When asphalt pavement is first laid, it has a rich black color that looks brand new. But, over time, the sun and weather elements can fade the appearance of your driveway or parking lot. Seal coating Lexington, SC slows the oxidation of the asphalt binder and protects it from gasoline, motor oil, salt, chemicals, water, and other damaging substances. This prevents premature deterioration and saves you money.
Protects Your Asphalt
An unprotected asphalt driveway or parking lot is susceptible to damage from water, sun, and chemicals. The best way to protect this investment is with a seal coat. Seal coating fills in small cracks and prevents water from seeping underneath the surface, where it can freeze and expand, creating larger cracks or even worse damage.
Seal coat also keeps the asphalt pliable to withstand vehicle temperature fluctuations and pressure. This helps extend the life of your blacktop and protects you from costly repairs down the line.
Applying a seal coat usually involves spraying the product from buckets with a squeegee or machine (depending on the project size). Before the process begins, we block off the area to be sealed and use pylons and caution tapes to ensure work safety. We then trim the edges to avoid overspray on curbs, sidewalks, lawns, or other areas you want to keep stain-free.
Prevents Water Damage
Asphalt pavement is a mix of rock and gravel aggregate held together by a petroleum-based binder. When motor oil leaks onto your asphalt, it degrades the binder and causes the pavement to deteriorate quickly. Sealcoating prevents degradation by blocking harmful elements from entering the asphalt surface and extending lifespan.
Water is another enemy of asphalt. Moisture can seep under the surface and soften the base, causing potholes or depressions that need costly repairs. Sealcoating prevents moisture from penetrating the asphalt and prevents oxidation, which can cause potholes to form.
The best time to seal the coat is on a dry day, without wind or clouds. Wind can eave the sealant off the surface, and clouds indicate high humidity levels,, making it difficult for the sealer to dry properly.
Prevents Sun Damage
Asphalt pavement can last 15 years or more if properly maintained. One of the most important parts of this maintenance is seal coating.
A fresh seal coat gives your parking lot or driveway a rich, deep black color that looks new and professional. This adds to the beauty of your property and can increase its value.
When unprotected, asphalt oxidizes and fades over time. This happens when UV rays, water, and other deteriorating elements degrade the petroleum binder and specifically formulated oils. Sealcoating slows the oxidation process and protects against damaging chemicals.
To see this for yourself, take a push broom, sweep concrete sidewalks, and do the same with sealed pavement. The concrete tugs the broom while the asphalt lets it slide easily over it.
Prevents Oil Spots
Asphalt pavement is susceptible to oil damage. Gasoline, motor oil, and de-icing chemicals can stain and deteriorate the surface. Seal coating replenishes lost oils and lubricates the binder that keeps asphalt together.
The protective barrier created by a good seal coat slows damage from air and sun, but it also protects against leaks that soften the asphalt. When left untreated, oil spots can seep into the asphalt and cause more extensive and costly damage.
Before seal coating, the pavement should be cleaned by sweeping and power washing. Any cracks should be filled before applying the sealant. Barricading the driveway or parking lot is recommended to keep traffic away while the pavement is sealed. A squeegee or sprayer should be used to apply the sealant.
Prevents Cracks
While you cannot completely prevent cracks from forming in your asphalt and concrete, timely seal coating will help to slow the process. It adds an extra layer of protection that protects the asphalt binder from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause it to break down and oxidize. Oxidation makes the asphalt brittle and allows cracks to form more easily.
The best time to seal the coat is in the spring or fall. It is important to block off and barricade your driveway or parking lot so there is no traffic while the work is being done. It’s also a good idea to hire professionals for this service. They will know which type of product to use (coal tar or acrylic polymer) that is best for your surface, and they can prepare it properly by cleaning it and patching any holes or deep cracks.