Rochester NY Sealcoating is an effective way to protect asphalt surfaces from weather and traffic damage. Residential driveways and commercial parking lots should be resealed every two to three years.
Properly applying a seal coat takes time, so it’s important to hire a contractor with experience. Additionally, the weather conditions are crucial to how well a job goes. Humidity is especially important because it slows down how fast water in the sealcoat evaporates into the air.
Rain is one of the most damaging elements to unprotected asphalt. The liquid sealcoat acts as a barrier to protect the pavement from moisture. Without this layer, water seeps into the surface, speeding up deterioration and causing cracking and potholes. The regular application of a sealcoat prevents this damage.
It also protects the pavement from other fluids, like gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze and de-icing chemicals. These liquids are corrosive and can stain or discolor the blacktop. Sealcoating ensures these liquids stay on the surface where they belong, protecting your pavement and keeping it beautiful.
Before the seal coat can be applied, the pavement must be impeccably clean. All dirt, debris and oil stains must be removed to promote a strong bond between the asphalt and the protective coating. Workers should use proper PPE, including boots, coveralls and gloves. A high-quality sprayer can make this job easier and faster.
Prevents UV Damage
Asphalt is a durable and affordable pavement material but it’s not impervious to damage. It’s particularly susceptible to UV damage and can become faded and washed out over time, losing its attractive appearance. Sealcoating can help prevent this and extend the life of your asphalt pavement. The protective layer restores the deep, shiny black appearance of the asphalt and also replenishes the oils and binder that have degraded, keeping it from drying out, cracking and crumbling.
UV rays react with oxygen in the air to deteriorate asphalt surfaces through a process called oxidation. This robs the blacktop of its oil and causes it to dry out, eventually developing alligator cracks and other surface problems that can be expensive to repair. Sealcoating protects asphalt from UV rays, slowing this damaging process and helping your pavement last longer.
Effective sealcoating requires professional equipment like sprayers to ensure an even application of the protective layer that keeps your pavement looking new and extending its life. By using this proactive maintenance strategy, property managers can save money and time on costly repairs and replacements.
Prevents Frozen Roadways
Asphalt is comprised of rock and stone and gravel held together with a binder created from the distillation of crude oil. The sun’s UV rays deteriorate the binder which, in turn, causes the surface to become brittle. The judicious application of seal coating slows down the degradation process, prolonging the lifespan of the asphalt and circumventing costly repairs.
Sealcoating is also a great way to hide patchy areas and rough spots, giving your driveway or parking lot a smoother and more appealing appearance that will boost your property value. In addition, a new coat of sealcoat will make the color of your asphalt blacker and more vibrant, giving it a like-new look that can also raise the perception of the cleanliness of your entire property.
Please note that sealcoating will not fix severely damaged and cracked pavement. Repairing the damage before applying a sealcoat is recommended. Otherwise, you will be wasting money on a treatment that will only cover up the damage for a brief amount of time. It is also important to remember that sealcoating should be done in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prevents Damage to Cars
Asphalt is a durable, long-lasting material that holds up to heavy use, but if it’s not properly maintained it can crack and degrade. Sealcoating is a cost-effective way to preserve the asphalt surface and prevent more expensive repairs down the road.
Sealcoating creates a barrier between the asphalt and the environment, keeping moisture from penetrating and damaging the surface. This is especially important in the winter, when freezing temperatures cause water to expand and crack the asphalt surface. Sealcoating protects the surface from oxidation and chemical degradation, helping it last longer.
It is important to note that sealcoating does not repair existing cracks or holes. However, it does fill in any small cracks before they get bigger, preventing further damage to the pavement. It’s also important to keep in mind that the sealant is not a permanent solution, and it will need to be applied regularly to maintain its protective function. For this reason, it’s best to have a professional take care of the process. They will be able to recommend the right type of sealant for your specific needs.
Prevents Oil Spills
Asphalt is a durable material, but exposure to sun, water, and oil can cause it to fade, crack, and crumble over time. Sealcoating is a preventive measure that protects asphalt from future damage, and keeps it looking great for years to come.
To apply seal coat, workers first need to thoroughly clean the asphalt pavement surface. This typically involves power washing the area and using industrial sweepers to remove any debris or other substances that could impede adhesion.
Then, they spray a thick layer of the sealant onto the asphalt surface. The seal coat soaks into the pavement, restoring a deep black appearance and replenishing oils and binder that have been depleted over time. The coal tars used in the seal coat also prevent gasoline and oil spills from seeping into and damaging the asphalt pavement surface. This prevents costly repairs and replacements. Oil spots left untreated can cause major damage to asphalt if allowed to penetrate the surface and break down the binder. This is why prompt scrubbing and seal coating are considered the best defense against this problem.
Prevents Cracking
Sealcoating protects asphalt pavement from further damage by creating a strong and sturdy layer of protection. This layer of protection helps prevent cracks from expanding or re-stretching.
In addition, the asphalt oils in a seal coat help to replenish some of the depleted asphalt oils and binder that have dried up over time. However, seal coating does not address deeper cracks or structural issues. If you notice these kinds of issues, a more targeted approach like rubberized crack sealing might be more appropriate to help preserve the integrity of your asphalt.
The key to a successful asphalt sealcoating project is meticulous preparation of the asphalt surface prior to the application of the sealcoat. This includes cleaning the surface thoroughly and removing any loose materials or debris from the cracks. Additionally, utilizing standard PPE (personal protective equipment) is important to ensure that workers do not breathe in any hazardous fumes while spraying the sealant. Coal tar emulsions and other sealcoat materials contain toxins that can cause cancer and other health problems when inhaled.
Prevents Rust
Rust can destroy asphalt and concrete surfaces, and it also presents a health hazard to people who walk on the affected surface. While there are bandaids that can temporarily hide rust, such as using oil or vinegar, the best way to prevent it is to sealcoate the surface.
Professionally applied sealcoating will not only reduce oxidation of the asphalt but it will also protect against abrasion and weathering that causes rutting. It is also a lot less expensive than replacing the damaged surface, and it will last for many years.
While some property owners choose to apply their own seal coats, this is often a difficult task that requires heavy equipment and significant time commitment. Professionals are equipped with the right tools and can get the job done quickly and efficiently. In addition, they can provide guarantees on their work.
Prevents Mold
A properly applied seal coat can stop minor cracks from growing into major ones. It can also protect your driveway from damage from oils, chemicals and even water. However, you must remember that sealcoating isn’t a solution for fixing your pavement. It’s a preventive maintenance technique that stops defects before they occur, rather than waiting until they become worse and forcing you to spend more on repairs.
When you hire a reputable asphalt paving company for your sealcoating project, you can count on them to use only the highest-quality materials. This will ensure that your driveway is protected for as long as possible, and that the results look great.
To get the best results, a professional will need to thoroughly clean the surface before applying the seal coat. They’ll need to remove oil stains, for instance, which can be a challenge since they are so stubborn. For this reason, they may need to flash heat the stain to burn it off. This will leave a cleaner, purer surface that can be sealed properly.
