Asphalt is susceptible to many stresses that can wear it down and cause costly repairs. Sealcoating provides a layer of protection that minimizes these stresses and extends the life of the pavement.
Foam control additives help reduce the amount of foam that is produced during the application process. Leveling and flow additives help improve the smoothness of the asphalt emulsion and eliminate surface flaws such as fisheyes or orange peel. Visit Website to learn more.
Protects The Binder
Asphalt is a mixture of rock and/or stone and gravel aggregate held together by a petroleum-based binder. The binder is created by the distillation of various crude oil materials and consists of compounds of hydrogen and carbon as well as nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen. The binder is the key ingredient in the long life of an asphalt paved surface. Rain, UV rays and chemicals degrade the binder of asphalt pavement. Sealcoating protects the binder from degradation, extending the life of your asphalt surface.
In addition to protecting the binder, a sealcoat restores the appearance of your parking lot or driveway. When asphalt is not sealcoated, it can become faded and have a washed out or grayish look that detracts from the overall appearance of your property and decreases its value. When a sealcoat is applied to your asphalt, it gives it a rich black color that enhances the curb appeal of your property and improves its value.
Seal coating also offers a barrier that prevents water from seeping into the pavement and damaging it. When a driveway or parking lot is not sealcoated, it can be susceptible to water damage from leaky vehicles that may drip oil or other fluids onto the surface. This moisture can cause the asphalt to deteriorate over time, creating potholes and cracking that can destroy the integrity of your entire parking lot or driveway.
When asphalt is sealcoated, it forms a protective layer that blocks out harmful elements such as the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and the oxidation of the binder of the asphalt. The oxidation of the asphalt leads to the softening of the material, causing it to crack and crumble under the pressure of traffic. Asphalt can be damaged by UV rays, gas and oil leaks, and hot weather. Sealcoating extends the life of asphalt by minimizing wear and tear, which reduces the need for costly repairs.
Some asphalt sealcoats have slip resistance additives in them that offer additional safety for pedestrians and vehicles. These additives can be added to a sealcoat at the time of application.
Prevents Water Damage
Asphalt surfaces can be subject to water damage in a variety of ways. One of the most common is when it rains or snow melts, and water seeps into small cracks in the surface. When this happens, the water can erode the base of the pavement and eventually lead to serious problems like potholes. Sealcoating creates a layer that prevents this from happening, and it helps to fill any small surface cracks. Water infiltration is not just a problem for asphalt; it can also cause deterioration of concrete surfaces and can lead to more costly repairs.
Over time, the sun’s UV rays can damage the bitumen binder in asphalt, making it brittle and more prone to cracking. Sealcoating acts as a protective barrier, shielding the asphalt from UV damage and slowing down oxidation. It also protects the surface from chemical attacks, including oil, gas, and de-icing chemicals.
Commercial parking lots and roads are subject to heavy use and harsh weather conditions, which can speed up the deterioration of asphalt. Sealcoating acts as a protective layer, keeping the surface in good condition and prolonging its lifespan.
Another reason that resealing is important is because it keeps the surface looking like new. When a commercial asphalt surface looks worn out and damaged, it can send a negative message about your company or business. Sealcoating creates a smooth, fresh appearance that is more appealing to customers and tenants and signals that you prioritize maintenance and safety.
The bottom line is that regular resealing is the best way to extend the life of your commercial asphalt. It can help to save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repair bills and replacements. Sealcoating is an affordable and effective way to protect your investment and keep your commercial parking lot, road, or driveway in like-new condition.
Prevents Oil and Gas Leaks
Sealcoating acts as a barrier to prevent oil and gas from seeping through the asphalt. This is particularly important on commercial properties where automobiles may leak oil or other chemicals. Those toxins can damage the pavement and potentially harm workers who clean or repair it.
Asphalt can also be damaged by water that enters through surface cracks or voids. These holes in the asphalt can allow water to penetrate the base of the asphalt and cause further damage, especially when it freezes and expands. Sealcoating creates a barrier to stop this from happening, protecting the underlying asphalt and extending its life.
Over time, asphalt will naturally oxidize and lose its shiny black color. This does not damage the asphalt, but it does make it look dull and unappealing. Sealcoating slows down the oxidation process and keeps the asphalt looking new and appealing.
Motor oil and other chemicals from parked cars can seep into the asphalt and leave ugly stains. These stains are hard to remove once they set in, so it is important to have your asphalt sealed as soon as possible after the spills occur.
Sealcoating contractors can use coal-tar emulsions, asphalt emulsions, or acrylic sealers to protect your asphalt. It is important to choose a professional contractor who understands the different materials and how they will work under various conditions.
The best way to ensure that you get the most out of your sealcoating is to have it done regularly. While it is a relatively inexpensive service, the results can be significant. A well-maintained asphalt parking lot will last much longer than a neglected one, saving you money in repairs and resurfacing costs over the years to come.
While it is possible to do your own sealcoating, a professional company will have the tools and equipment needed to ensure high-quality results. A professionally-applied sealcoat will last up to 10 years, providing long-lasting protection against damage and the elements. Aside from extending the life of your asphalt, a properly-applied sealcoat will improve the curb appeal of your property, which can help you attract and retain customers or tenants.
Prevents Potholes
Asphalt is a very durable material but if left untreated, it can easily succumb to water and chemical damage. This damage can be expensive to repair and will reduce the life of your asphalt pavement. Sealcoating acts as a protective barrier that shields asphalt from these harmful chemicals and elements, thus prolonging its life.
One of the main causes of asphalt deterioration is oxidation. The sun’s UV rays cause this process, which slowly dry out the binder in the asphalt and make it more brittle and vulnerable to cracking. Sealcoating protects the asphalt surface by acting like sunscreen, blocking out UV rays and slowing down oxidation.
Another danger that asphalt faces is damage caused by water seepage. If the asphalt is not protected, the water can seep into small cracks and freeze during cold temperatures. This will cause further damage to the asphalt, resulting in potholes. Sealcoating helps prevent this by filling in these small surface cracks and preventing water from entering the asphalt and freezing.
Industrial chemicals also pose a threat to asphalt. These are usually petroleum-based and can easily bind to asphalt, weakening it and damaging it over time. Sealcoating creates a chemical-resistant layer that prevents petroleum products from binding with the asphalt, keeping it strong and protecting it against damage.
Regular maintenance and inspections along with proper sealing extend the life of your asphalt pavement. Sealcoating is a cost-effective way to protect your asphalt investment and avoid high repair costs in the future.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help you preserve your asphalt surfaces, contact us today for a free estimate. Our team of experts will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. We look forward to hearing from you soon!