Asphalt sealant Benefits: Unlocking the Benefits of Seal Coating
Asphalt sealant Benefits: Petroleum products wreak havoc on asphalt, evident in unsightly oil spots and gas spills. Asphalt's susceptibility to these elements stems from its petroleum composition, making it vulnerable to damage when exposed to gasoline, oils, and other substances. This deterioration, compounded by UV radiation and chemicals like melting salts, underscores the importance of proactive maintenance to preserve your valuable asphalt pavement. Enter seal coating—a protective shield against the ravages of nature and human use. Often overlooked until signs of deterioration emerge, seal coating acts as a barrier, safeguarding asphalt from water, gas, oil, salt, chemicals, and UV radiation. Typically, a coal tar emulsion sealer is applied, providing robust resistance to external threats and prolonging the lifespan of your asphalt. Proper preparation is key to the effectiveness of seal coating. Thorough cleaning removes dirt, vegetation, and debris, ensuring optimal adhesion of the sealant. Priming oil spots primes the surface for sealing while applying two coats of sealant using squeegees or sprayers delivers comprehensive protection. Following application, allowing adequate cure time—24 hours—ensures optimal performance. Premature traffic can lead to wear and tire marking, compromising the sealant's efficacy. During this period, crack sealing—a vital preventive measure—is conducted to address any existing cracks, preventing water penetration and structural damage. But what about the bottom line? Despite the initial investment, seal coating and crack sealing yield substantial savings over time. According to estimates from the Asphalt Institute, maintaining a seal-coated surface can double or even triple the lifespan of asphalt, translating to significant cost savings compared to overlaying every 10-15 years. In real terms, adopting a regular maintenance program, including seal coating every three years, can yield substantial financial benefits. For instance, a 3000 square yard parking lot can save over $45,690 over 15 years, equating to $3046 annually. Beyond monetary savings, a well-maintained property enhances its value, attracting tenants and customers with its aesthetic appeal, safety, and upkeep. Investing in seal coating isn't just about prolonging asphalt life—it's about safeguarding your property's value, enhancing its appeal, and ensuring long-term satisfaction for patrons and tenants alike.
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…
There 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…
One 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…
When 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…
Cracks 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…
Aggregates 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…