Asphalt Sealcoating is one of the most important elements of a pavement management plan
Sealcoats consist of a mixture of emulsified asphalt, coal-tar, sand, water, latex rubber additives and various other admixtures. Sealcoats are applied directly to the surface of asphalt pavement with such equipment as a rubber squeegee, broom, or mechanical spray machine.
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Sealcoats serve to seal the top of the asphalt, preventing water from penetrating the surface of the pavement and protecting the top layer of asphalt from oxidation and wear caused by exposure to the sun and air. Sealcoats also beautify the pavement by providing a smooth, black, even surface ideal for painting lines and sweeping.
Sealcoats are designed for off highway use where there are low traffic speeds and tight turning radiuses such as parking lots, mobile home parks, schools, shoulders, etc.
Asphalt Sealcoating Benefits
Beautification:
Sealcoating Apartment Parking Lot Gives a Striking and Clean Look
When covered with a dark black sealant, pavement looks and wears like new. Parking lot sealcoating helps to project a positive image of the company, apartment facility or residential complex.
Slows Oxidation and Water Penetration:
Sealcoating fills surface voids, which reduces exposure to oxygen and UV rays and reduces the depth to which oil or gas can penetrate the pavement.
Sealcoating acts as a waterproofing agent, minimizing the rate at which water enters pavement. Without it, water can permeate more freely resulting in freeze/thaw expansion and contraction of the pavement.
Reducing water penetration greatly reduces the potential for cracks and pot holes to form as the asphalt passes through the winter and summer cycles.
Sealcoating Resists Oil and Gas Spills:
Gasoline dripping from a topped-off fuel tank during hot weather can soften and break down unsealed asphalt pavements. Coal tars used in sealcoat are impervious to gas and oil spills.
Sealcoating Asphalt Protects High Traffic Store Parking Lot
Asphalt Sealcoating is Easier to Clean and Maintain:
Sealcoats fill surface voids while coating the pavement surface. The resulting smooth and even texture makes the surface easier to maintain year-round. For example, snow is easier to remove from a smooth surface, and sweeping is far more effective on a smooth surface.
Sealcoating Increases Pavement Flexibility:
Sealcoat brings a dark black color to the pavement. The blacker it is, the more heat a pavement draws from the sun, the hotter it gets, the more pliable it becomes which helps it to withstand traffic without cracking.
Protects Asphalt from Pressure Washing:
Restaurant parking lots often extend to areas near dumpster’s, where food-processing machines are pressure washed. Food waste near the dumpster’s may also need to be washed away if it can’t be swept away. Sealcoating protects asphalt cement from the high-volume water pressure and detergents used in pressure washing.
Asphalt Sealcoating is Cost Effective:
The price of asphalt will always be affected by crude oil prices, which fluctuate when supplies vary. Sealcoating preserves asphalt driveways and parking lots for pennies per square foot.
