Sealcoating is an important part of pavement maintenance that protects asphalt from the sun’s UV rays and other damaging substances. It helps prevent oxidation and prolongs the life of the asphalt.
To be effective, a sealcoat must be applied in ideal conditions. The surface cannot be wet, and vehicles must be kept off the area for 24 hours afterward. Visit Website to learn more.
Asphalt driveways and parking lots are subject to a lot of wear and tear. Extreme heat or cold, heavy traffic and vehicles, oil spills, and other substances can all damage your pavement. Sealcoating helps protect the surface from these and other factors, extending its life and helping it look newer.
The natural process of oxidization can dry out the bitumen in asphalt surfaces, making them brittle and more prone to cracks. Keeping up with regular sealcoating can slow this process down significantly, prolonging the life of your asphalt.
Water is another common culprit when it comes to asphalt damage. When it seeps into small cracks in the surface and then freezes during the winter, it expands, creating bigger cracks and damaging the asphalt underneath. Sealcoating prevents this from happening by filling in these tiny cracks and forming a waterproof barrier.
Another benefit of sealcoating is that it also acts as a barrier to chemicals and other contaminants. This helps keep them from leeching into the asphalt and causing damage, especially when they come into contact with fuel. This is a particularly important factor for businesses and organizations that need to maintain an asphalt surface that is often exposed to gas tanks and other car components that can leak oil.
It is important to note that while sealcoating does help protect the surface of your asphalt, it will not repair any existing cracks or damage. For this reason, it is essential to schedule your asphalt sealcoating project in the spring or summer (though not during a scorching heat wave!) and then allow the surface to completely dry before using the driveway or parking lot. It is also important to avoid the temptation to apply your own sealcoat, as this can cause more harm than good and actually damage your asphalt surface.
Prevents Oil Stains
Oil stains on asphalt surfaces detract from the aesthetic appeal of a parking lot or driveway. If not addressed quickly, they can erode the surface and cause costly damage. The best way to prevent oil stains is to sealcoat the asphalt regularly. This will keep the liquids from penetrating into the surface and protect the asphalt from harmful UV rays that cause oxidation.
Typically, an oil stain starts out as just a spot or blemish on the asphalt. It should be cleaned with a detergent scrub before any further damage occurs and before it is time for a sealcoat application. Then, the area should be rinsed thoroughly with water. Afterwards, an oil primer can be applied to the affected area. The primer helps the sealant bond to the asphalt pavement and prevents future stains.
Reputable Austin paving and seal coating contractors will typically check the condition of the asphalt surface prior to beginning a job. They will be on the lookout for oil stains and will ensure that they have been adequately cleaned and primed. Oftentimes, the contractors will test a small area to make sure that the sealant adheres properly.
It’s also a good idea to have an oil-absorbing material on hand, such as non-clumping kitty litter or sawdust. This will help prevent the spill from staining the surface of your asphalt pavement, allowing you to clean it with a broom or pressure washer. Oil stains that are not treated in a timely manner can erode the surface of your pavement, leading to raveling, loss of aggregate and exposure of the pavement foundation. This will ultimately cost you more money in maintenance and repairs in the long run.
Prevents Water Damage
When water soaks into untreated asphalt pavement it can spread cracks, deteriorate the base and weaken the structure of the entire surface. Sealcoating prevents water damage by creating a waterproof barrier that stops water from infiltrating the surface of your parking lot, road or driveway. It also fills in existing cracks and helps them from widening over time.
Pavement oxidation is another common cause of serious pavement damage and is usually a sign that it’s time to apply a new sealant. Oxidation causes the binder of your asphalt to degrade which allows water to seep into your pavement and cause additional damage. Sealcoating prevents oxidation by creating a protective layer that shields your asphalt from the sun’s UV rays.
If you’re thinking about having a new sealcoat applied to your property it’s important to understand that there are certain conditions that must be met for the process to work. First, workers have to make sure the weather is dry during and after the application process. This is important because the sealant needs to dry completely before vehicles can drive on it. In addition, the area to be sealed should be closed off to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic with cones or barricades so that workers can work safely and quickly.
In addition to these precautions, there are a few other things that must be taken into consideration for successful sealcoating. The quality of the asphalt has to be in good condition, and it can’t have any oil stains or chemical spills on it. Finally, the ground must be relatively level and free of any loose or missing chunks. These steps will help to ensure a high quality, long-lasting asphalt sealcoating job.
Prevents Cracks
While it’s impossible to prevent all cracking, regular sealcoating significantly reduces the rate of this damage. This is because sealcoat creates a durable surface that stops water from seeping into asphalt pavement and sinking down to the bottom. This helps prevent the cracks from spreading, and it also extends the overall integrity of a driveway or parking lot.
In addition to protecting the asphalt, a quality sealcoat protects the asphalt binder from the elements that cause it to degrade quickly. Water and UV rays are particularly harmful to asphalt, as they dry it out and oxidize it. Likewise, motor oil and gasoline leaks degrade the binder and make it more susceptible to deterioration. Seal coating provides a protective layer against these elements and block out the oxidation that leads to potholes.
Even if your paved surface is in good condition, it might be time to consider sealcoating if it has been several years since the last application or you are seeing signs of deterioration. Considering that these symptoms often lead to major repairs and expensive milling and paving projects, taking preventative action is a wise financial decision.
When you invest in regular sealcoating, you can potentially extend the life of your asphalt pavement by several years and delay the need for costly repairs or a complete resurfacing project. However, it’s important to know that sealcoating is not a replacement for crack sealing. Cracks are the most common symptom of asphalt failure and need to be addressed in order for your sealcoat to be effective. If you aren’t ready to take on the task of filling cracks in your own, consider hiring a professional who can perform both services at once.
Prevents Wear and Tear
The saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” often applies to preventative maintenance. By periodically seal coating your asphalt driveway or parking lot, you can extend its lifespan significantly compared to waiting until the damage is extreme and expensive to repair.
A fresh seal coat creates a dark, smooth surface that enhances your property’s curb appeal. It’s also much easier to pressure wash, sweep, and clean the pavement with a sealcoated surface.
Sealcoating protects a paved surface from oil, fuel, and chemical substances that would otherwise soften or degrade it. The ingredients in a quality sealant form a barrier that keeps these harmful chemicals from penetrating the underlying asphalt foundation. This helps the asphalt remain flexible under vehicular traffic, instead of cracking and deteriorating like untreated asphalt does.
In addition, sealcoat shields the underlying asphalt from UV rays that cause the pavement to oxidize or dry out. When oxidation starts, it breaks down the binder that holds the aggregate and sand together, causing the surface to lose its integrity. This can lead to minor cracks and the formation of alligator or fishtail type cracks.
The key to extending the life of your sealcoat is regular inspections and timely touch-ups. A professional sealcoating contractor can help you establish a schedule and provide advice on how to prepare the surface before the application. For example, it is essential to address any vegetation growth and pressure wash the area before applying a new sealcoat. It is also important to avoid placing heavy machinery or equipment directly on the newly sealed surface. This can cause the surface to indent and compromise the life of the sealcoat.