How Sealcoating Can Protect Your Asphalt Parking Lot Or Driveway

Sealcoating is preventative maintenance that will protect your asphalt driveway or parking lot from damage. It helps extend the life of your paved surface by shielding it from chemicals, oils, and the elements.

When asphalt is first laid, it has a rich, glossy black appearance. But over time, the sun and weather can fade it to a washed-out gray or dingy look. A new seal coat will restore its deep black color.

Asphalt paved surfaces need to be protected against harmful elements, such as water, oil and chemicals, that can cause the surface to break down. Seal coating acts as a barrier, blocking these substances and preventing them from penetrating the asphalt. The seal coat also helps to keep the asphalt pliant and prevents it from becoming brittle, which is what eventually causes cracks and potholes.

The process of seal coating starts by preparing the surface by removing any loose debris. This can include dirt, sand, oil or any other material that could cause the asphalt to become damaged or worn out. Once the surface is ready, workers will then begin to apply the seal coat to the paved area. This is typically done using a spray machine, though some areas may be hand applied. The application of the seal coat should be done evenly and in a thick layer to ensure that any voids or cracks in the paved surface are filled in.

A seal coat is made up of a mixture of various ingredients, including asphalt, mineral fillers and water. The varying materials are mixed together to create a smooth, even and protective surface that can be applied by brush, spray or squeegee. The asphalt is specially engineered to work with the other materials, helping them to bond with one another and form a thick, protective layer.

The oils in the seal coat seep into the existing pavement and help to replenish any of the petroleum binder that may have been depleted over time. Without enough oil, the asphalt will begin to deteriorate, which is what causes damage and wear. The seal coat also protects the underlying structure of the asphalt by blocking out harmful elements, such as sun and wind, which can cause the pavement to break down more quickly.

Investing in the seal coating of an asphalt driveway, parking lot or other paved surface can significantly extend its lifespan and prevent expensive repairs down the road. It’s a low-cost maintenance option that is far less costly than repairing or replacing the asphalt altogether. In fact, a regular asphalt sealcoating program can more than double the life of your parking lot or driveway before it needs to be replaced.

Prevents Oil and Fuel Spills

Asphalt is a petroleum product and auto fluids such as oil and gasoline can easily dissolve it, softening the surface and weakening it over time. Sealcoating helps prevent this by creating a barrier between these liquids and the asphalt, preventing them from seeping through and degrading it. Without this layer of protection, these substances can cause a great deal of damage and require costly repair.

When oil and fuel spill on an unsealed driveway or parking lot, they seep through the asphalt to the soil underneath, contaminating it. This is a problem because contaminated soil is nearly impossible to clean up, and it can be expensive to replace. However, when a driveway or parking lot is sealed, these fluids stay on the surface layer and are much easier to wipe up or wash away.

While concrete is considered a durable material, it does not offer the same level of protection as sealcoating. This is especially true in areas where a great deal of fuels and chemicals are used, such as gas stations or industrial sites. The result is that a great many oil and chemical spills occur on concrete surfaces. Once these substances penetrate the concrete, they can be very difficult to remove and may leave behind stubborn stains.

On the other hand, asphalt is a much more resilient material and it can resist these substances far more effectively than concrete does. This is because the materials in sealcoating are formulated to be highly resistant to oil, fuel, solvents, and other chemicals. This is important because these substances are often the source of the damage that leads to cracks and other problems in paved surfaces.

The most common way to protect an asphalt surface from these harmful chemicals is through regular sealcoating. A good contractor will use high quality products that are formulated to be resistant to oil and other liquids, so they can create an impermeable barrier that protects the asphalt from these dangerous substances. This is also an environmentally friendly solution, since it helps prevent the spread of contaminants into the surrounding environment.

Prevents Water Damage

Water is one of the biggest threats to asphalt pavement. If allowed to puddle or seep into the pavement for extended periods, it can cause major problems like potholes, softening of the base course and further degradation of the surface. Seal coating can help prevent these issues by providing a protective barrier against the elements.

Since asphalt is a petroleum product, any liquid that leaks onto it can dissolve the binder and eventually soften or break up the pavement. This is especially true if the leaks are oil-based (like the kind of liquid that would spill from a car). Seal coating helps to keep these liquids from damaging the asphalt.

When a driveway or parking lot is properly maintained, it can last for years. However, if these surfaces are not regularly sealcoated, the lifespan can be significantly reduced. Rather than waiting until your pavement needs repairs, invest in a regular schedule of sealcoating to protect the surface and extend the life of your asphalt investment.

The best time of year to apply a seal coat is in the spring or fall. The weather conditions must be warm and dry in order for the sealant to bond effectively. The asphalt also must be free of any noticeable dirt or debris. Before beginning the process, all cracks larger than 1/8 inch must be filled with a crack filler that is compatible with the sealant being used. Finally, the surface must be power washed to remove any dirt or oil residue.

While it is possible to do this project yourself, it’s usually a better idea to hire a professional. They will have access to better quality equipment and materials than you could find at a home improvement store. Plus, they know how to ensure that the job is done right and safely.

Sealcoating is a smart investment for any homeowner with an asphalt driveway or parking lot. While some people may try to skip it in an effort to save money, this is a mistake. It’s far cheaper to pay for a professional seal coating service than it is to spend thousands on a complete pavement replacement.

Keeps the Asphalt Looking Great

Asphalt is a beautiful black color when it’s first installed, but over time the sun and weather can make it look faded and grey. A seal coat can restore that dark appearance to your parking lot or driveway and improve the curb appeal of your property.

The sealcoat forms a protective layer that blocks out water, oil, UV rays, and other chemicals that can damage the asphalt. This helps the asphalt retain its strength and extends its life, saving you money on costly repairs.

A properly installed seal coat can also prevent water from seeping in between the cracks of your asphalt. Once this happens, the water can eat away at the graded foundation that supports your asphalt. This causes the asphalt to shift and crack, destroying its structural integrity. Sealcoating can fill these cracks and protect the underlying foundation, which can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

Besides protecting the asphalt from damage, a sealcoat can enhance its appearance by covering small cracks, patching rough areas, and making your line striping pop. The dark color of the sealcoat adds an attractive look to your parking lot or driveway, which can impress visitors and customers and improve your business’s image.

To prepare your asphalt for seal coating, workers should blow or sweep away any loose debris. The surface must be clean and dry to ensure that the sealant bonds well with the asphalt. In addition, any cracked or potholed areas need to be repaired before workers can apply the seal coat. Once the sealcoat is applied, it takes about 24 hours to fully dry. Cars can be driven on it after this time, but it’s important to wait until then to avoid any problems.

Another benefit of a sealcoat is that it reduces the likelihood of accidents in your parking lot. When asphalt is wet, it can become slippery and dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. However, the sand and additives in a seal coat create a more slip-resistant surface, which can keep people safer in your parking lot.

If you’re interested in having your asphalt sealed, contact a professional for an estimate. They will determine the condition of your asphalt and recommend the best course of action for your property.