Rochester NY Sealcoating is an essential part of any paved asphalt surface maintenance program. It protects asphalt from damage, water intrusion and time’s relentless wear.
Humidity plays a key role in how well sealcoat material dries and cures. When humidity levels are high, drying time increases significantly. It may even double.
1. It Protects Asphalt
Asphalt is a tough material, but even the best-constructed parking lot or driveway will lose its luster over time. Keeping the surface well-maintained through regular sealcoating prevents major damage and saves on costly repair.
A fresh asphalt seal coat creates a protective barrier that blocks out elements like water, oil, and UV rays. Just like the sun protection factor in your sunscreen, it protects the surface from oxidation and weathering, extending its lifespan.
Over time, UV rays break down the aggregate in your pavement and degrade its petroleum binder. Without a proper protective barrier, this deterioration causes the asphalt to dry out, fade, and crack. Sealcoating prevents this oxidation by reinforcing the paving materials, replenishing its oils and lubrication, and filling in small cracks for a smooth appearance.
Asphalt is composed of sand and gravel aggregate mixed with a petroleum-based binder that makes it flexible. When motor oil or gasoline leaks on the pavement, it reacts with the binders and degrades quickly. The resulting brittle asphalt is less able to handle temperature fluctuations and traffic pressure, causing it to crack and crumble over time. A fresh seal coat forms a shield that blocks these harmful chemicals and oxidizing substances, keeping your asphalt pliable and flexible for longer.
In addition to protecting the asphalt, a fresh seal coat will give your parking lot or driveway a new, beautiful look. When the surface is dull and faded, it looks unattractive and decreases the value of your property. Sealcoating restores a deep, shiny black color and smooths the appearance of your asphalt, eliminating any uneven wear or tear from use over time.
Before workers begin applying the seal coat, they should remove any existing stains such as those caused by motor oil or gas. This is because these stains contain petroleum products that can prevent a strong bond with the new layer of sealant. Workers will flash heat these stains to burn off the petroleum and make a clean, blank canvas for application. Once the surface is prepared, workers will apply the seal coating with a brush, spray or squeegee.
2. It Prevents Water Damage
Asphalt is a durable material that can withstand the elements, but over time it will eventually need some extra protection. That’s where sealcoating comes in. This liquid emulsion acts as a protective layer that keeps moisture from damaging your asphalt. Sealcoating will also help your pavement resist stains and discoloration, and it makes your asphalt look brand new.
Water damage is one of the biggest threats to asphalt surfaces. Without a barrier, water will penetrate the surface and cause cracks and sinkholes. Over time, this can destroy the entire foundation of your parking lot and require costly repairs.
The best way to prevent water damage is by having your parking lot regularly sealed. A professional application of a high-quality sealcoat is the most effective way to protect your asphalt from water damage. The best sealcoating products are made with a blend of emulsified asphalt, aggregate, and various additives that work in tandem to fill surface voids and create a smooth, impermeable layer.
Keeping your parking lot protected with a quality sealcoat will ensure that it stands up to harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, ice, and high humidity. By preventing water damage, you’ll save yourself the expense of repairs and keep your parking lot looking great.
Another important benefit of a sealcoat is that it will help your parking lot to resist UV damage. Sunlight can break down the binders in asphalt, causing it to deteriorate faster. Getting a sealcoat will slow down this process and extend the life of your asphalt.
The best time to apply a sealcoat is in the spring and fall. This is because the process requires temperatures above 50 degrees and a period of 24 hours without rainfall. Without these conditions, the sealcoat will not cure properly. If you’re unable to wait for these optimal conditions, you can use special quick-drying sealants that allow the pavement to be used a few hours afterward. However, it’s always a good idea to wait until the sealcoat has fully cured before using your parking lot. Otherwise, sharp turns could mark the surface and erode the newly applied coat.
3. It Prevents Deterioration
The asphalt binders that give your pavement its structure break down over time due to constant exposure to sunlight and water. Without a sealcoat, this process is inevitable and will eventually leave nothing to hold your pavement together. Sealcoating prevents this deterioration by creating a protective layer that guards against the harmful effects of UV rays, oil spills, chemicals, and heavy traffic. It also protects the underlying layer from the elements and slows down aging. This is a major benefit because it extends your driveway’s lifespan and saves you the cost of premature replacement.
Improves the appearance of your driveway – A fresh coat of sealant restores your pavement’s rich, black color and adds a professional look to your property. It also covers any cracks and minimizes their appearance, making your driveway look newer and better maintained. This makes a great impression on visitors and customers, encouraging them to visit again.
Protects from the elements – The oil component of a sealcoat acts as a barrier to keep out the moisture that damages your asphalt. It also keeps the sun’s UV rays from breaking down the asphalt and increases its elasticity. It is important to choose a high-quality sealant with additives that are designed for your climate and driveway type. These additions can help it dry quickly, alter sand suspension, increase its water repellency, or provide resistance to salt and petrochemicals.
Prevents weeds and vegetation growth – When you have a thick, dark sealcoat on your driveway, weeds and grass will have a harder time growing through it. This is because the sealcoat creates a thick, waterproof barrier that protects the underlying pavement and keeps out unwanted plants and weeds.
Easy cleanup – A seal coated driveway is much easier to clean than a non-sealed one. This is because the sealant resists spills and stains, making it more durable and stain resistant. It’s also easier to remove snow, ice, and mud from a seal coated driveway than an untreated one.
When you’re ready to have your commercial parking lot, road, or driveway sealed, be sure to hire a reliable contractor and plan ahead for the work. You should also make sure that your workers are wearing the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) and avoiding working under conditions with high humidity or temperatures over 95 degrees.
4. It Increases Property Value
We often hear about how the curb appeal of a home or business can significantly boost its resale value. This holds true for commercial and residential property alike. Regular sealcoating of asphalt surfaces not only protects the surface from cracking, fading, and deterioration, but also elevates its overall aesthetics. It exudes a sense of cleanliness, smoothness, and meticulous care that evokes a positive first impression for prospective buyers.
Furthermore, a well-maintained driveway or parking lot with minimal flaws can significantly reduce maintenance costs and downtime. In turn, this translates to savings for the future owner. Sealcoating possesses a long-term financial advantage that far exceeds its initial cost. Whether you’re considering a commercial or residential property sale, it’s important to consider the direct impact of sealcoating on your property’s value.
A professionally-applied seal coat boasts heightened resistance to weathering and damage, reducing the frequency of repairs and replacements required. Consequently, this mitigates the total cost of ownership and increases resale value.
Further, a properly-applied sealcoat can extend the lifespan of the underlying asphalt, ensuring that your property remains in pristine condition for years to come. This longevity further enhances resale value and offers peace of mind to potential buyers.
Finally, a poorly-maintained parking or driveway can pose tripping hazards for children and elderly individuals. A tripping hazard can significantly diminish property value, and in the case of a commercial property, may even lead to liability. Sealcoating your asphalt eliminates these risks, ensuring a safe environment for everyone on your premises.
After delving into the fundamentals of sealcoating, understanding its pivotal role in home maintenance, recognizing its direct influence on property value, and exploring insights on achieving maximum benefit through effective application, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of engaging professional services or embarking on a DIY journey. In doing so, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your objectives and budget.