Asphalt pavement consists of rock and/or stone and gravel held together with a binder, which is created by distillation from petroleum. Over time, rain, U.V. rays and chemicals degrade the binder, leading to the deterioration of asphalt surfaces. For more information, click the Visit Website to proceed.
Sealcoating is a process designed to extend the life of your asphalt driveway or parking lot, while also improving its curb appeal. Its benefits include:
The sun’s scorching rays, relentless rain, and frigid winter temperatures are all abrasive on asphalt surfaces, leading to unsightly cracks and surface degradation. But a well-executed sealcoating job shields parking lots, driveways, and other paved areas from these elements, thus prolonging the lifespan of your asphalt investment.
The emulsified asphalt in sealcoat forms a protective layer that guards the underlying asphalt from UV radiation, water, and chemicals. It also blocks out the oxidation that leads to the formation of unsightly and dangerous potholes. Sealcoating also helps prevent moisture penetration, which can lead to cracking and damage the underlying pavement.
During the sealcoating process, workers should be equipped with safety gear to protect themselves from the toxic fumes produced by coal tar emulsions and other materials used in the application of this asphalt coating. If they come into contact with these substances, they could be exposed to skin and lung irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
To ensure that the workers don’t inhale any of these hazardous substances, they must follow strict procedures for mixing and applying the sealcoat. This includes ensuring that the right proportion of emulsified asphalt is mixed with water before application. The resulting mixture must also be heated to the right temperature before it is applied on the paved area.
Professionals who specialize in the application of asphalt sealcoat use specialized tools to apply the product quickly and efficiently. They are familiar with the specific manufacturer’s instructions for the product and will use pressurized spray equipment to achieve a smooth, even coat of sealcoat on your surface.
Regular inspection and maintenance of your asphalt parking lot or driveway, including re-sealcoating every 2-3 years, is the best way to preserve your asphalt investment and extend its longevity. Consistent inspections reveal issues at their inception, while frequent cleanings and power washing help to remove obstinate stains and oils that can impede the adhesion of your new sealcoat. This preventative maintenance and proactive approach saves you money on repairs and replacements, boosts the visual appeal of your property, and maximizes the safety of your guests and patrons.
Aesthetics
The pavement beneath our feet and wheels takes a beating on a daily basis. Asphalt, while robust, is not invincible and requires some proactive care to extend its lifespan and remain durable. Sealcoating is a powerful, yet often overlooked strategy in the battle for blacktop longevity and should be considered a cornerstone of any maintenance plan.
The main reason to consider sealcoating is its ability to protect asphalt surfaces from deterioration, degradation, and premature wear and tear. UV rays, water infiltration, and chemical spills can all degrade asphalt, but sealcoating shields it from these elements and prevents damage before it happens.
In addition, sealcoating will also help to mask small cracks and patches, and make traffic markings easier to see. This aesthetic benefit will not only improve the overall curb appeal of your home or business, it will also enhance its value and project a professional image to visitors and customers.
There is nothing quite like the sheen of new pavement, and with a proper application of asphalt sealer, you can achieve this same look in your driveway or parking lot. A fresh coat of sealer will instantly brighten your home, business, or industrial property, and will show that you are committed to keeping your asphalt looking its best.
Another important aspect of asphalt sealcoating is its protective properties against oil and chemical spills. These types of spills are a common occurrence on asphalt surfaces, especially those used for vehicle parking. If not cleaned immediately, they can seep into the asphalt and cause permanent damage. However, if you apply sealcoating regularly, it will act as a barrier against these liquids, making it much easier to clean up and protecting the underlying asphalt from premature damage.
Sealcoating is a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of your asphalt surface and significantly reduce long-term repair costs. In fact, repaving is far more expensive than regular sealcoating and should be reserved as a last resort. Taking the time to properly protect your asphalt with regular sealcoating will minimize the need for costly repairs and extend its lifespan by up to 30%.
Longevity
When properly conceived and implemented, sealcoating can add years to the life of asphalt surfaces. However, like all things, it does eventually wear down, and resealing is necessary to prolong its lifespan and protect the underlying surface. Several factors affect the longevity of sealcoating, including pre-existing condition, usage level, climate, and maintenance practices. Ideally, you will want to consider resealing your asphalt every two to three years for the best results.
Before the actual application of the sealant, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface to be sealed. This includes sweeping and power washing the pavement to remove dirt, oil, debris, and other materials that can prevent proper adhesion. It is also essential to address any existing damage and repair cracks, holes, or other imperfections to ensure the new sealant adheres evenly. This can be done with a variety of methods, including filling in holes and potholes.
Once the sealant is applied, it needs to be allowed sufficient time to dry and cure before traffic can be used on the surface again. This timeframe is largely impacted by weather conditions, as humidity levels and temperature can impact the effectiveness of the material. It is best to apply the sealant during a dry, sunny day for maximum durability.
The choice of sealcoat material is another factor in its longevity. Asphalt-based sealants are the most popular and cost-effective, but coal tar-based products offer superior durability and resistance to harsh chemicals, but may be less environmentally friendly and have more frequent reapplications.
Regardless of the material you choose, it is crucial that your contractor is well-versed in the process and follows the manufacturer’s guidelines for application to achieve a high-quality result. Incorrect application techniques can lead to premature deterioration and failure of the coating, shortening its lifespan and requiring more frequent reapplications.
Sealcoating is a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of your asphalt parking lot, improve the aesthetics, and reduce safety hazards. A professionally maintained surface demonstrates proactive property management and enhances curb appeal, potentially increasing the value of your commercial property.
Easy Maintenance
Sealcoating is a fairly easy process to carry out. The basic equipment a contractor will use is a tank, sprayer, and squeegee. These machines are pretty simple, but they require regular maintenance to ensure proper operation. Brent Loutzenhiser, owner of the sealcoating company Seal-Rite, recommends that each day a contractor checks the fluid levels in their pump, drains their air compressor water, and checks tire pressure. These small steps will keep the sealcoating machine running properly, making it easier to apply the necessary amount of material and reducing the chances that the materials will become contaminated.
Aside from this routine maintenance, asphalt sealcoating is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the life of a driveway or parking lot. It is much less expensive than a full pavement replacement, which can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars.
One of the main reasons for the quick deterioration of asphalt surfaces is that it loses its binder over time, causing the surface to soften and oxidize. Sealcoating prevents this oxidation and keeps the asphalt pavement flexible.
Additionally, a sealcoat acts as a barrier against oil, fuel, and chemical substances, preventing them from penetrating the asphalt and degrading it. The coating will also help the pavement resist pressure from cars and trucks, preventing cracks from becoming worse.
The last major benefit of sealcoating is that it makes the pavement easier to maintain. A clean and well-maintained driveway or parking lot looks great and is more attractive to buyers, if you’re planning to sell your home. A dirty and discolored driveway, on the other hand, is an immediate turn-off and can affect the value of your home.
Sealcoating is an affordable way to make your pavement look new again and add value to your home or business. It’s important to hire a professional contractor with the right tools and knowledge to get the job done correctly. It’s worth the investment, as your driveway will stay beautiful for years to come. Contact Stanley Paving today to schedule a consultation! We provide blacktop repair and sealcoating in Bucks County, as well as throughout central New Jersey.