Sealcoating
Sealcoating protects the top of the asphalt, preventing water from penetrating the surface of the pavement and protecting the top layer of asphalt from oxidation and wear caused by exposure to the sun and air.
What is Sealcoating?
Sealcoat is a mixture of emulsified asphalt, water, mineral fillers, and various other mixtures. Sealcoats are applied directly to the surface of an asphalt pavement. It can be applied by rubber squeegee, broom, or mechanical spray. Sealcoat serves to seal the top of the asphalt, preventing water from penetrating the surface of the pavement and protecting the top layer of asphalt from oxidation and wear caused by exposure to the sun and air.
Seal coat also beautifies the pavement by providing a smooth, black, and even surface ideal for painting lines and sweeping. Seal coat is designed for off-highway use where there are low traffic speeds and tight turning radiuses such as parking lots, mobile home parks, schools, shoulders, etc. Sealcoats are different from slurry seals which use a much coarser aggregate filler and are designed for use on high-speed areas with straight rolling traffic.
How Does Sealcoat Help?
Sealcoat seals the asphalt pavement, preventing the oxidation and erosion of the top layer of asphalt. On older pavements, sealcoating replaces fine particles lost from the asphalt surface due to oxidation. Sealcoat seals the small cracks that can turn into large cracks and prevents water from seeping down to the base material sealcoat helps protect the asphalt from the sun as well as the harmful effects of chemical spills such as oil and gasoline. Sealcoating provides an attractive black surface that is ideal for painting lines and other markers. It also leaves a smooth, clean surface ideal for sweeping, lowering cleaning costs. Sealcoat costs pennies per square foot compared to the dollars needed to repair or replace damaged asphalt.
When Should Sealcoating be Done?
Sealcoating should be done as soon as possible when the asphalt is new. Sealcoating is more of a preventative maintenance for asphalt surfaces. Sealcoating should be applied every 3-5 years, this depends on the climate and amount of traffic. This is similar to how someone gets their house painted to keep the weather from deteriorating the wood.
