and dries out, leading to further problems in the future. Sealcoating prevents this by creating a waterproof barrier and lowering the risk of structural damage.
Beyond its protective mantle, sealcoating also bestows a visual revival on asphalt surfaces. Over time, the sun’s UV rays can cast a fading spell on the asphalt, making it look dull and lacking in appeal. This ebony sheen is restored by the sealcoat, allowing it to take center stage once again and bolstering your curb appeal.
Whether you’re a commercial or residential property owner, the benefits of a sealcoat are undeniable. Unlike coal tar, which is hazardous to both humans and the environment, specialty resins are non-toxic and eco-friendly. However, if you want to get the most out of your sealcoat, it’s imperative to hire a professional asphalt paving contractor. This will ensure that the job is done right and that you’re using high-quality materials. A reputable contractor will also provide you with an estimate of the total cost of your project before starting.
It prevents water from penetrating the surface
Asphalt is one of the most important materials in modern construction, and it’s used to create everything from driveways to parking lots. It’s also incredibly durable, but over time it can become damaged by sun exposure, traffic, and weather. This damage can lead to cracking, fading, and other issues that require costly repairs.
Sealcoating is a low-cost maintenance option that can prevent these problems and extend the life of your pavement. It works by filling in surface voids, reducing the penetration of water into the asphalt, and protecting the pavement from oxidation. It’s also an excellent way to beautify your property’s curb appeal, as it gives the surface a deep black look that is attractive and inviting.
When untreated, asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as it is exposed to sunlight and oxygen. This oxidation breaks down the aggregate and causes cracks to form. Seal coating stops this process by providing a protective barrier against the elements and prolonging the life of your pavement.
Another enemy of asphalt is water, which can penetrate the pavement and cause damage by softening the base. If this is allowed to happen, the pavement becomes brittle and less resistant to pressure from vehicle tires. Sealcoating prevents this by providing a seal that blocks moisture and protects the pavement from sinkholes, depressions, and potholes.
Oil and gasoline spills are another common enemy of asphalt, as they break down the material and create stains that are difficult to clean. However, professional-grade sealers contain additives that help the sealer resist these substances. The sealer also fills in surface voids and reduces the depth at which oil or gasoline can penetrate the asphalt.
Finally, sealcoating helps to repel salt, which can eat away at the asphalt surface. This is especially problematic in cold climates, as the salt will eat through the asphalt and cause severe damage. Seal coating steals the power of salt and keeps it from destroying your pavement, protecting it from deterioration and saving you money in the long run.
It adds a new layer of protection
Sealcoating adds a layer of protection that acts as an adhesive to the asphalt and helps it resist chemical penetration, UV rays, water, oil, and gasoline. This will prevent the oxidation of the top layer and help your asphalt last longer. In addition, the sealant fills in small cracks and makes it easier to clean your asphalt. This protects the asphalt surface from the elements and keeps it looking new.
Seal coating is made from refined coal tar and contains additives such as petroleum byproducts, rubber, and a variety of mineral fillers and aggregates. The additives are added to varying degrees to improve the performance of the sealant, such as drying fast, changing sand suspension, increasing water repellency, or adding resistance to salt and petrochemicals. The petroleum byproducts in the sealant also provide anti-aging properties and ensure that the pavement will stay strong and durable.
An unsealed driveway or parking lot is vulnerable to damage from the sun, rain, and snow. Water is particularly damaging, as it seeps into the small cracks and then freezes, which causes the cracks to grow wider. Seal coating protects the surface from water damage by creating a waterproof barrier that seals in the small cracks.
Aside from extending the life of your asphalt and protecting it from weather damage, a sealcoat also boosts your property’s curb appeal. The dark color of the seal coat will make your asphalt look new and well-maintained. The uniform black surface is also easy to keep clean, making it a good choice for people who regularly use the space for work that leaves debris behind.
If you are considering having your pavement sealed, it is important to know that the process is not a quick fix. It takes time to prepare the area and allow the asphalt to dry, so you should plan accordingly. Before the work begins, you should block off your driveway or parking lot and make sure that nothing can get into the work area. If your driveway or parking lot has an automated sprinkler system, it should be shut off completely during the process.
