Sealcoating Your Asphalt Pavement

Rochester NY Sealcoating is a cost-effective way to extend the life of asphalt pavement. It protects the pavement from water damage and helps prevent cracking. It also preserves that brand-new black asphalt look and fills in small cracks.

As asphalt pavement ages, the binder degrades due to UV rays, chemical spills and rain. The resulting oxidation makes the asphalt brittle.

Seal coating is a great way to protect asphalt from water damage. Although it doesn’t do away with moisture completely it does create a barrier that prevents water from entering the cracks in your pavement and causing serious damage to the base and sub-base. It also helps to prevent the oxidation of the asphalt by blocking the sunlight from getting through. While you can’t stop oxidation entirely it does slow it down significantly.

The best time to sealcoat your parking lot is in the spring or fall. It is important to avoid having it done in the heat of summer or during a heavy rain because the new asphalt can’t dry properly in those conditions.

It is essential to power wash the surface and treat any oil stains before the process begins. The contractors will then use brushes and squeegees to spread the sealant on a smooth surface. It is important to spray the entire surface area including the edges.

After the sealant has been applied, it must dry for 24 to 48 hours. It is important to have the contractor clear out any vehicles or equipment from the paved area so that it can dry thoroughly.

Once the sealant has dried, it is safe for cars and trucks to drive on the paved area. However, it is a good idea to keep the area closed to vehicles for the rest of the day. This allows the sealant to cure properly and gives the asphalt a clean, finished look.

A lot of business owners neglect their asphalt surfaces until they begin to show signs of wear and tear, such as small cracks or a change in the surface color from black to gray. Once the damage has begun it can be very costly to repair, so the best way to protect your parking lot is to get a seal coat every couple of years. This will keep the parking lot looking new and professional so that customers will be encouraged to visit your business.

Prevents Wear and Tear

Sealcoating is a smart way to protect asphalt surfaces and delay the need for costly repaving projects. It guards against UV rays, chemical spills, oil spills, and general wear and tear. It helps extend the functional life of a commercial lot or road surface while adding to its overall visual appeal.

A fresh seal coat hides small cracks, patches rough areas, and makes line striping pop. It also helps prevent water damage by filling in the cracks and creating a barrier that repels water.

It can be applied to any type of asphalt, whether new or old. However, the best results come from sealing new or well-maintained pavement. The surface should be free of dirt, debris, and weeds before the application of a sealcoat. In some cases, the contractor may use a power washer to remove these substances and provide an even, clean surface for the new coating. The contractors can then apply the sealcoat using a variety of methods, including spraying and brushing.

The most common product used for sealcoating is a refined coal tar. This material is effective and durable, but it does contain some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that may have negative environmental impacts. Coal tar sealants should only be used in facilities with sufficient ventilation and control systems that can keep the emissions below the permissible limits.

A good sealcoat can withstand the elements and traffic for a long time, but regular maintenance is necessary. A business owner can spot the need for a sealcoat when the surface starts to deteriorate and lose its black color. If it isn’t done, the deterioration can lead to potholes and other problems that are expensive to repair.

A commercial property can also save money by scheduling regular maintenance for its paved surfaces. It is important to note that a sealcoat will only cover the damaged parts of a pavement and not fix it entirely. It is therefore necessary to perform asphalt repairs prior to applying a sealcoat, and this process should be repeated regularly. By implementing the proper procedures and scheduling, businesses can protect their investment in pavement while deferring costly repairs and replacements for years to come.

Prevents Stains from Penetrating

Sealcoating acts as a protective barrier against oil, chemicals, water and UV damage. It also enhances the aesthetic, giving your lot a rich black look that is pleasing to the eye and provides a smooth surface for pedestrians to walk on. Sealcoating can also hide minor cracks, patch rough areas and make line striping pop.

Stains are often caused by oil, gas, chemical spills and traffic abrasions. These stains can be very difficult to remove without damaging the asphalt. Stains can be prevented by sealing the surface with a top quality sealer that contains special stain-repelling ingredients.

A good sealer will form a thick barrier that is impervious to liquids, reducing the amount of oil and gasoline that can seep into the asphalt. This can extend the life of your parking lot by minimizing deterioration and repairs.

Water from melted snow and ice can penetrate tiny cracks in your asphalt parking lot. Over time, water can fill these cracks and then freeze again. The repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause the cracks to get bigger and eventually cause potholes. By applying a coat of sealant, you can prevent the water from infiltrating the cracked asphalt and causing further damage.

The sealant helps to block UV rays from the sun that can damage the asphalt. It also creates a barrier to protect the asphalt from weather, including rain and cold temperatures. The sealant slows the oxidation process and keeps your parking lot looking newer for longer.

Sealcoating also helps to prevent the formation of cracks in your asphalt parking lot. When water seeps into the cracks and then freezes in winter, it expands. This can cause the cracks to grow and eventually result in large, dangerous holes on your parking lot surface. By filling the cracks with sealant and creating a protective layer, you can minimize water damage to your parking lot and prolong the life of your asphalt.

To help ensure the best results from your sealcoat project, it is important to hire a professional contractor with specialized equipment. They should have a spray hose that is capable of delivering a consistent, even coat. They should also use a high-quality product that is compatible with the spraying equipment. In addition to the proper equipment, workers should wear appropriate PPE, including a face mask to avoid breathing in harmful fumes. International Enviroguard offers a wide selection of disposable coveralls that can help workers stay comfortable and safe while they work.

Prevents Deterioration

Asphalt pavement deteriorates over time due to exposure to harsh sunlight, water, and chemicals. It eventually loses its oil component that binds together the aggregates, becoming brittle and susceptible to cracking. This deterioration can create unsightly and dangerous potholes, which require costly repair. Seal coating slows the process of oxidation, helping your pavement last longer and keep your property safe.

Sealcoating is most effective on clean, dry asphalt pavement, so it’s important to perform any necessary repairs before having a sealant applied. For example, if you notice low spots in the surface of your parking lot, have them filled before sealing the asphalt, or they will get worse over time. Similarly, make sure any existing cracks in the surface are repaired before having it sealed. It’s also a good idea to have your entire asphalt surface swept and power washed before applying the seal coat, in order to remove dirt, debris, and oil drips that could erode the new coating.

A well-maintained asphalt parking lot looks inviting to potential customers and helps your business or commercial property appear reputable. In addition, it can help you maximize your investment by extending its lifespan. With a consistent sealcoating program, your parking lot can double its life expectancy and save you significant money on expensive repairs over time.

Before a sealcoat can be applied, workers will thoroughly clean the asphalt surface to eliminate any stains, dirt, or debris that could prevent a bond with the new coating. They will typically use industrial power washers or sweepers to ensure that the surface is free from contaminants. This is especially important in high traffic areas, where a lot of oil and gasoline can be spilled on the surface. In these cases, workers will flash heat the stains to burn off any petroleum products, which will also improve the appearance of the blacktop.

A properly applied and maintained sealcoat can protect your asphalt for up to five years before it needs reapplication, though it will need to be reapplied sooner in certain climates or during specific weather conditions. For maximum protection, you should have your parking lot sealed within the first year of its installation and then every three to five years after that.