Your commercial property’s asphalt reflects your business to the community, and it’s important to keep it in excellent condition to extend its longevity and maintain its beauty. Sealcoating (waterproofing sealant) sprays onto your pavement with ease, resulting in a smooth, wear-resistant surface that keeps water from creating unwanted cracks or potholes.
Avoid the dismal look of dim, gray parking lots by sealcoating yours with a layer of uniform protection that keeps your property looking crisp, clean, and well cared for.
Read on to discover the long-term benefits of asphalt sealcoating, and how it boosts your business’ image and saves you time and money in the future.
What Is Asphalt Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is an extra layer (or membrane) on top of your asphalt. It keeps your pavement from suffering damage from oxidation, fuel spills, and constant contact with weather elements.
How Asphalt Sealcoating Extends the Life of Your Paved Surfaces
Sealcoating your pavement is worth the investment. Here’s why:
1. Provides an additional layer of protection
Oxidation is the process of drying out due to the sun’s UV rays. It leaves your pavement brittle and more susceptible to developing cracks, potholes, and other unsightly damage. Oxidation turns most pavement a dull gray color that is unattractive. Sealcoating slows down oxidation so your parking lot maintains its beauty and cracks and potholes are prevented.
2. Blocks moisture from entering cracks
Sealcoating fills the cracks in your asphalt, keeping water from entering and causing problems below the surface (particularly in the winter when water freezes and expands — making the cracks bigger).
3. Protects your pavement from damaging fuel spills
Asphalt and gas are a lot alike chemically, so fuel spills are apt to weaken pavement unless it has a protective layer over it. Sealcoating forms a barrier to keep fuel from binding with the asphalt surface, extending its longevity.
4. Keeps your asphalt from cracking from the pressure of vehicles
Asphalt is flexible by nature, so when heavy vehicles drive on it, the surface bends a little to accommodate the weight without creating cracks in it. If your pavement is not covered with sealcoating, it will become brittle and won’t “give” when heavy vehicles drive on it, creating more opportunity for damage and early deterioration.
5. Keeps your pavement looking great for years to come
You’ll save time, hassles, and money by sealcoating your asphalt driveway and parking lot. Keeping your asphalt in tip-top shape is vital to your investment. Sealcoating is an essential step in extending the life of your asphalt. It helps prevent damage, not just repair damage, keeping your pavement attractive for years.
6. Creates an appealing overall look to your business to draw in customers
The simple process of sealcoating gives your property the edge when it comes to its curb appeal for the long term. Because cracks and holes are sealed before sealcoating is applied, you’ll have a uniform coat over your pavement. Great looks mean potential clients or tenants will choose more favorably on doing business with you — and returning to your business again! It’s an investment in your property and your image with the people around you.
7. Gives you the low maintenance pavement you desire
Any time you can save on maintaining your property is an asset. Sealcoating prevents pavement problems, saving you time and money on maintenance.
The Process of Sealcoating
Sealcoating consists of first cleaning and patching your pavement, then coating the entire surface with a sealer that creates an impenetrable barrier when it dries. With surface sealcoat intact, the asphalt underneath it is protected from moisture, high winds, and sunshine that would typically harden asphalt and contribute to it cracking and crumbling. It’s a cost-effective way of repairing or surfacing your existing asphalt, extending the life of your pavement.
The best time of year to sealcoat is when the temperature is 55 or above, ensuring the product will cure properly. It’s important that leaves and debris don’t attach themselves to the coating once it is applied (and before it finishes setting!).
- Sealcoating is applied when the weather is dry for at least 48 hours.
- Your pavement is barricaded to keep traffic off it for two days.
- General cleaning (sweeping and power washing) is done on your pavement.
- Liquid sealer is applied to any significant cracks.
- Deep holes are patched with a compound and packed firmly to ensure a flat, solid surface.
- Liquid sealcoating is applied over the entire pavement surface, and according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- A second coat will be applied the next day.
- When sealcoating is completely dry, barricades are removed.
- If needed, parking space striping can be applied after the surface has cured for at least 24 hours.
How Often Should You Have Sealcoating Applied?
It’s recommended that you apply sealcoating every three years for pavement with normal use, or more frequently if your pavement has heavy traffic.
Paved Surfaces that Benefit from Sealcoating
Parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, warehouse spaces, and other paved areas can deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to UV radiation, as well as rain, snow, and ice. Sealcoating extends the life of asphalt driveways, parking lots and other paved areas, ensuring they are protected from everything that can try to deteriorate them.
Extend the Life of Your Asphalt Pavement
You can prevent oxidation, stop weather damage, and beautify your pavement with sealcoating. At EverLine Coatings and Services, we follow manufacturer’s guidelines to the letter. And our application process ensures your investment lasts!
Learn more about how asphalt sealcoating services can benefit your business.
