Petroleum products cause most of the damage as witnessed by oil spots and gas spills. The reason for its poor resistance is that asphalt is a petroleum product. They are separated only by the refining process of crude petroleum. Naturally, gasoline and oils will dissolve directly into the asphalt, soften the structure, and eventually cause major damage to asphalt pavements. Based on the these two weaknesses: poor resistance to UV radiation and chemicals such as melting salts and petroleum products, it is logical to conclude that one should use some sort of coating that would shield the asphalt pavements from these harmful elements that lead to the degradation of your costly asphalt parking lot.
This is in essence the idea behind seal coating. After much of the deterioration just described occurs this, unfortunately, seems to be the time when many people call the seal coater and want them to make everything better. Well, we can do a lot and make it look black, but much of this deterioration could have been avoided with regular preventative maintenance. Asphalt surfaces can be effectively protected by using a seal coating which acts as a barrier between the external harmful elements and the asphalt pavement. Usually a coal tar emulsion sealer is used which is highly resistant to water, gas and oil, salt, chemicals, and UV radiation . It is the perfect substance to combat the degradation of your asphalt pavement. Before seal coating the asphalt must cleaned to be free of all dirt, vegetation, and other foreign debris using blowers, sweepers, brooms, and sometimes high pressure washers.
Once the pavement is cleaned then any existing oil spots should be primed so that the sealer will adhere. Normally two coats of sealer are applied to the asphalt sealer either by squeegee or spray. Once the seal coating is completed it is very important to give adequate cure time for the coating which is to keep traffic from the freshly sealed surface for 24 hours. Traffic before 24 hours will cause premature wear and increased tire marking. During this 24 cure period the striping can be accomplished so that after the 24 hours, your parking lot is completely ready for traffic. Another great weapon in the arsenal of the pavement maintenance contractor is crack sealing. Crack sealing is done prior to any seal coat applications. If cracks are left unattended, water is able to penetrate to the base soaking and swelling the limestone thus destroying their strength and load bearing capabilities.
It is evidenced by “alligator” cracking, sunken areas, and eventually potholes. Cracks at least 1/8″ or wider should be treated with a least a cold pour sealant which will seal the cracks for a year or so. For a longer term repair, hot poured cracks sealant should be used. Hot Pour crack sealant remains flexible for a longer period of time and if used the crack repair can remain effective for 3-7 years. Ok so what is the bottom dollar? It costs me money for all of this maintenance. Won’t this add up to overlay every 10-15 years? Simply put NO. If one chooses to protect their asphalt surfaces with a seal coating and crack sealing, the life of the asphalt can at least be doubled and many times tripled at a fraction of the overlay costs.
In fact an estimate from the Asphalt Institute for the cost of an asphalt parking lot over a 15 year period for an unmaintained surface is $39.07 per square yard. If one gets on a regular maintenance program of seal coating every three years, the cost is $23.84 per square yard. In real terms if you have a parking lot of 3000 square yards, a savings of $45, 690 over fifteen years or $3046 per year will result. Besides savings in money another great advantage of seal coating is that a well maintained property increases the value of your property and is more pleasing to your patrons.
The first impression of possible tenants or customers is the parking lot. Is it maintained? Does it look nice? Is it safe? They think to themselves, “If they maintain their parking then they probably maintain they apartments and condominiums.” It is proven by marketing studies and I am sure from your own personal experience, that a well maintained property leads to higher occupancy rates, less turnover, and overall greater satisfaction.
The winter season can wreak havoc on asphalt. Here are some of the effects to look for. Freeze / Thaw Weather Cycle Freeze-thaw weather cycles are the real culprit when it comes to winter asphalt damage. The fluctuations in temperature causes moisture to freeze and melt continuously. When water freezes and turns into ice, it expands in size. When this happens inside existing cracks on asphalt surfaces, the pavement…
Read MoreThere comes a time with every parking lot where you need to ask whether it’s time to repair it, or replace it altogether. A properly paved asphalt lot can last 20 – 30 years, but the lifespan and condition of any lot depends on many factors. Let’s take a look at the various kinds of damage and repairs, and when or if you should replace a lot entirely. If a…
Read MoreOne of the best things you can do for your asphalt, whether it’s your driveway or a parking lot, is to have it seal coated. If you are planning to get a sealcoating, or have had one recently, you should make sure to take the right steps to make sure it can be set completely. Here are some things you should do to take care of your asphalt right after…
Read MoreWhen asphalt turns gray, this is a sign of a process called “oxidation.” Exposure to oxygen is problematic in that it triggers molecular processes in asphalt that create new polar sites, or “bonding sites.” The spike in polar sites permits molecules to move around, seeking bonds that help them reach a stable thermodynamic state. This push toward equilibrium continues as time progresses, causing the asphalt molecules to connect with asphalt…
Read MoreCracks will eventually form on your parking lot—it is virtually unavoidable. They are a normal sign of regular use that cannot be prevented altogether. Cracks occur in a variety of different ways, depending on the stressors of the environment. Some happen due to slippage, some because of underlying base issues, and some are simply due to age. Recognizing when to deal with them is important. Here are reasons why this…
Read MoreAggregates Aggregates are a mix of crushed stone, gravel, and sand. Aggregates make up about 95% of hot mix asphalt pavement. Aggregates act as the skeleton, providing skid resistance, stability and workability. Aggregate is primarily responsible for the load-supporting capacity of a pavement. Aggregate types are natural or uncrushed (smooth and round)—or crushed with single or multiple crushed faces. Rough textured, crushed and angular aggregate is needed to carry heavy…
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