Cars, tools, appliances – examine most any product that is subject to oxidation and moisture damage and, chances are, you’ll find it has a protective coating.
But did you know you can protect your investment in asphalt paving this same way? Make no mistake; pavement is a significant investment. In recent years, with the cost of petroleum products on the rise, it has become even more so.
With regular sealcoating maintenance, you can double-or even-triple the life of your asphalt. That’s only one of the reasons so many pavement maintenance professionals recommend it.
Why Uncoated Asphalt Degrades
Asphalt pavement is a mixture of stone aggregate, mineral fillers, and asphaltic binder. It has the ability to take great loads then flex back to its original postion, providing the smooth ride and durability we’re familiar with in an asphalt surface.
However, the primary molecular structure of asphalt is what is known as an “open chain” structure. This structure provides unintended access to the weather, UV radiation, salts, and chemicals which came in contact with pavement.
Plus, since asphalt is a petroleum product itself, other petroleum products, such as oil or gasoline, easily combine with it to break down. Over time, all these agents cause the asphalt to lose its flexibility and cohesiveness.
How Sealcoating Protects Pavement
Asphalt emulsion sealcoating are a blend of emulsion, specialty chemicals, fillers, and pigments. In some cases, very advanced technology is part of sealcoating’s formulation.
Practically odorless and non-irritation, emulsion sealcoating is not only easy to use but safe for applications such as school properties and restaurants.
Sealcoating functions in the same way as any protective coating. It puts a barrier between the degradants and the product. It seals out problems and seals in asphalts natural flexibility and performance.
Regular Maintenance is Key
To Provide the most protection, sealcoating should be applied early and regularly, even on new pavement. Depending on environmental and traffic conditions, pavement maintenance professionals recommend that sealcoating be applied approximately every three years.
Saving Money with Sealcoating
The cost of sealcoating is significantly less than replacing asphalt. In fact, according to an article in Pavement Magazine, regularly maintained sealcoated pavements offer a whopping 65% cost saving over unsealed pavements. During a 15-year period, that can add up to as much as $127,000 for a 10,000 square foot pavement.
What’s more, sealcoating enhances property value and customer perceptions with its handsome, well maintained look and rich black color.
Call A Professional
Sealcoating must be properly prepared and applied in order to assure optimal performance. This means contractor selection is critical to making sure you get all the benefits you deserve. A professional pavement maintenance contractor is your best source for the skill and experience required to protect your investment in pavement.
Signs of Degradation in Asphalt Pavement
- Color changes from rich black to brown or gray
- Cracks appear
- The asphalt gets a rough or crumbly surface texture
- Ruts appear
7 Important Benefits of Sealcoating
- Saves money. Sealcoating can double or even triple the life of your asphalt.
- Provides a barrier to salts, chemicals, and petroleum products which break down asphalt
- Is waterproof, seals out moisture the can erode the base beneath the asphalt.
- Improves crack resistance, keeps asphalt flexible so it doesn’t crack or break.
- Handsome, black finish increases property value
- Cures quickly for less interruption of traffic or business flow
- Faster cleanup, well maintained pavement is easier to keep clean.
Economy, performance, value. Simply put, sealcoating is todays best way to protect your investment in asphalt paving.