Home » Paving

Category Archives: Paving

Sealcoating Is a Proactive Maintenance That Improves Curb Appeal and Lasts Longer

Asphalt paving looks better when it is clean and maintained. Sealcoating is a preventive maintenance that improves curb appeal and helps the paved surface last longer.

Sealcoating

Motor oil and gas leaks stain asphalt, while water and UV rays dry it out. Over time, these elements oxidize the binder and cause deterioration that leads to potholes. Seal coating blocks these harmful elements and replenishes the oil in your pavement. Visit https://www.rochesternysealcoating.com/ to learn more.

Asphalt pavements look much better with a fresh sealcoat. A pristine black appearance can enhance your property’s curb appeal and increase its value. Sealcoating is a liquid mixture that is spread and hardened in a thin layer over your asphalt. This coating restores the pavement’s rich black color and creates a durable protective barrier against moisture, UV rays and other harmful chemicals.

Before the sealcoating process begins, the pavement must be cleaned and broomed. This is done to remove any dirt or mud that could get into the cracks during the sealing process. Linear cracks will be filled with a hot rubberized crack filler that will expand and contract as the asphalt does during any expansion and contraction cycles. Once the area is cleaned and prepared, two coats of sealcoat will be applied to the paved surface. A commercial-grade sealant is typically used for a smoother finish.

During the sealing process, it is important to not walk on the freshly coated pavement for 24 to 48 hours. The sealcoat will need time to dry and bond to the asphalt. This will prevent the edges of the sealcoat from pulling away from the pavement or creating a bubble in the surface.

Once the sealcoat has dried, it will protect your pavement from the elements and prolong its life for years to come. As the weather and oxidation wear down asphalt, it becomes brittle and susceptible to damage. Sealcoating stops this process by blocking the oxidizing substances and keeping the asphalt pliant and flexible for a longer lifespan.

Sealcoating can also help to prevent the “graying” of asphalt. This occurs when the pavement becomes exposed to sunlight and oxygen for extended periods of time. This oxidation causes the pavement to turn gray or white in color. Sealcoating can prevent this from happening by protecting the asphalt from direct sunlight and oxygen. Sealcoating can also be used to protect against stains from motor oil, gasoline and other chemical spills that may occur on the pavement. All workers involved in the sealcoating process must be aware of the potential hazards associated with working with these materials. They should wear long sleeves, pants and impervious shoes and gloves when handling the sealant. If they are exposed to these chemicals for prolonged periods of time, it can cause health issues such as cancer and lung disease.

Prevents Water Damage

Asphalt pavement is susceptible to a number of elements that cause it to degrade and lead to the development of cracks, potholes, base course failures, and other problems. Water is one of the main culprits as it can cause damage to the surface if allowed to pond or seep into the asphalt. Sealcoating is a proactive approach to maintenance that protects the asphalt from water damage and other types of degradation.

Sealcoating provides a thick coating that fills in newly developing or existing cracks, and prevents water from entering those small gaps. It also helps block UV rays from damaging the asphalt by creating a barrier that stops these harmful rays.

An unsealed driveway or parking lot is prone to water damage that can be very costly. Water can easily seep into the small cracks in asphalt, and then freeze when temperatures drop. This can expand the cracks, and cause severe damage to the underlayment. Sealcoating protects the surface from water damage by preventing it from reaching the underlayment.

Refined coal tar is used as the binder in most asphalt sealcoating products. However, this type of product is known to contribute to elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in waterways and other natural resources. This is a reason why refined coal tar has been banned in many areas of the United States. Newer asphalt emulsions and other products now exist that are safer for the environment, and still provide an effective sealcoat.

An asphalt driveway or parking lot that has been sealcoated will not only look good, but will last longer than one that hasn’t been treated. This is why it’s essential that you consider having your driveway or parking lot professionally sealcoated by a trusted and reputable company. A professional company will not only use premium grade products, but will follow the manufacturer’s directions and apply it properly. The process is not a simple task, and can be quite time consuming. However, it is well worth the effort as it will prolong the life of your pavement and save you money in repair and replacement costs.

Prevents Oil Stains

Oil stains aren’t just unsightly, they can also be dangerous. Your asphalt is at risk of deterioration once the oil gets under the surface, and the only way to stop this from happening is by having your parking lot professionally seal coated. Sealcoating is a cost-effective service that protects your blacktop from UV damage, water seepage, and other weather-related damage at a fraction of the price of new pavement.

Generally, your paving company will apply two coats of asphalt sealer to a freshly paved or lightly-damaged parking lot. The first step is to remove any accumulated dirt, debris, or oil spots that are present. These stains must be removed before the next steps, as they can prevent the asphalt from bonding with the sealer and will continue to break down the asphalt. The best way to remove an oil stain is with a detergent scrub, which is a mixture of hot water and a degreaser. Once the oil is cleaned, the surface is swept and then treated with a special product that is designed to enhance the bonding of the next layer of asphalt with the sealer.

As a precautionary measure, workers will wear PPE (personal protective equipment) while applying the seal coat. This includes coveralls, gloves, face masks, and safety glasses. This is because the spraying process can release fumes and particles that are harmful to the lungs and skin. Repeated exposure to these toxins over a long period of time can lead to diseases such as cancer.

Once the application is complete, workers will let the asphalt sealer dry for 24 hours before allowing vehicles on it. If the weather is particularly warm, this may take longer. Once the sealer is dried, it will provide a thick and durable barrier that protects the underlying asphalt from water, sun, and other damaging elements.

As a bonus, the additives in the sealer help to reduce the slickness of your parking lot, reducing your liability. While your asphalt will always be slick when wet, a properly applied sealcoat will add traction and prevent accidents.

Prevents Cracking

Asphalt is very susceptible to cracking, especially when it’s old and brittle. This is because oxidation, oil spills, and chemical penetration degrade the surface and make it soft and brittle. When this happens, it’s very easy for vehicular traffic to crack and crumble the asphalt pavement. Sealcoating prevents cracking and keeps the paved surface stable, which saves money on costly repairs.

The application of a sealcoat also protects the pavement from damage caused by the elements, like UV rays. When asphalt is exposed to constant UV rays, it loses its oil and becomes brittle. As the brittle asphalt deteriorates, it creates small cracks that can become potholes. A well-maintained and properly sealed asphalt pavement will resist deterioration and stay flexible under pressure, which saves money on repairs and extends the lifespan of the asphalt.

Another benefit of sealcoating is that it prevents the need for a full asphalt replacement. Compared to the cost of new asphalt installation, sealcoating costs just pennies per square foot to preserve an existing paved surface. Sealcoating is also more economical than repairing large pavement failures, like potholes and severe cracking, which requires extensive excavation and patching.

Before a sealcoat is applied, workers will need to clean the paved surface and remove any debris or dirt that might be stuck in the cracks. The paving contractor will use powerful cleaning equipment, such as blowers, rotary brooms, and sweepers to get the job done. Then the paved surface will be primed and cleaned using hot rubberized crack filling compound to prepare it for the sealcoat.

Once the cracks are filled and the paving is smooth, a sealcoat can be applied for a beautiful finish that improves your property’s curb appeal. The fresh black color is inviting to customers and helps your business look professional. It’s also much easier to clean the paved area when it’s not cracked and discolored. If you want to extend the life of your asphalt pavement, consider using crack sealing and sealcoating services on a regular basis. These maintenance services will protect the paving, beautify it, and save money in the long run by preventing expensive repairs and resurfacing projects.