Asphalt pavements are visually pleasing, economical to build, and fast to complete. However, unless it is given the right care, the safety, looks, and longevity of an asphalt pavement can be severely impacted. Sealcoating an asphalt pavement is an extremely cost-effective way to protect its integrity and its appearance.
What Is Asphalt Sealcoating?
Sealcoating contractors sometimes use the terms asphalt sealcoating, asphalt sealant, sealcoat, asphalt sealing, and parking lot sealcoating interchangeably. All of these terms refer to the same asphalt paving maintenance procedure, which is the application of a liquid sealcoat to an existing pavement. The sealant will adhere to the pavement, and tiny particles in the sealant will knit together during curing to create a tough protective shell.
What Are the Benefits of Sealcoating Asphalt Pavements?
Sealcoating parking lots, driveways, and other asphalt pavements can provide a number of benefits.
1. Sealcoating provide exceptional protection against damage from the sun, vehicle fluids, corrosive chemicals, and water penetration. Preventing damage is almost always cheaper than repairing it.
2. Parking lot sealcoating can make pavement markings and lines more visible. This can improve the lot’s aesthetics, but it also contributes to parking lot safety.
3. Asphalt sealants can rejuvenate the color of pavements that have faded to gray or brown, restoring the original rich, dark color.
4. Sealcoating parking lot pavements will improve traction, making the area safer for pedestrians as well as drivers.
How Often Should Sealcoating Contractors Seal an Asphalt Pavement?
Typically, a new asphalt pavement or overlay should be sealed during its first year. Additional applications should follow the schedule recommended by your paving maintenance contractor. The schedule will be based on your pavement’s age and condition as well as the type, volume, and weight of the traffic it receives. Normally, parking lot maintenance contractors recommend sealcoating parking lots about every two years. A residential driveway, however, may only need to be sealed every four or five years.
What Steps Do Contractors Follow When Sealcoating Asphalt Pavements?
Although there are situations in which a paving maintenance contractor might vary the steps, most sealcoating contractors follow a set process.
1. Secure the work area to prevent pedestrians and vehicles from intruding.
2. Perform a preliminary cleaning to remove leaves, loose gravel, trash, dirt, or other debris.
3. Repair significant cracks, potholes, or other pavement damage.
4. If necessary, clean the pavement to ensure there is nothing on the surface that could interfere with adhesion.
5. Contractors sometimes need to apply a primer to oil stains, especially on older pavements. Primers help ensure that the sealant and the pavement will be able to form a strong bond.
6. Apply a thin layer of sealcoat with a sprayer or squeegee.
7. Once the first coat cures sufficiently, a second thin layer of sealcoat will be applied.
8. When sealcoating parking lots, contractors can apply the line striping and pavement markings as soon as the last coat of sealant has cured.
Tri-State Asphalt Paving is a local asphalt paving family-owned business providing exceptional work since 1998. We are known for delivering high-quality work and outstanding customer service quickly, reliably, and professionally. Our paving services include asphalt and sealcoating, asphalt paving, parking lot maintenance, driveway asphalt paving, asphalt overlays, concrete paving, and parking lot paving. Contact us for a free quote by submitting the online form, emailing Admin@TriStateAsphaltVA.com, or calling either 276-494-1406 or 276-451-1895.