Sealcoating is an incredibly important maintenance activity that can help prolong the lifespan of asphalt surfaces, saving property managers money and stress in the long run. In addition to protecting the surface from wear and tear, it also looks great!
However, a few things to consider before scheduling your next asphalt sealcoating. Visit Website to learn more.
1. Protection
Just like a sun protection factor (SPF) protects your skin, seal coating acts as an SPF for asphalt pavement. It prevents oxidation and blockages, extending the life of your asphalt. Sealcoat also guards against deterioration from weather, water intrusion and harmful chemicals such as motor oil and antifreeze.
A seal coat is composed of a liquid mixture that includes a refined tar, coal tar or bitumen, fillers and other additives. These ingredients are blended and applied to the surface of your asphalt by spray, brush or squeegee. When a seal coat is applied properly, it forms a dense layer that shields the asphalt from damaging UV rays, moisture and other environmental factors. It also helps to prevent the growth of cracks and other fissures in the pavement, protecting the structural integrity of your parking lot or driveway.
The ingredients in seal coat also add friction, reducing the likelihood of slippage on a wet surface. This is especially important for parking lots where customers may be moving around in vehicles. Additionally, a slippy parking lot can be a liability issue.
While it is possible for property owners to apply a seal coat themselves, the process requires special equipment and specialized knowledge. It must be performed under specific climate conditions, including the proper temperature and humidity levels, or the sealant will not bond with the pavement effectively. Furthermore, traffic must not be allowed on the newly coated surface until the sealant has completely cured, usually 24 hours after application.
A professional seal coat company can provide expert assistance with your asphalt needs, saving you the time and expense of doing it yourself. For those who do choose to apply a seal coat themselves, it is critical to wear protective clothing and use the right safety equipment. These include long sleeved shirts, pants, impervious boots and gloves, as well as a face mask to filter out any vapors that may cause irritation.
2. Aesthetics
Besides providing practical benefits, sealcoating also helps improve the appearance of asphalt pavement. Its fresh, black finish breathes new life into the surface and looks especially attractive topped with fresh pavement markings. It’s also a good way to mask fine cracks and other imperfections that detract from the appearance of your property.
It’s important to plan out how you will apply the sealcoating to avoid any over-application or runs. A second person is useful for this, holding cardboard or other barriers up against grass, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds to prevent any unwanted overspray. When spraying, it is best to start on the top and work your way down. This will help ensure a uniform coating and minimize drips. It’s also a good idea to use a brush or roller in any areas that are difficult to access with a spray application.
You can further enhance the aesthetic of your asphalt pavement with textured or colored seal coatings. In addition to protecting your asphalt, a darker color will hide any cracks and other minor blemishes, while reducing sun glare. There are several options for coloring your asphalt, including quartz sand (for better traction and skid resistance) and latex additives to achieve a variety of different colors and textures.
A sealcoating job can be completed in one day if the weather is conducive. Before the sealcoating takes place, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or debris that could hinder its adhesion. This usually involves power washing or industrial sweepers. It’s also necessary to turn off any sprinkler systems and/or refrain from hosing down or washing the surface for 24 hours afterward.
3. Longevity
The durability and lifespan of sealcoating are impacted by several factors, including the climate in which it is applied, traffic volume, the application method, and other environmental conditions. Typically, a well-applied coat of asphalt sealer lasts from 2 to 5 years.
Commercial pavements are constantly exposed to the elements, enduring harsh UV rays, oil spills and other chemicals, and regular wear and tear from vehicles. This constant abrasion accelerates the deterioration of asphalt, leading to cracking and potholes. Sealcoating protects the underlying bitumen binder and slows down this deterioration, prolonging the life of paved surfaces.
A good quality sealcoat is comprised of refined coal tar, fillers or aggregates such as sand and crushed stone, water and additives. Additives provide different functions such as altering the sand’s suspension, adding resistance to salts and petrochemicals, improving flexibility, increasing water repellency and drying time, among others.
It is important to note that, for optimal results, it is recommended that a minimum of two coats of asphalt sealer are applied. The first coat should be allowed to dry before applying the second. It is also critical that the weather conditions are right to allow the asphalt surface to fully cure and sealer to adhere properly to the pavement.
Aside from the factors mentioned above, other considerations that impact asphalt sealcoating longevity include the slope angle of the pavement and the surrounding environment, the type of vehicle traffic, and the frequency of usage. In addition, routine maintenance such as regular sweeping and pressure washing can significantly extend the lifespan of asphalt sealcoating.
4. Water Repellence
The seal coat acts as a protective barrier against elements that destroy asphalt. Water and the sun’s unforgiving UV rays degrade the asphalt binder, while motor oil and gasoline leaks soften the pavement and create cracks that weaken the structure. The protective shield formed by the seal coat protects the asphalt binder and prolongs its life, which translates to cost savings for the property owner.
The main component of a sealcoat is the binder, which is either refined coal tar or asphalt emulsion. Refined coal tar is black and thick, while asphalt emulsion is liquid and lighter in color. The two different types of binders differ in their molecular structure, with refined coal tar being the more common choice due to its longevity and resistance against salts, petrochemicals, and petroleum products.
There are a variety of additives that can be added to the mix, and each has its own purpose. Some add-ins help dry the sealcoat quickly, alter sand suspension, increase water repellency, and enhance flexibility. Others offer additional benefits such as fungicides, antioxidants, or UV stabilizers.
Before the application of the sealcoat, a designated area is blocked off with sawhorses, traffic cones, and caution tape to prevent anyone from entering it during the process. All weeds and grass will be mowed to ensure that the area is clear of any noticeable debris, and all sprinkler systems must be turned off or at least moved so they can’t spray the sealcoat.
It’s also important to remember that sealcoating is not a fix for severely damaged or potholed asphalt. Reputable sealcoating companies will only apply the sealant to a surface that is in good condition, and they will suggest that you invest in critical repairs or replacements before applying the seal coat.
5. Durability
Asphalt is durable enough to withstand heavy traffic, but it needs protection to endure the elements. Sealcoating prevents damage to the surface, minimizing the need for costly repairs and increasing the lifespan of the pavement. Regular application also shields against harmful UV rays and prevents the penetration of water and chemicals that can cause cracks, pitting, and further deterioration.
A quality sealcoat is formulated to make asphalt surfaces look new again while filling in minor cracks and holes. Professionals pay close attention to preparation, ensuring that the pavement is clean and free of debris before applying the sealant. They also allow sufficient time for the sealant to dry completely before subjecting it to vehicle traffic. This curing process is influenced by weather conditions, and professionals factor in factors like humidity and temperature to ensure the best results.
The type of sealcoat used is another key consideration. Some are based on refined coal tar, while others contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which can cause health and environmental issues. Choose a sealcoat that suits the needs of your parking lot or road, taking into account the level of exposure to sunlight, salts, and other harsh chemicals.
Properly maintaining commercial asphalt pavement with routine sealcoating minimizes the need for costly repairs, and enhances the appeal of the parking area to attract customers and clients. It also saves money in the long run by extending the life cycle of your asphalt pavement and optimizing your investment over time.
