Sealcoating asphalt pavement can be an affordable way to shield it from the elements and extend its life, postponing costly repairs while adding curb appeal with its vibrant black hue.
Workers safety is of utmost importance with this job, since materials used contain carcinogenic substances that must be protected with adequate PPE such as face masks and respirators devices.
Aesthetics of Sealcoating
Sealer can make asphalt look brand new again. This one step will improve the aesthetics of your parking lot or driveway and give a great first impression for your property or business.
As an added benefit, your property will look well cared for – which is particularly helpful when renting commercial space, attracting customers for retail businesses or managing apartments, condominiums or homeowners’ associations. Sealcoating creates a beautiful deep black finish which displays that you are maintaining your investment by protecting its value and making a good first impression with visitors or residents.
Asphalt pavement deteriorates over time due to various environmental factors. Overexposure to sun light causes its original rich black hue to fade, while water infiltration accelerates its degradation process. Sealcoating regularly will extend asphalt’s lifespan and save money in costly repairs.
GemSeal’s Lee Lowis presented at the 2015 National Pavement Expo and discussed the necessity of maintaining asphalt concrete pavement. Lowis noted that asphalt lacks resistance against UV radiation and sunlight, leading it to oxidize quickly and lose plasticity, ultimately causing it to degrade over time. Sealcoating protects asphalt against such degradation by acting as a barrier against water infiltration and UV rays – thus slowing its degradation over time.
Sealcoating your asphalt for aesthetic reasons should be your main motivation; it is an easy way to revive an aging parking lot or driveway and give it new life again. A freshly applied sealcoat will bring vibrant hues that will set it apart from others in its neighborhood and draw customers’ eyes in. However, please remember that damaged pavement needs to be addressed prior to sealcoating as applying sealant will only exacerbate its condition further and will provide no long-term protection.
Durability of Sealcoating
Asphalt may be durable material, but it’s still vulnerable to wear-and-tear. Over time, weathering and the stress of traffic driving over it can damage it significantly. Sealcoating provides protection from these factors while prolonging its lifespan.
Professional asphalt sealing experts can advise on the appropriate frequency. A regular maintenance program will extend pavement lifespan and save money in the long run, while new sealcoat will keep your property looking its best and attract more customers – vital components to any successful business.
Pavement cracks can be unsightly and detract from curb appeal. Additionally, they pose a safety hazard to drivers and pedestrians. Sealcoating can fill these cracks to stop them widening over time.
Sealcoating asphalt pavements is an affordable alternative to resurfacing or replacing them entirely, adding property value while simultaneously saving on maintenance costs. When looking for an asphalt sealcoating company in your area, ask past clients for references and check their reputation to find reliable providers.
Sealcoating your property every two or three years will be worth investing in; having an attractive, safe parking lot increases its attractiveness as well as increasing property value.
Before applying a sealcoat to your asphalt, it’s essential that all damage has been addressed. Patching may help temporarily but won’t resolve serious cracks or potholes. Repair work should be completed prior to adding seal coat.
Sealcoating your pavement to prevent oil or gasoline oxidation can help preserve its pliability for years to come, keeping the asphalt flexible enough and flexible. Sealcoating protects against these corrosive chemicals while keeping your pavement flexible for longer.
Sealcoat can also help prevent ice and snow accumulation by diverting drainage system water away from asphalt, thus decreasing the chance of slippery roads which pose risks for both cars and pedestrians.
Safety of Sealcoating in Arizona
Sealcoating can be an unruly job that involves handling liquid chemicals. Therefore, workers should wear protective equipment including hard hats, long sleeves and pants, impervious gloves and safety glasses in order to stay safe when handling this sticky substance. In addition, sealant creates fumes while drying that could pose health hazards if workers are not using proper gear to mask its fumes.
Before sealing can begin, the pavement must first be thoroughly swept and cleaned to remove any visible dirt, debris or oil spots. Furthermore, it must be completely dry prior to application; otherwise the task should be postponed until such time as it can be completed safely.
Asphalt pavement must be clear of moisture and oil in order for sealant to adhere properly. Left unchecked, oil seeps through cracks into sealant faster and quickly deteriorates it; while applying a sealcoat will repel water and slow oxidation processes for an improved appearance and prolong its longevity – keeping your pavement looking great longer!
Most sealcoat manufacturers provide detailed instructions about how to properly prepare their products for optimal results, with many recommendations including adding silica sand to the mix. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous contractors ignore this recommendation by making false claims such as adding silica will cause excessive wear on equipment or their pumps cannot handle its added weight – both are simply false arguments designed to deceive customers by cutting corners.
Properly prepared sealcoats will last much longer if temperatures remain under 65 degrees Fahrenheit, enabling it to cure effectively and resist damage caused by traffic and weather. However, temperatures falling below this range will quickly cause it to break down and fail to protect the pavement from further weather-related damages.
Refined coal tar, produced as a byproduct from distillation of bituminous coal, is a key component in sealcoat formulations and an ingredient deemed hazardous for humans and the environment. While some have raised concerns that refined tar-based sealers present significant inhalation risks for applicators or manufacturers, generations of family-owned sealcoat companies have reported no chronic health impacts from working with refined tar sealers; and air sampling studies demonstrate this risk is minimal.
Maintenance of Sealcoating in Phoenix, AZ
Seal coating protects asphalt by filling in hairline cracks, tiny pits, and pores that allow water, chemicals, heat, and oil to enter and damage its surface over time. In addition, seal coat adds deep black hue that boosts curb appeal – without seal coating your driveway or parking lot could look dull and unattractive! Seal coating maintenance is a cost-effective way to extend its lifespan while improving its appearance.
Before applying a seal coat, it is crucial that the surface be power washed to eliminate any oil stains or spots which have developed, as well as cleaning your equipment thoroughly so all nozzles and hoses are completely dry.
Once sealant has been applied, it is vital that it dry completely – this may take 24-48 hours depending on its thickness. During this period, no driving should occur on or through the surface as this will help the sealant bond with asphalt surfaces better.
Remember that sealcoat cannot serve as a solution for significant asphalt pavement damage; repairs should be completed prior to applying sealcoat.
To extend the lifespan of your asphalt surfaces and improve their appearance, it’s a wise move to invest in regular maintenance with a professional paving company. Such maintenance may involve fixing surface cracks and filling potholes, as well as applying sealcoat. By keeping up with this routine you will both extend its lifespan and enhance its appearance.
Health and safety should always be of top concern when working with sealcoat materials, particularly coal tar emulsions which contain toxic chemicals which could cause cancer and other health complications in workers who come in contact with them. To reduce this risk, all workers should undergo proper training prior to beginning any project as well as always wear protective clothing and gloves for added protection during any projects that could encounter unexpected hazards such as working in inclement weather.
Contact Patterson Paving for a free estimate and quote.