Sealcoating is one of the best techniques to ensure the durability and appearance of your asphalt surfaces. Sealcoating involves the application of a protective coating on asphalt driveways, parking lots, and roads to increase their lifespan, appearance, and functionality. This article will discuss what sealcoating is, why it is necessary, and how it helps your asphalt surfaces to last longer.
What is Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is a method of applying a thin coating of a protective sealant on an asphalt surface. Such sealant is commonly comprised of asphalt emulsion mixed with sand, water, and other products aimed at protecting and enhancing the performance of the asphalt. Sealcoating is normally used on freshly-laid asphalt surfaces or as a maintenance procedure on old surfaces.
The Components of Sealcoating
Asphalt Emulsion: A liquid which is used to coat the asphalt to provide a protective layer.
Mineral Filler: These are fine particles (sand) which are used to aid in filling small cracks and blemishes on the surface.
Additives: Chemicals which have additional benefits, e.g., to improve adhesion or increase durability.
The Benefits of Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a very beneficial process, and it is important to seal your asphalt surfaces.
Here are the key advantages:
Protects Against UV Damage
With time, asphalt may be oxidized by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun leading to cracks, fading, and brittleness. Sealcoating provides an impermeable layer, allowing the harmful UV rays to bounce off the asphalt and ensuring that the asphalt does not deteriorate due to the sun’s exposure.
Prevents Fading: Sealcoating prevents the fading of your asphalt, and leaves it looking new.
Inhibits Oxidation: Sealcoating slows down the process of oxidation by preventing UV damage to your asphalt.
Repels Water and Moisture
One of the most devastating things to asphalt is water. As it enters the cracks, water may lead to frost heaving in winter or may soften the asphalt in summer. Sealcoating creates a barrier against water so that the water cannot get into the asphalt surface and cause damage in the long term.
Prevents cracks: Sealcoating keeps out water and this lowers the risk of cracking.
Prevents erosion: The protective coating will mitigate erosion of the surface by rain, snow, or ice.
Resists Oil and Gas Stains
Asphalt can be stained and deteriorated by oil and gasoline, leading to weakening of its structure. Sealcoating produces a smooth, non-porous surface that oil, gas, and other chemicals will not adhere to, thus making it easy to clean without creating permanent stains.
Prevents staining: Sealcoating prevents the absorption of deleterious materials.
Facilitates cleaning: Before spills can cause damage to the surface, they are easy to wipe clean with sealcoated asphalt.
Enhances Durability
Sealcoating provides an extra shield against the heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions, as well as other environmental factors, that can damage the asphalt. Sealcoating helps improve the durability of the surface, thus requiring less repair and increasing the lifespan of the asphalt, in general.
Enhances structural integrity: The sealcoating surface does not crack, chip, or wear out when subjected to pressure.
Prolongs the life of your parking lot or driveway: Sealcoating on a regular basis can add years to the life of your asphalt.
How Often Should You Apply Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is not a stop-gap measure, but a periodic maintenance action. To guarantee the best protection, you should reapply sealcoating within 2 to 3 years according to the state of the asphalt and amount of traffic.
Factors That Affect Sealcoating Frequency
Climate: Asphalt parking lots in cold climates can require more frequent sealcoating because of freeze-thaw cycles, which lead to cracks.
Traffic Volume: Traffic volume in parking lots, like commercial parking lots, may necessitate increased application frequency because of wear and tear caused from vehicles.
Age of Asphalt: Driveways or parking lots that are older and have already suffered some damage may need to be sealcoated more often.
The Sealcoating Process
Here’s an overview of how the process works:
Step 1: Surface Preparation
The asphalt must be cleaned before the sealant is applied. This involves cleaning the surface of any dirt, debris, weeds, and oil marks. The driveway or the parking lot is usually cleaned with a power washer.
Step 2: Crack Repair
If there are cracks or small holes in the asphalt, these should be repaired prior to sealcoating. Any gaps need to be filled with crack fillers or patching compounds so that a smooth surface is provided on which the sealant can adhere.
Step 3: Applying the Sealant
The sealant can be applied either by a sprayer or a squeegee. The sealant will need to be smoothed out so that it is even and spreads over the whole surface. The sealant is then left to dry, and a second coat can be applied if needed.
Step 4: Drying Time
Sealcoating requires time to dry and cure properly. The surface normally dries in about 24 to 48 hours depending on the weather conditions. During the drying and curing process, you should not drive or walk on the newly sealed surface.
Common Sealcoating Mistakes to Avoid
The following are some of the common mistakes to avoid to get the best of your sealcoating:
Failing to properly prepare the surface: Surfaces that are not properly cleaned and/or cracks that are not properly repaired may cause poor adhesion and an unsatisfactory finish.
Using sealant during the wrong weather: Sealcoating must be applied under the right weather conditions when the temperature is between 50 to 85° F so that it can cure properly.