8 Sealcoating Facts Every Asphalt Pavement Owner Should Remember

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• November 15, 2022
• Paved Assets Blogs

Key Takeaways –

• Frequent maintenance is the key to ensuring your parking lot or pavement looks the part throughout the year.
• You can achieve the desired pavement maintenance results by scheduling regular asphalt sealcoating.
• Professional asphalt contractors can ensure your asphalt is safe from the harmful effects of weather and regular use.
• Sealcoating protects your pavement from weathering and ultraviolet light damage.
• All asphalt pavement owners understand the significance of regular sealcoating.

As an asphalt pavement owner or manager, you know the importance of sealcoating. It’s one of the ideal ways to protect & preserve your pavement and keep it looking perfect for years to come. But even if you’re familiar with the basics of sealcoating, there are still a few things you should remember. Here are a few essential sealcoating facts that every asphalt pavement owner should know.

Before we list down sealcoating facts, here are some basics about the pavement maintenance process that are important to remember.

What is Asphalt Sealcoating?

Asphalt sealcoating applies a protective layer to an asphalt surface. This layer helps to protect the underlying asphalt from damage caused by weathering, UV radiation, vehicle fluids, and general wear and tear.

Why is Asphalt Sealcoating Important?

As we mentioned earlier, a regular asphalt sealcoating can help prolong the life of your pavement. However, there are other benefits as well. For instance, newly applied sealcoatings can fill in small cracks and holes, which prevents more extensive problems from developing down the road. In addition, fresh sealcoatings can provide superior traction for vehicles, which is particularly beneficial during inclement weather conditions.

Also, Read – Benefits of Hiring a Professional Commercial Pavement Maintenance Company

Asphalt Sealcoating Facts 

Here are a few little-known facts about sealcoating that you may not be aware of.

1. Sealcoating Can Be Done in Colder Weather 

Contrary to popular belief, you can also sealcoat your pavement in colder weather—as long as the temperature is above freezing. So, if you reside in a region with cold winters, you don’t have to wait until spring or summer to have your asphalt sealcoated. Just be sure to work with a professional with sealcoating experience in colder weather conditions.

2. Coal Tar Emulsion or Asphalt Emulsion? 

There are two types of sealcoat products on the market today—coal tar emulsion and asphalt emulsion—and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Coal tar emulsion is more durable and provides better resistance to oil and gas spills, but it’s also more expensive and has a strong odor when first applied. Asphalt emulsion is less expensive and doesn’t have as strong of an odor, but it doesn’t last as long and isn’t quite as effective at resisting oil and gas spills. Ultimately, the best type of sealcoat depends on your budget and specific needs/requirements.

3. Asphalt Sealcoating Saves You Money

Asphalt sealcoating is a pavement maintenance treatment that saves you a lot of expenses in the long term. By investing in asphalt sealcoating, you are preventing more costly repairs down the road. Over time, sunlight, water, and car fluids break down the asphalt binder, which causes cracks and potholes. By sealing the asphalt, you are protecting it from these elements and extending its life. 

4. Increases Life Expectancy and Curb Appeal

Sealcoating not only saves you money but also increases your asphalt pavement’s life expectancy and improves its curb appeal. A well-maintained parking lot or driveway makes a good impression on customers and clients, leading to more business.

5. Protects Against Oils and Stains 

Another benefit of sealcoating is that it protects your asphalt against common oils and stains. Things like grease, gasoline, and even tree sap can penetrate the pores of your asphalt and cause irreversible damage. However, when you have a fresh coat of sealant, these damaging substances can no longer penetrate the surface.

6. Prevents Fading 

Sealcoating also helps to prevent fading by creating a UV-resistant barrier on the surface of your asphalt. This barrier will protect your pavement from the sun’s harsh rays and prevent it from fading or turning chalky over time. 

7. Sealcoat Every Two Years 

As we mentioned earlier, most professional asphalt contractors recommend sealcoating every two years to prolong the life of your pavement. Sealcoating more often than this isn’t necessary and could do more harm than good. However, waiting longer than two years between coats could leave your pavement vulnerable to weathering, staining, and fading damage.

8. Proper Preparation is Crucial 

The final thing to remember when sealcoating your pavement is that proper preparation is crucial for getting the most out of your investment. This means repairing any cracks or potholes before applying the sealant to have a smooth, even surface to work with. Once the repair work is done, sweep away any dirt or debris before beginning the sealing process. If you don’t prepare properly, you risk damaging your pavement or not getting an even coat of sealant.

Deciding Between Sealcoating and Repaving? Here’s What You Need to Consider

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. The best way to determine which service is suitable for your pavement is to consult with a professional asphalt contractor. They will assess your pavement’s condition and recommend the best action. In the meantime, however, here are some things you should remember when deciding.

Age of Pavement

Among the most crucial things to remember when deciding between sealcoating and repaving is the age of your pavement. If your pavement is starting to show its age—cracks, potholes, etc.—it may be time for complete repaving. On the other hand, sealcoating may be all it needs if your pavement is still in good condition.

Condition of Pavement

Of course, age is not the only thing to consider when assessing the condition of your pavement. Your climate also plays a role. For example, if you are located in an area with harsh winters, your pavement is more likely to sustain damage from freezing and thawing cycles than in a milder climate.

Asphalt pavement is a huge investment and one that needs to be protected. Regularly sealcoating your asphalt surfaces can add years of life to your pavements and avoid costly repairs down the road. And when it comes time for sealcoating, hire a professional like Paved Assets who will do the job right.

So, if you need some quality sealcoating in Raleigh, call us or click below for a free estimate!

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