Asphalt sealing is a process that involves the application of a protective coating to asphalt-based surfaces, such as driveways, walkways, and roadways. The purpose of this coating is to protect the underlying asphalt from damage caused by water or other elements. Asphalt sealing also helps to fill in cracks, divots, and holes that could otherwise damage the asphalt.
In addition to helping protect and maintain asphalt surfaces, sealing can also improve the look and texture of asphalt-based surfaces. By creating a smooth, uniform finish, sealed asphalt looks better and provides a safer surface for vehicles and pedestrians.
So why is sealcoating important? Read more as we’ll talk about this topic in today’s post.
Why Sealing Is Essential
Sealcoating is an essential maintenance process designed to protect asphalt surfaces from the harsh elements of nature. It preserves the appearance and integrity of the pavement, while providing a shield against water, oil, and other substances that can damage the surface. Sealcoating not only prolongs the life of your asphalt pavement, but also enhances its overall appearance.
Benefits Of Sealcoating
The main benefit of sealcoating is that it extends the life of asphalt paving by protecting it from oxidation caused by weathering and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. The protective coating acts as a barrier between asphalt pavement and water or oil seepage which can weaken, break down and degrade the surface over time. By reflecting UV light rays, sealcoating helps maintain original colors instead of allowing them to fade away over time due to sun exposure.
Additionally, when properly maintained the sealcoat preserves the pavement’s integrity against heavy traffic. The added protection decreases wear-and-tear on your surface resulting in lower repair costs in the long run.
Preparing Asphalt Before Applying Sealer
In order for sealcoating to be effective it’s important to begin with a clean surface free of debris such as oils, dirt and grease spots in order to ensure proper adhesion between pavement and sealer material. If an existing sealcoat is present on your driveway or parking lot, you’ll need to determine if it needs replacing before adding fresh material.
An inspection should be conducted by an experienced professional to make sure proper maintenance has been performed in order to maximize results without compromising safety or aesthetic value.
Applying Sealant Material
Once the preparation has been properly done, it’s now time for installation which requires specialized tools such as a tank sprayer or mechanical brush applicator depending on your job requirements. This process involves applying a thin film layer of soluble material onto asphalt pavements for maximum protection against heat/cold degradation and oxidation caused by weather conditions or gases produced by nearby vehicles traffic exhausts etc.
Depending on how much protection you want you may opt for two layers if necessary. However, one coat usually does the job just fine so long as it’s maintained according to manufacturer recommendations periodically every few years typically once every few months during heavy season months.
How Much Does Sealcoating Cost
The cost of sealcoating your asphalt surface will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size and condition of the area that needs to be sealed. It is important to contact a professional pavement contractor for an accurate estimate.
To be specific, the size and condition of the asphalt are factors because a large area of pavement may require more sealer and preparation work to ensure that it is properly covered and protected. In addition, the quality of the sealer itself can also affect the cost. Generally speaking, higher grade materials will cost more than lower-grade sealers in most cases.
Aside from that, the weight of your vehicle can also be a factor because heavier cars and trucks can cause more wear and tear on the asphalt surface. This means that if you use your driveway or parking lot regularly, it may require more frequent sealcoating to maintain its appearance and integrity.
Also, the amount of traffic matters because heavy traffic can cause the asphalt to degrade faster. So, if you have a commercial property with a high volume of foot or vehicle traffic, your sealcoating costs may be higher than those of a residential driveway that sees much less use.
On average, most contractors charge anywhere from $0.25 – $0.50 per square foot for a single coat of sealcoating, although the cost may vary based on the intricacy of the job and if additional coating is needed.
Why Hire A Contractor Who Specializes In Sealcoating
Hiring a professional contractor who specializes in sealcoating is your best bet when it comes to protecting and maintaining the surface of your pavement. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to get the job done correctly.
In addition to this, hiring a professional will also save you time as well as money in the long run since they understand the importance of proper preparation and installation techniques to ensure maximum results.
Furthermore, they will also be able to perform any repairs that may be needed such as filling potholes or patching areas of pavement before sealcoating is applied.
C & T Paving serves New Braunfels residents and businesses with a full range of asphalt paving services, including sealcoating. Their experienced team is dedicated to delivering fast and efficient work that meets the highest standards of quality. Contact them today to learn more.
Final Word
Sealcoating is an essential part of any asphalt maintenance plan that helps preserve the visual appeal and lifespan of pavements from weathering caused by extreme temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, ice accumulation, etc. Properly applied sealers act like armor against damaging elements providing superior protection for those who often rely heavily upon well-kept roadways roads, parking lots, driveways, walkways, etc.
So don’t overlook this critical step in maintaining your investment because otherwise, what seemed initially like small repairs will eventually become large costly ones later down the line.
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