Why Sealcoat?
Cars, tool, appliances—examine most any product that is subject to oxidation and moisture damage and, chances are, you'll find it has a protective coating. But did you know you can protect your investment in asphalt paving this same way? Make no mistake; pavement is a significant investment. And in recent years, with the cost of petroleum products on the rise, it has become even more so. With regular sealcoating maintenance, you can double, or even triple, the life of your asphalt.
Why Uncoated Asphalt Degrades
Asphalt pavement is a mixture of stone aggregate, mineral fillers, and asphaltic binder. It has the ability to take great loads then flex back to its original position. However, the primary molecular structure of asphalt is what is known as an "open chain" structure. This structure provides access to the weather, UV radiation, salts, and chemicals. Plus, since asphalt is a petroleum product itself, other petroleum products, such as oil or gasoline from leaking vehicles, easily combine with it to break it down. Over time, all these degradants cause the asphalt to lose it's flexibility and cohesiveness.
Signs of Degradation in Asphalt Pavement
- Color changes from rich black to brown or gray
- Cracks appear
- The asphalt gets a rough or crumbly surface texture
- Ruts appear
How Sealcoating Protects Pavement
Asphalt emulsion sealcoatings are a blend of emulsion, specialty chemicals, fillers, and pigments. Practically odorless and non-irritating, emulsion sealcoating is safe for applications such as school properties and restaurants. Sealcoating functions in the same way as any protective coating. Like painting a house or sealing a deck, it puts a barrier between the degradants and the asphalt surface. It seals out problems and seals in asphalts natural flexibility and performance.
Regular Maintenance is Key
To provide the most protection, seal coating should be applied early and regularly, even on new pavement. Depending on environmental conditions and traffic volume, pavement maintenance professionals recommend that seal coating be applied approximately every 3 to 5 years.
Saving Money With Sealcoating
The cost of sealcoating is significantly less than replacing asphalt. In fact, according to an article in Pavement Magazine, regularly maintained sealcoated pavements offer a whopping 65% cost savings over unsealed pavements. What's more, sealcoating enhances property value and customer perceptions with its handsome, well maintained look and rich, black color.
6 Important Benefits of Sealcoating
- Saves money. Sealcoating can double, or even triple the life of your asphalt.
- Provides barrier to salts, chemicals, and petroleum products which breakdown asphalt.
- Is waterproof, seals out moisture that can erode the base beneath the asphalt.
- Improves crack resistance, keeps asphalt flexible so it doesn't crack or break.
- Handsome black finish increases property value and customer perception.
- Faster cleanup, well maintained pavement is easier to keep clean.
Use A Professional
Sealcoating must be properly prepared and applied in order to assure optimal performance. This means contractor selection is critical to making sure you get all the benefits you deserve. A professional pavement maintenance contractor is your best source for the skill and experience required to protect your investment in asphalt pavement.