Sealcoating is an effective and inexpensive way to maintain your parking lot. It stops cracks, oxidation and other damage dead in their tracks, so you can save money by taking care of minor problems before they grow into bigger ones.
First, your driveway or parking lot needs to be blocked off to keep vehicles out of the area while the asphalt is sealed. It’s also important to shut off your sprinkler system for a day. Visit https://www.rochesternysealcoating.com/ to learn more.
Sealcoating is a form of asphalt maintenance that protects the pavement from elements like water, oil, and UV damage. It also helps prevent fading and discoloration. This is an essential step in keeping the integrity of your parking lot and preventing costly repairs down the road. It’s also a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your property.
A parking lot is often the first impression a customer has of your business, so it’s important to make it look clean and well-maintained. Using the proper tools and procedures, a professional can extend the life of your pavement with minimal cost by applying a layer of sealcoat to the surface. The result is a fresh, new look for your parking lot, and it can help improve customer satisfaction.
The primary reason to use sealcoat is to protect the existing asphalt surface from harmful UV rays that cause fading and discoloration. This is especially important in Georgia, where the sun’s UV rays are more intense and can affect the surface of asphalt pavement quickly. The deep satin black coating offered by sealcoat offers a protective barrier against the rays and helps your parking lot look more appealing to customers.
Another benefit of sealcoating is that it prevents water and chemicals from penetrating small cracks in the asphalt and wearing it down. This can be a big problem in areas that receive high traffic from cars and trucks. It’s important to have a quality crack filler and patching machine on hand so that you can repair these small areas before they become major problems.
The sealcoating process can be done in a variety of ways, including brush coats and spray coats. The best choice will depend on your specific needs and budget. Regardless of the method, it’s essential that you use personal protective equipment such as coveralls and gloves. The material used in the process can release fumes that are hazardous to your health. International Enviroguard offers a wide selection of protective clothing that will keep you safe on the job site.
Sealcoating should only be applied to a smooth, level surface. If the surface of your pavement has significant deterioration or a large number of cracks, it is unlikely to benefit from sealcoating. Sealcoating can mask the underlying issues and make your pavement look better for a short while, but it will eventually degrade again.
Prevents oxidation
Asphalt-made surfaces look nice and offer a lot of utility, but they are very susceptible to deterioration. One of the main causes is oxidation, which can significantly reduce their operating life. To prevent this, you should have your pavements or driveways seal coated on a regular basis. This is a very cost-effective maintenance method that can preserve your asphalt surfaces for a longer time.
A seal coat is a liquid layer that protects the surface of an asphalt parking lot or driveway by forming a hardened shield against various damaging elements. It consists of a mixture of specifically formulated oils and paving materials that are typically applied using a spray, brush or squeegee. When applied properly and at the right time, seal coats can prevent oxidation and other weather damage to asphalt surfaces while also beautifying them.
An asphalt surface can deteriorate due to constant contact with the sun’s UV rays, oil spills, road salt, and other environmental hazards. As a result, it can crack and become brittle. Sealcoating slows this process down by adding an extra layer on top of the existing pavement.
During the sealcoating process, workers will first need to clean the pavements thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may be present. If there are any visible signs of oil or gas, workers will need to scrub the areas before applying the sealant. Once the application is complete, workers will need to wait for the seal coat to dry completely before allowing vehicle traffic on the surface again.
Seal coating is usually performed from spring through fall. The conditions must be dry and warm in order for the sealant to bond with the asphalt surface. There must also be no chance of rain within 24 hours of the application, as this can cause it to wash off. For the best results, it is recommended that you close your parking lot and use another area while the surface is undergoing this process. This way, you can minimize disruptions and avoid any potential accidents while the pavement is sealed.
Prevents potholes
The asphalt in your driveway or parking lot is susceptible to damage, cracking and potholes. The best way to prevent these issues from arising is to maintain your pavement with routine seal coating. A quality asphalt sealcoat can protect your asphalt from the elements, extending its lifespan and giving it a fresh new look. It can also help to keep moisture from penetrating the surface and causing additional problems.
Asphalt that is regularly seal coated can extend its life up to 30 years, compared to 15 years without it. It’s a great investment for your property and will save you from costly repairs in the future.
Potholes are created when water seeps into your asphalt and weakens it. This usually happens after several freeze thaw cycles, which cause the underlying structure to deteriorate. The result is a hole or crack in your pavement that’s then exposed to traffic, which loosens the weakened asphalt and creates more damage.
In addition to preventing water from getting into your asphalt, sealcoating helps to prevent cracks and holes in the first place. It’s a great solution for preventative maintenance and is recommended to be done every two or three years.
Aside from preventing water penetration, sealcoating can also protect your asphalt against fuel spills. Fuel is similar to asphalt in that it has a sticky consistency, so when it gets on the pavement it can weaken it. The seal coat acts as a barrier to keep the fuel from binding with the asphalt, which extends its life.
The main reason why many people choose to have their asphalt professionally sealed is to prevent a lot of costly repair work in the future. As previously mentioned, it’s a good idea to have a professional asphalt contractor apply a seal coat on your pavement every 2-5 years to ensure that it is protected from the sun’s damaging UV rays, oxidation and water penetration. It also helps to prevent the formation of potholes, which are one of the most common causes for expensive asphalt repair. However, sealcoating is not a magic bullet and should be used in conjunction with other asphalt repair methods.
Saves money
Whether you own a business with a parking lot or have a home with a driveway, you can benefit from the advantages of sealcoating. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to extend the life of your asphalt pavement and keep it in good condition. It’s also a great way to add curb appeal to your property, which can boost its value when you’re ready to sell.
Asphalt pavements with no sealcoating experience oxidation and erosion over time. They can also be damaged by gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, salt and chemical penetration. These damages can cause cracks and potholes, which are dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. Sealcoating helps prevent these problems by forming a layer that shields the asphalt from harmful chemicals and sunlight.
In addition to protecting the asphalt, sealcoating is also easy to maintain. The smooth and uniform surface created by the coat is easier to clean, making it less likely for dirt, stains, and oils to adhere to the asphalt. This helps to minimize the need for expensive and time-consuming maintenance such as power washing or patching.
Properly maintained asphalt can last up to 36 years, whereas untreated surfaces have a much shorter lifespan. Sealcoating can extend the life of asphalt by up to 10 times, saving you money on repairs and replacement costs over the years.
Another advantage of sealcoating is that it’s more affordable than other types of road treatments, such as oil-based or coal tar. A typical asphalt sealcoat costs pennies per square foot, compared to the cost of repairs or replacement for asphalt that has reached its end of life.
However, before you decide to apply a sealcoat on your own, you should consider hiring an experienced asphalt contractor. Doing so will ensure that the job is done properly, which is crucial to its effectiveness. In addition, you’ll save yourself the time and expense of buying subpar materials from a big box home improvement store and trying to do it yourself.
A proper application of sealcoat requires temperatures above 50 degrees and a period of 24 hours without rain. The best time of year to apply sealcoating is in the spring and fall.
