Everything You Need to Know About Asphalt Sealcoating to Protect Your Pavement

1. Everything You Need to Know About Asphalt Sealcoating to Protect Your Pavement

2. The best thing you can do to preserve your pavement from costly damage is sealcoating. Unfortunately, the procedure is not well-known outside of the paving industry. In order to safeguard your investment in your asphalt surface and preserve attractive pavement, our guide will teach you all you need to know about sealcoating, including what it is, why it is important, and how to find a competent contractor—or how to sealcoat your own surface.

3. What exactly is sealing? To prevent water, chemicals, and other dangerous substances from penetrating asphalt surfaces and causing long-term damage and shortening of their lifespan, sealcoating is applied. A thin mixture of liquid and tiny materials, such as sand, minerals, or asphalt itself, are used to make asphalt sealcoating.

4. The history of sealcoating parallels that of paved roads and automobiles. In the 1920s and 1930s, as more people bought cars, there was a greater need for paved roads, which was quickly followed by a greater requirement for road maintenance. Smooth asphalt surfaces can be easily and affordably maintained by applying sealcoating.

5. How is asphalt protected by sealcoating? The oil contained in the sealant seeps through the preexisting asphalt after it has been applied. In addition to lubricating the binder that binds the asphalt together, it refills the oil on the original surface. Maintaining asphalt's flexibility is crucial. It must have the capacity to enlarge in heat and contract in cold. Asphalt dries out and becomes brittle when there is not enough oil present. Then, cracks appear, and additional harm will soon follow.

6. That harm is averted by sealcoating, and the minute bits of material it contains fill in minor pavement fractures. It seals out dangerous chemicals and water more efficiently by filling these cracks with new material. Additionally, sealcoating makes pavement surfaces more homogeneous, which prevents uneven wear.

7. How can I tell whether my driveway needs to be sealed? Six to a year after the asphalt is put, sealcoating is beneficial for asphalt driveways. A new asphalt surface should not be sealed before six months have passed. If your driveway is in good shape and free of significant cracks or other damage, sealcoating can provide protection for up to three years. It is best to be safe than sorry and sealcoat your asphalt if you are unsure of how long it has been since it was sealed.

8. On surfaces that are still in good condition, sealcoating performs best. Instead of a fundamental repair, it is a maintenance phase. It is too late to take a preventative action like sealcoating if your driveway already has severe wear, noticeable cracking, or water damage. Instead, make the necessary repairs to the driveway before sealing the newly laid asphalt at the proper time.

9. What benefits does sealcoating offer? Improved Appearance - Sealcoating applies a thin layer of asphalt that hardens and keeps the original asphalt's dark color. Without sealcoating, exposure to the elements, use, and sun damage eventually erode the top layer, turning the distinctive black appearance into a faded grey. Your asphalt will continue to look brand-new with routine sealcoating. Protection - Sealcoating stops chemicals and water from penetrating minute gaps in the surface, wearing down the asphalt and the base below. Additionally, it shields asphalt from the sun's ultraviolet radiation and inclement weather. Asphalt can be weakened by UV ray penetration. Asphalt is shielded from these dangerous rays by sealcoating.

10. Deep Maintenance - Sealcoating keeps your asphalt flexible by allowing new oil to penetrate it. Flexible asphalt is more resilient to the effects of temperature changes. When heated by the sun, it can expand, and when it gets chilly, it can shrink. Your asphalt will break if it becomes dry and brittle. Sealcoating is a crucial stage in maintenance that should not be skipped. Low Cost - Sealcoating is a low-cost maintenance solution that will extend the life of your asphalt surface compared to the cost of fixing damaged asphalt or entirely resurfacing a space.

11. Damage Avoidance - By maintaining the smoothness of your asphalt by sealcoating, you can avoid more serious damage. When water may penetrate the ground below the asphalt, potholes develop. Sealcoating shields your surface against cracks, potholes, and other damage by preventing moisture from penetrating it. Smooth Surface: Sealcoating keeps the surface smooth, making it perfect for sweeping. If you can keep your asphalt clean, dirt and chemicals will not build up on top and damage the surface. If you have a lengthy driveway or deal with a lot of vehicles crossing your surface, a smooth surface can mean less upkeep and save wear and strain on vehicles.

12. What drawbacks does sealcoating have? Cracks and other deterioration cannot entirely be halted by sealcoating. Even though it can partially prevent damage, especially if the asphalt base was not put correctly or the original asphalt was not a high-quality combination, it cannot completely fill in minor cracks and wear on the surface.

13. A recurring maintenance expense is sealcoating. For the duration of the asphalt's life, it should be applied again every three years. Asphalt that has been damaged cannot be sealed. Your surface should be free of problems such as cracks. Surface damage needs to be fixed before sealcoating if it exists. Sealcoating cannot correct faulty installation. If you believe your asphalt was put incorrectly, speak with an expert about how to fix the issue. In Burlington weather, sealcoating cannot be applied. Avoid applying sealcoating during the winter and schedule it for when it will be warm enough outside for the sealant to properly dry.