“Sealcoating provides a layer of protection preventing the elements of water and oils and U.V. damage. Also, when applied to manufacturers’ specifications, sealcoating gives a slip resistant surface having a deep black finish that beautifies the parking lot or driveway as well. Oxidation and water penetration are the main reasons for asphalt pavement failure.”
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Sealcoating is a general term used to describe making use of a top coating, or protectant coating of material over a current asphalt pavement. Asphalt pavement is made up of rock, sand, gravel, and a binding agent to keep it completely. The binding agent is a by-product of the distillation process of some types of crude oil. As asphalt ages and this by-product breaks down, unfortunately it loses its ability to bind, or hold together. Maintaining this binder is the vital thing in pavement maintenance. As one would expect, without it, the asphalt will start to break down. The most common causes of binder degradation are rain, ultraviolet rays from the sun, and chemicals just like antifreeze and car oil.
Normal everyday use in addition to harsh climate conditions may eventually loosen the top layer of asphalt ultimately causing erosion. This tends to bring about moisture penetrating the asphalt, slowly breaking up the surface with freeze-thaw cycles.
To lessen this harmful process from damaging pavement from rain, a lot of people choose to use a protective layer, or a seal coat, over the pavement to give the life of the parking lot or driveway as well as to prevent degradation. Furthermore, when sealcoating products are put on manufacturers’ specifications, they provide a slip resistant surface with a deep satin black finish which beautifies the parking lot or driveway.
Sealcoats are generally bituminous based products or acrylics. The sealcoat is in a liquid formulation of one of the above emulsions combined with water, silica sand, polymer additives as well as other proprietary fillers and solids. These products can be applied by brush, spray or squeegee. A regularly scheduled sealcoating program will more than double the amount life of the asphalt helping you save considerable dollars down the line.
To correctly take care of the pavement at a office or home, a sealcoating maintenance program must be in place. Maintenance will more than double life of the asphalt, saving the owner big money in the future and making the property look fresh and appealing. Repairing asphalt pavement after it has begun to degrade is expensive, so it’s sensible to protect the pavement by sealcoating before any long term damage happens for only pennies per square foot.
In summary, sealcoating every 2 to 3 years will surely extend the life of your asphalt pavement for minimal cost. When applied appropriately and also at the right time, sealcoating stops oxidation, sealcoating stops climate conditions and sealcoating beautifies pavement.
