Asphalt sealcoating is an important part of any asphalt maintenance plan. Whether it's a driveway, parking lot, or other asphalt surface, regular maintenance like sealcoating helps keep your surface looking and functioning its best, extends the life of the surface, and helps prevent more expensive repairs or replacement down the line. Sealcoating is particularly important for maintaining surfaces that get a lot of use which is why it's a staple part of asphalt parking lot maintenance. Read on to learn more about sealcoating and why it should be a part of your maintenance plan.
What is Asphalt Sealcoating?
A seal coat is a thin coating layer added on top of an asphalt surface to protect the surface from damage caused by the elements such as water, oil, vehicle fluids, and UV rays. It helps keep the crude oil from escaping, which is the glue that binds asphalt together. If the surface is exposed to high temperatures over time the oil will escape and cause the asphalt to become dry and brittle. Seal coat also helps bind the asphalt surface to prevent it from becoming rough and exposing larger rocks that make up the asphalt. When asphalt is rough it collects dirt and water which can cause more deterioration to the asphalt. While this maintenance approach doesn't fix existing damage like cracks and potholes, it helps prevent them from forming in the first place (read our blog post about how potholes form).
When to Sealcoat Your Driveway, Parking Lot, or Other Surface?
It's recommended to seal your asphalt surfaces every two to five years, or as soon as you start to see the color of the stones that make up the asphalt. Freshly paved asphalt should not be sealed for the first 12 to 18 months so that it can cure and harden. Summer or early Fall are usually the best times to apply sealcoat.
Benefits of Asphalt Sealcoating
1. Prevents damage which could lead to expensive repairs
By protecting your surface from the elements, sealcoating prevents damage such as cracks and potholes that can be costly to repair once they've formed.
2. Longer pavement life
Sealcoating is a protective layer on the top of your surface. Since your asphalt will be protected from damaging elements, the surface will in turn last longer.
3. Protection from sun and water
Over time, the sun constantly beating down on your asphalt can dry it out and lead to issues. On top of that, water is also a major source of surface deterioration as it can get into cracks, freeze, expand, and in turn cause or worsen damages to the pavement. With sealcoating, your asphalt will be protected from these natural elements such as the sun's UV rays and water, preventing such deteriorating and damage.
4. Keeping up appearances
Sealcoating also gives asphalt surfaces a dark black look similar to freshly paved asphalt. The smooth, clean coating keeps your asphalt driveway or parking lot looking and functioning its best.
As you can see, asphalt sealcoating is a crucial part of any asphalt parking lot maintenance plan and shouldn't be skipped. Get in touch with us today for a free quote - (303) 999-9669 or paul@hqasphaltconcrete.com.