Asphalt Sealcoating

Sealcoating is a defensive layer meant to protect driveways from dangerous elements. It is a great way to ensure that your driveway not only appears beautiful but also well protected. Sealant mixtures can either be bituminous or acrylic-based liquids. The liquid base is usually mixed with silica sand, polymer additives, water, and several other fillers in order to attain a premium formula. If applied regularly, then seal coating can extend the lifespan of a driveway two times.

Asphalt sealcoating is the process of sealing asphalt cracks to block water from getting in and compromising the integrity of your parking lot or driveway. As time goes by, oil, rain, and other chemicals lower the quality of asphalt. This leads to the creation of a brittle surface that is unattractive and unsafe. Sometimes it can be difficult to protect your driveway or parking lot, especially when you live in areas with harsh weather conditions.

It is expensive to replace an entire driveway. That’s why most homeowners prefer using pavement sealing plans to maintain their asphalt. You will definitely save a lot of money by applying a seal coat product.

Here are some facts about asphalt sealcoating:

Sealcoating prolongs and protects the lifespan of asphalt pavement by providing a protective layer to prevent damage.
Regular seal coating is less expensive and can save you money. A well-sealed and maintained asphalt surface has a longer duration and reduces repair costs.
When asphalt pavement is exposed to different elements for a long period, it starts to fade and gets an unpleasant appearance. But a fresh seal coat application can enhance asphalt’s appearance and make it look new.
Sealcoating is normally performed using two methods: squeegee or spray.
Sealcoating speeds up the melting process of ice and snow on surfaces. This helps in preventing water from penetrating.
To successfully finish the seal coating process, it is highly recommended that the air pavement temperature be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the application period.
Before the pavement sealing process begins, you should clear the asphalt surface of all debris and dirt.

How asphalt sealcoating works

There are different forms of seal coating. However, all the methods follow a similar process of cleaning and patching the current surface and later coating the whole surface with the help of a liquid sealer. The process results in a hard and impenetrable barrier after drying up.

Types of seal coating

There are two major products used for seal coating. This includes asphalt emulsion coatings and coal tar sealers. Coal tar sealers are a bit cheaper but need a lot of product management during the application process. It is usually applied by professionals.

Coal tar sealers are great for people who are concerned about fuel and chemical spills on the surface. On the other hand, asphalt emulsions are produced minimal volatile organic compounds and are easy to use. Nonetheless, the protective layer is not strong resistant to chemicals.

Regardless of the type of seal coating you choose, higher amounts of solids in a product show higher quality sealants. Make sure you check the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to purchasing the product.

Acrylic and fast-dry are the other types of asphalt sealers. Acrylic sealers are synthetic in nature and largely comprise polymers and acrylic. Acrylic sealer is generally less harmful to the environment with fewer health risks to those exposed to it. But the problem is that it is a lot more expensive compared to other similar materials. Fast-dry sealers are commonly used for foot and vehicle traffic. It is a good option for businesses who would like to quickly start using their parking lots and driveways.

How often to seal coat

Sealcoating is usually done at least a year after the installation of the initial pavement. This is to allow the surface to properly cure and wear. After which, it is recommended that you sealcoat your parking lot and driveways after every two to three years.