Sealcoating is an important, if not the most important, element of a pavement management plan. Sealcoating is the application of a thin coat of coal tar pitch or an asphalt emulsion mixed with inert fillers, water, and emulsifying agents/additives.
Asphalt pavements are unavoidably subject to deterioration. Sealcoating will seal the top of the asphalt preventing water, oil, gasoline and any other chemicals from damaging the surface as well as oxidation damage occurring from UV rays and weather. It will also enhance the pavement by providing a clean smooth surface more conducive to maintenance
Benefits of Sealcoating?
- Extends the life of your asphalt for several years
- Sealing will preserve the surface along with protecting the surface from sustaining cracks and holes.
- Shields against UV, water, and traffic damage
- Locks all moisture out of the asphalt surface
- Protects from damage done by Ultraviolet Rays
- Provides a barrier against vehicle oil and gasoline.
- Safety
- The appearance is cleaner and the surface is smoother, allowing the traffic lines and striping to become more noticeable.
- Affordable
- Asphalt repairs can be costly for each square foot of damage, but when you have sealcoating applied it only cost pennies for each square foot of protection.
- Easy Maintenance
- Sealcoating fills in any voids on the asphalt surface making it smooth and even allowing your pavement to be easily maintained.
Why Sealcoating?
Sealing replaces the fine particles that are often lost from asphalt surfaces because of oxidation and erosion that occurs to the top layers. This makes sealcoating an excellent choice for older asphalt surfaces. It will also prevent any water and moisture entering the base of the asphalt that lead to costly repairs. Sealcoating will improve the property value, increase safety, and provide superb curb appeal.
When Should Sealing be done?
Sealcoating new asphalt surfaces should be done several months after the asphalt has fully cured.
Once the asphalt pavement has been seal coated, it should be re-applied every two to three years or sooner depending on the specific needs of the surface area.
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Sealcoating Process:
- The asphalt must be free from dirt and debris. Which can be effectively removed with pressure washers, wire brooms, blowers and sweepers.
- If any potholes or crack are in the asphalt then they must be fixed and filled prior to seal coating.
- Chemicals, gasoline and oil must be cleaned with the correct cleaner to ensure that the residue is fully removed so the sealcoating will adhere properly.
- Sealcoating can be applied by single a brush applicator, spray and hand squeegee, or a squeegee machine. The sealcoat will then be applied evenly across the asphalt surface.
- Generally, two coats of sealer are applied. The second coat being applied after the first coat has completely dried.
- Traffic should be kept off a newly sealed surface for a minimum of 18 to 36 hours to allow for drying. If this timeframe is not practical Onsite Paving, Sealcoating and Maintenance can perform sealcoating in separate mobilizations to maximize customer convenience.
- It is also important to refrain from using sprinklers, hosing down, or washing the area for up to 48 hours before and after work is completed.