Home » Paving » How Sealcoating Enhances the Appearance of Asphalt Parking Lots

How Sealcoating Enhances the Appearance of Asphalt Parking Lots

Sealcoating extends the life of asphalt pavement at a relatively low cost. It prevents oxidation, stops weather damage, and beautifies the surface.

Sealcoating

A common mistake DIY-sealcoating enthusiasts make is not allowing the asphalt surface to dry for 24 hours. People walk and drive over a freshly coated blacktop before it has had time to cure, creating bumps that destroy the hard work you just did. Visit Website to learn more.

Asphalt is a porous material and water is one of its greatest enemies. Once it penetrates through the surface, it softens the base layer and leads to alligator cracking which eventually creates pot holes. Sealcoating prevents water penetration by creating a protective shell that shields the asphalt.

Regularly scheduled sealcoating prolongs the life of asphalt pavement, saving you money over time. The coating blocks out oil, gas, UV damage, and other environmental elements that wear down the blacktop.

Before sealcoating is applied the paved surface is thoroughly cleaned with blowers and brooms to ensure the proper adhesion of the coating. Linear cracks are filled with a hot rubberized crack filler that is designed to expand and contract with the asphalt as it changes with weather conditions.

Once the asphalt is clean and dry it is then applied to a thickness of approximately one-eighth inch. It is then hand squeegeed by skilled technicians to ensure a smooth finish and complete coverage. Edges are also trimmed to provide a crisp and finished appearance.

Pavement oxidation is another huge problem faced by parking lots and sealcoating helps to slow this process by blocking damaging UV rays. The coating also helps to protect the pavement from moisture and harmful chemicals which can eat away at the asphalt.

As an added benefit, the dark black color of the sealcoat enhances the appearance of your property and gives it a professional and well maintained look. This is a great way to improve the curb appeal of your commercial or residential lot and show your tenants and customers that you care about the quality of the property they are renting or leasing.

Asphalt deterioration is inevitable but with regular maintenance it can be delayed for years. A quality sealcoat is the best and easiest way to maintain your asphalt pavement and protect your investment. When you invest in a high-quality sealcoat, it will extend the life of your pavement, save you money on repairs and maintenance, and add beauty to your property. Contact us today to learn more about our asphalt services and schedule a free estimate for your business or home.

It Prevents Chemical Damage

Sealcoating helps to prevent damage from oil spills and other chemicals that can degrade asphalt pavement. This is because the protective layer creates a barrier that helps to keep these things from reaching the base of the asphalt and damaging it. The chemical-resistant surface also helps to protect the asphalt from damage due to the pressure of vehicles and other factors that can cause the pavement to crack.

Seal coating also helps to protect the asphalt from damage caused by sunlight and other natural elements. The deep black color of the asphalt sealant acts as a heat reflector, helping to prevent the sun from overheating the pavement and causing it to break down. It also helps to protect the pavement from fading and becoming gray over time.

Asphalt sealcoat can be used for both residential and commercial properties. It can be applied to asphalt driveways, parking lots, and private roads. It can be performed from spring through fall, but the weather must be warm and dry in order to ensure that the sealant cures properly.

The best time to perform sealcoating is after the road has been paved, but before it becomes heavily trafficked. It is recommended that you wait about three months after the initial sealing, and then reseal every 3 to 5 years.

During the sealcoating process, the asphalt must be completely clean and free of debris and moisture. The area should be closed off to vehicular traffic with cones and barricades during the application, which can take about an hour.

The sealcoating material contains a blend of coal tar, asphalt emulsions, and other additives that serve different purposes. Coal tar is responsible for the binder in the sealant, and it helps to maintain the integrity of the pavement by preventing water from penetrating the surface. The other additives in the mix may be designed to improve the drying speed of the asphalt, alter sand suspension, increase the water repellency, and/or provide resistance to oil, gasoline, salts, and other petrochemicals. A quality sealcoat will have the additives listed on its label.

It Prevents Slippage

When asphalt pavement is exposed to weather and the heavy traffic it must bear, it can become faded, dry and brittle. Sealcoating prevents these problems and allows the pavement to look nearly as good as new at a fraction of the cost of a full resurfacing project.

Sealcoat acts as an adhesive layer, holding together any loose aggregate and fines in the asphalt surface. It also slows the oxidization of the asphalt and protects it from chemical penetration and other environmental damage. Sealcoat also acts as a barrier, stopping water from seeping into the asphalt and spreading cracks. Water that soaks into untreated asphalt can erode the graded foundation that the asphalt and road base sit on, leading to severe cracking and a less secure surface.

Stains are a common problem on parking lots and driveways. These stains are not only unsightly, but they can also be a safety hazard for pedestrians and drivers. Sealcoat contains additives that provide traction and reduce the likelihood of someone slipping and falling on the asphalt.

In addition, the sand in the sealcoat mix can fill in hairline cracks and minor voids on the asphalt surface, giving it a smoother appearance. The aggregates in the mix also help regulate the drying of the sealant. They do this by supplying some of the water demand and allowing the liquid to evaporate more slowly than it would if the aggregate was not present.

To make sure the sealcoat adheres to the asphalt, the conditions must be right for application. The pavement must be free of oil and other contaminants, and it should be cool and dry for the duration of the sealcoating process. It is essential that the area be closed off to vehicular traffic while the sealant is being applied, and it should remain so until 24 hours afterward. This is because vehicles can cause the newly-applied sealcoat to lift, and it may not adhere properly to the pavement. Additionally, the temperature should be at least 50 degrees for sealing to occur successfully. A professional asphalt contractor will ensure that these conditions are met to achieve the best results.

It Preserves the Appearance

Commercial property management entails a myriad of responsibilities and one of those is to keep parking lots looking their best. This is why preserving the appearance of asphalt surfaces through regular sealcoating is so important. A dingy, crumbling lot can deter customers and turn off tenants. When pavement is properly maintained through sealcoating and striping, it provides a crisp, jet-black appearance that enhances curb appeal.

The process of sealcoating begins with a thorough inspection of the asphalt surface. This allows the asphalt professional to identify areas where damage or wear and tear is present. Next, the asphalt surface is cleaned thoroughly with outdoor power equipment to remove debris, dirt, and sand. After the asphalt has been cleaned, the surface is primed with a special solvent that helps the new coating bond well to the asphalt. Once the primer has dried, a quality asphalt sealer is applied to the surface using a sprayer or brush. The sealcoat acts as a protective layer that prevents water penetration, UV damage, and chemical spills. It also fills cracks and surface voids, thereby reducing the risk of tripping or vehicle damage.

In addition to reducing safety risks, sealcoating preserves the overall appearance of the asphalt. As time passes, the black color of asphalt fades due to sun exposure. Cracks and deterioration are another telltale sign that it is time to get the sealcoat on. The pristine appearance of the parking lot makes it more attractive to customers and tenants, which is especially important for businesses that rely on foot traffic for business.

In addition to protecting the asphalt, regularly sealing and striping the parking lot will make it easier for maintenance staff to sweep and remove sand, dirt, leaves, and other debris from the pavement. Keeping the lot looking neat and tidy will not only improve customer satisfaction, but it will also lower the cost of maintenance.