Pavements are a significant part of any building – residential, commercial, and even public structures. In the US alone, there are over 4 million miles of paved roads. Often, we overlook their importance until they show signs of wearing and become unsafe or unsightly. While we want them to last forever and remain in their pristine condition, sadly, that’s not the case.
One of the most popular paving materials is asphalt. Affordable and recyclable material, asphalt is used for roads and highways, driveways, parking lots, and other outdoor open areas. Although it is a highly durable material, cracks, potholes, dents, and many different types of damage can make it dangerous and unsightly. This is why regular and ongoing pavement maintenance is crucial to protect and preserve the surface. Proper care ensures the longevity, functionality, and safety of the asphalt pavement.
It is essential to prevent damage from creeping in and getting out of hand when it comes to pavement maintenance. Orlando experts from CSG Sealcoating emphasized that the more damaged the pavement is, the more complicated and expensive the repair will be. So, you have to protect the surface to avoid costly repair projects.
The good news is that most types of asphalt damage are preventable. This is where asphalt sealcoating comes into the picture. Sealcoating is a thin, liquid layer applied over a paved surface to protect it from wear and tear effects. It does not fix existing issues like cracks; rather, it prevents damage from occurring, to start with. It also protects the pavement from potentially damaging elements, thereby helping extend its lifespan.
Here we take a look at the most significant benefits sealcoating offers.
Preserve aesthetics
Asphalt pavement looks excellent when it is well maintained. The asphalt surface is prone to cracking, fading, and showing other signs of wearing. Over time, the surface can look unappealing, and significant cracks can even cause an accident if not addressed immediately.
Asphalt sealcoating provides a tough outer layer that acts as a barrier. It maintains the oil content of the bitumen, thereby preserving the shiny, deep black color of the pavement.
Extend its lifespan
Proper seal coating can help safeguard your pricey investment and prevent premature cracking and damage. It protects the asphalt surface against oil and chemical spills. Sealcoating also slows down the effect of oxidation and can extend the life of your asphalt pavement for another five years.
Prevent water damage
One of the best benefits of sealcoating your asphalt is to avoid water damage. Most of us forget how much damage water can do on asphalt, especially during the cold months. Water can seep through tiny cracks and crevices of asphalt. Once ice thaws, it expands, seeps deeper, and causes cracking. The freeze-thaw cycle can disrupt the surface integrity of the asphalt pavement.
During summer, rainwater can erode the surface, and torrential rains can even cause a complete washout of the underlying base rock and gravel. While seal coating may not prevent such significant damage, it can help slow down the rate of damage to the outer surface.
Spills
Asphalt driveways, parking lots, and roadways are subject to high traffic, making the areas subject to spills. Although asphalt tends to be durable to many liquids, other chemical bases can affect the asphalt composition. Grease, oil, gas, corrosive acids and more can eat away the asphalt. Sealcoating can prevent spills from damaging the surface by providing a durable barrier that safeguards the pavement from spills and stains.
Enhance aesthetic
Regardless of the age of your asphalt, sealcoating improves its luster, gloss, and color. Stains, potholes, and cracks can quickly reduce your curb appeal. Regular sealcoating makes your asphalt pavement look as fresh as newly installed. And this will also have a positive impact on your property’s overall appeal.
Savings
Sure, seal coating will cost you a few hundred dollars, but you save a lot by preventing costly damage from happening in the long run. This is the idea behind preventive maintenance – you pay little to avoid high costs. Compared to repairing cracks and potholes, occasionally applying a layer of seal coat is way cheaper. Avoiding asphalt problems before they form can significantly cut potential repair expenses in the future.
So, how do you apply sealcoating?
Asphalt sealcoat is a simple process. First, clean the surface of any loose aggregates, grime, and dirt. Next, potholes and cracks are patched or repaired. Finally, asphalt sealer is applied using a squeegee or sprayer. The sealer can cure for at least eight hours at the recommended temperature (around 13 degrees Celsius). Wait for the sealer to cure before using the pavement.
That’s how quickly and simply you can reap the excellent benefits of asphalt sealcoating.
