Sealcoating is a process that protects and extends the life of asphalt pavement. It also improves the appearance of your driveway or parking lot.
Refined coal tar is carcinogenic and can cause long-term damage to health. It can be absorbed into groundwater and streams and may also be toxic to animals. To learn more, visit https://www.rochesternysealcoating.com/.
Top Gun Sealcoating is a powerful yet straightforward technique blanketing surfaces with a formidable barrier of protection. It erects a shield against weather-induced harm, pollutants, chemicals, and UV rays while elevating aesthetic allure for enduring surface excellence.
The sun’s harmful UV rays can oxidize asphalt and render it brittle, diminishing its strength and fortitude. This deterioration accelerates the formation of unsightly and damaging potholes. Sealcoating guards against oxidation, preserving the asphalt binder’s flexibility and fortitude. Its protective veil also deflects the effects of gasoline, oil, and de-icing agents.
Water is another major culprit behind asphalt damage. It seeps into the pavement, causing cracks and other structural impairments that undermine the integrity of the surface. Sealcoating impedes water penetration, minimizing freeze-thaw cycles that amplify minor cracks into potholes and other blemishes.
When it comes to preparing asphalt for sealcoating, meticulousness pays off. Workers need to block off the designated area and make sure that nothing else is in the vicinity during the process. Then, they need to mix the sealcoat with a paddle or agitated tank and apply it evenly with a brush, squeegee, or spray system. Workers should always follow the product manufacturer’s recommendations on applying material, ensuring that there is no excess or missed spots.
Once the seal coat is applied, workers need to let it dry for between 24 and 48 hours. After the time has lapsed, workers can reopen the parking lot to the public. To maximize the longevity of your seal coating, it is recommended that you schedule regular maintenance and inspections with a professional company such as Asphalt Kingdom. During these inspections, you can identify potential problems and address them promptly to avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.
Protects against water
Sealcoating acts as a barrier that prevents water from entering any cracks or fissures in the asphalt surface, which would otherwise speed up its deterioration. Heavy rains can be particularly damaging to pavement because they cause moisture to seep into the asphalt and loosen the aggregates. The moisture also causes the bonding agent to break down, which leads to cracking, pitting and crumbling. The seal coat helps to protect the pavement from moisture, which is why it is so important to have it applied regularly.
An unsealed driveway or parking lot is vulnerable to damage from the sun and water, especially in the winter. Water can get into the small cracks in the asphalt and freeze, which expands the cracks, causing even more damage. Seal coating fills in the small cracks and keeps water out of the asphalt, protecting it from the sun and freezing conditions year-round.
In addition to protecting against weather damage, Sealcoating also helps protect the people who use your parking lot. Since asphalt is slick when wet, the sand and additives in a properly mixed sealcoat add traction and reduce the risk of slippage, which could lead to liability claims against your business.
The best time to have a sealcoat job done is during the spring and fall. Ideally, the weather should be warm and dry so that the new sealcoat can dry quickly. It is recommended that the driveway or parking lot be vacated for 24 hours after the application of the sealcoat to allow it to fully cure.
If you’re considering having a sealcoat job done, be sure to choose an oil-free option. Oil-based sealants contain volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to the environment. In fact, some state and local governments have banned the use of oil-based sealants altogether. The water-based emulsions used in sealcoat are better for the environment and also have a higher resistance to UV rays.
Protects against chemicals
Asphalt is a highly durable material, but it can be susceptible to damage from chemicals and contaminants that find their way into small cracks. Sealcoating helps to protect the surface and fill those tiny fissures, extending the life of your driveway or parking lot while preventing costly repairs.
Before a professional applies your new layer of protective sealcoat, it is important to block off the area you are trying to protect from dust and debris. It is also crucial to keep pets and children away from the work area. If your driveway or parking lot has an automated sprinkler system, it must be shut off during the seal coating process to avoid irritants that may get into the water supply.
Once the sealcoating process is complete, it is important to wait 24-48 hours before you can use your driveway or parking lot again. This allows the seal coat to dry properly and bond with the asphalt underneath. If the sealcoat is not allowed to cure properly, it will begin to peel and lose its protective properties.
The most common binder used in sealcoating is coal tar, but the latest technology has introduced low-VOC and even zero-VOC alternatives that are better for your pavement and for our environment. Coal tar contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens that can have adverse health effects. They can also pollute the surrounding air and runoff into lakes, rivers, and streams, where they harm aquatic life.
If you choose to work with a contractor who uses coal-tar based products, make sure they have a strong safety program in place. Workers must wear protective clothing and masks, as well as have a ventilation system to prevent exposure to these toxic materials. If they are exposed to them, it can cause lung and skin problems.
Protects against stains
A sealcoat protects your asphalt from stains by creating a barrier that prevents oil, grease and other chemicals from seeping into the surface. This can help you avoid costly repairs to your parking lot or driveway that could be caused by the damaging effects of these substances.
Additionally, sealcoating helps your asphalt look fresher and newer. It restores sun-bleached asphalt to its original black appearance and can fill in small cracks and gaps. This can improve the curb appeal of your property and make it more attractive to customers or tenants.
It’s important to hire a professional contractor for your asphalt sealing needs. They will have the specialized tools to apply the seal coat quickly and effectively. They will also follow the product manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that you get the best results.
If you’re trying to save money by applying your own seal coat, be sure to use the right equipment. A broom or squeegee won’t be sufficient to provide you with the quality of finish that you need. In addition, you’ll need to wear proper PPE (personal protective equipment) to avoid exposing yourself to harmful fumes and particles.
If you’re interested in having your pavement professionally seal coated, contact us for a free quote. We can advise you on the type of pavement sealant that will be most effective for your specific project and recommend a timeline for the work. We’ll also give you a detailed breakdown of the costs involved so that there are no surprises when it comes time to pay the bill. We offer competitive prices and flexible payment terms to suit your needs. Call or email us today to get started.
Protects against traffic
Asphalt pavement can be subjected to immense pressure from vehicles driving on it. Sealcoating protects the underlying asphalt from damage by creating a tough, protective layer that minimizes the stress and damage caused by vehicular traffic. This minimizes the effect of surface cracking and oxidation, which weaken the asphalt, and it prevents water infiltration that leads to further damage.
The slick surface of asphalt can be dangerous for drivers when it’s wet, especially if there are potholes or other problems with the paved area. However, seal coat contains special additives that help reduce slippage and provide a safer surface for cars to drive on.
A well-maintained parking lot is a huge selling point for any business, and it’s also a good way to keep customers satisfied. Customers that have to drive through a parking lot full of potholes and other damages might be less than happy with their experience, regardless of how great the customer service inside the business is.
Before you can apply a new coat of sealcoating, your paved surface must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or mud that could interfere with the adhesion of the coating. Professional pavement contractors will use robust cleaning equipment that includes blowers and rotary brooms to ensure the area is completely clean. This step is particularly important if the paved area has linear cracks that have yet to be filled and repaired.
The weather must also be right for applying sealcoating, as the materials won’t set properly in cooler temperatures or when rain is expected within 24 hours. A professional pavement contractor will be able to tell you the best time of year to apply the sealcoating, whether that’s late spring, summer (though not during scorching heat waves), or fall.