Asphalt requires regular maintenance for it to last long. That’s the reason why you should apply sealer on asphalt after every two years to protect the asphalt. Although sealcoating is a simple job that everyone can do without being experts in that area, it’s important to understand what causes asphalt to deteriorate, and how sealcoating prevents that. This assists people with asphalt paved surfaces to take better care of these surfaces.
Different types of sealcoating
Professionals from ABC Paving & Sealcoating use two different products for sealcoating. These products are asphalt emulsion coatings and coal tar sealers—which are the primary products used for sealcoating.
Asphalt emulsion sealers can be applied easily, and they normally emit less (VOCs)—volatile organic compounds. The downside of these sealers is that asphalt emulsion sealers don’t protect the asphalt from chemical spills. Coal tar sealers, on the other hand, are the cheapest option. However, they normally require a lot of attention during application. These sealers are the best for anyone concerned about chemical and fuel spills. The biggest issue with coal tar sealers is that they emit more VOCs than asphalt emulsion sealers.
Regardless of the type of sealant that you choose, the higher the level of solids in the sealant, the better the quality of the product. However, you should always check the recommendations given by the manufacturer before choosing the product. Moreover, ensure that the sealant is designed for your application.
The other two forms of asphalt sealers are fast-dry and acrylic. Acrylic sealing products are typically made out of synthetic products, which comprise polymers and acrylic. The major benefit of using an acrylic sealer is that it’s doesn’t pose much threat to the environment. Besides, it’s much safer for people who frequently work with it. However, it a bit costly, and some experts argue that it offers a weak protective layer.
For the fast-dry sealers, on the other hand, they are ideal for areas that are used frequently. That means the sealed surface can be opened for foot traffic within a very short period of time after the sealer is applied. This is the best option for a business that needs to resume the parking lot or driveway to use very quickly. The downside of fast-dry sealers is that they don’t last long. Moreover, they need a temperature of 75 degrees F and above for application.
So, how does sealcoating protect asphalt?
Sealcoating is essential for asphalt paved surfaces. Apart from protecting the asphalt, it also improves its appearance, and also makes it easy to clean the surface. Generally, sealcoating is an amazing way to protect your asphalt paved surface. Now, here’s how sealcoating protects asphalt.
Sealcoating protects asphalt from water damage
At times it doesn’t make sense how water can damage asphalt. But the reality is, water is one of the biggest threats to any asphalt paved surface. Water can seep through the small cracks in an asphalt surface. When this happens, the water can freeze during the winter, and then expand—which causes the crack to expand.
This cycle continues as the crack becomes bigger and bigger. Eventually, the cracks become large, weakening the asphalt, and this leads to the formation of potholes. Sealcoating, however, gives your asphalt paved surface a waterproof barrier. As a result, it protects the initial tiny cracks from water damage.
Sealcoating protects asphalt from chemicals
Asphalt is also susceptible to other materials like motor oil, gasoline, de-icing chemicals, and antifreeze. These materials can corrode, stain, and damage your asphalt paved surface. Although it’s essential to prevent these harmful materials from sitting for a long time, as they are harmful to the environment. Sealcoating, however, ensures that they don’t seep through your asphalt paved surface—and this protects the surface from any additional wear and tear.
Sealcoating protects the appearance of asphalt
Although sealcoating isn’t applied for cosmetic purposes, it does come with cosmetic benefits. Sealcoating assists in protecting the brand-new appearance of an asphalt surface. Thus, it prevents it from becoming dull.
Although you shouldn’t do asphalt coating for cosmetic purposes only, you should understand that your asphalt paved surface makes the first impression of your property. Therefore, if you want to sell your home first or attract many customers, sealcoating will go a long way in making this happen.
Also, sealcoating helps in making the lines on a parking lot visible. Although this might look like a minor issue, it ensures that an asphalt parking lot is safe, as well as dent-free.
Sealcoating protects asphalt from UV radiation
UV radiation is among the top enemies of asphalt. Sealcoating assists in protecting an asphalt surface from the constant banging of UV rays. Asphalt surfaces with continuous exposure of sunlight are bound to weaken with time. This makes the surface to break apart or loosen eventually.
As the surface loosens, the binding materials will start to come out, and this will make the surface to become rough. With time, cracks start to form, which allows water to penetrate to the base layers of the paving. Also, cracks allow grass and dirt to grow, and this can make the paving lose its beauty.
If left unchecked, you might be forced to repair or replace the entire surface. However, sealcoating your asphalt paved surface protects it from the harmful UV radiation. It also assists you to avoid the unnecessary costs of repairing the surface.
Sealcoating protects asphalt from freezing
Just like sealcoating protects asphalt from UV radiation, it also protects asphalt surfaces from extreme cold. The frequent freeze and melt cycles make the surface to contract and expand, and this causes the surface to crack. However, sealcoating the surface protects it from extreme temperatures, and this prevents it from cracking.
