Table of Contents
While many customers are aware that some maintenance is involved to protect the appearance and function of asphalt surfaces, sealcoating still remains a mystery to some.
So let’s explore how sealcoating protects your asphalt.
In this guide, we explain the protective role of sealcoating and why it’s essential for maintaining asphalt surfaces.
For more information on high-quality asphalt sealcoating products, reach out to a trusted sealcoat manufacturer in your area.
What is sealcoating?
Sealcoating is a protective layer applied to the surface of your asphalt parking lot or driveway.
For the best results, we recommend sealcoating pavements within 1 to 3 years of new asphalt installation.
A new sealcoat layer will need to be applied every 2 to 4 years depending on the level of traffic.
Sealcoating will not repair asphalt cracks and potholes, but will prevent this damage from happening in the first place.
Resists Chemicals
Parking lots are susceptible to chemicals because of the vehicles that drive and park on them every day.
Oil and other automobile fluids can cause the surface of your pavement to deteriorate.
In the winter time, the sheer amount of salt used to make your parking lot safe for pedestrians also has an effect on your asphalt pavement.
Thankfully, sealing your asphalt pavement will prevent damage from chemicals so you don’t have to worry about water seeping into the foundation to cause permanent damage.
Slows Oxidation
Oxidation simply refers to the asphalt surface being exposed to air and sun.
When you originally install asphalt, there is so much oil that oxidation actually helps strengthen the pavement.
However, too much oxidation will cause pavement to deteriorate and become brittle.
Pavement that has been weakened by oxidation is more likely to form asphalt cracks and potholes.
Sealcoating prevents too much oil from escaping so that pavement stays flexible.
Oxidation causes your asphalt pavement to deteriorate much faster than if you invested in sealcoating within the first 1 to 3 years of installation.
Over time, the sun and air work together to deteriorate the binding properties in your asphalt pavement, shortening the lifespan of your driveway or parking lot.
Prevents Water Damage to Foundation
Sealcoating protects your asphalt surface from rain, snow, and automobile fluids.
This means that by sealcoating your pavement, you are protecting it from forming cracks and potholes.
It’s important to keep up on asphalt pavement maintenance and use quality sealcoating products because it will prevent moisture from seeping into the foundation to cause lasting damage.
Keeps Asphalt Flexible
Did you know that asphalt expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures?
When your asphalt surface is baked by UV rays, this movement can cause brittle pavement to crack and pothole.
Sealcoating asphalt driveways and parking lots will help keep pavement flexible.
A reputable asphalt sealcoat supply company should be able to help you find the right sealcoating tools and materials for your project.
B&E Seal Coat Products, Inc. is a Grand Rapids sealcoating supplier dedicated to helping homeowners and asphalt contractors find the right asphalt products for the job.
If you are interested in purchasing sealcoating supplies from us, feel free to give us a call at (616) 608-6169.
