SEALCOATING

Sealcoating is one of the most important elements of a pavement management plan. Sealer consists of either coal tar or asphalt emulsion. These can be mixed with water, emulsifying agents, or additives. Applied in thin coats, pavement sealing is used to protect off-highway pavement surfaces against gasoline, oil, salt, water, and ultraviolet rays. 

Sealcoating Benefits

Beautification

-When covered with a dark black sealant, pavement looks and wears like new. Parking lot sealcoating helps to project a positive image of the company, facility, or residential complex.

Slows oxidation and water penetration

-Sealcoating fills surface voids, which reduces exposure to oxygen and UV rays and reduces the depth to which oil or gas can penetrate the pavement.

-Sealcoating acts as a waterproofing agent, minimizing the rate at which water enters pavement. Without it, water can permeate more freely resulting in freeze/thaw expansion and contraction of the pavement.

Sealcoating resists oil and gas spills

-Gasoline drippings during hot weather can soften and break down unsealed asphalt pavements. Coal tars used in sealcoat are impervious to gas and oil spills.

Easier Maintenance

-Sealcoats fill surface voids while coating the pavement surface. The resulting smooth and even texture makes the surface easier to maintain year-round. For example, snow is easier to remove from a smooth surface, and sweeping is far more effective on a smooth surface.

-Sealcoating increases pavement flexibility.

-Sealcoating brings a dark black color to the pavement. The blacker it is, the more heat a pavement draws from the sun. And, the hotter it gets, the more pliable it becomes, which helps it to withstand traffic without cracking.

-Protects asphalt from pressure washing.

Asphalt sealcoating is cost effective

-The price of asphalt will always be affected by crude oil prices, which fluctuate when supplies vary. Sealcoating preserves asphalt for pennies per square foot.

Preparation and Application

-Prior to pavement sealing, most structural failures or cracks on the pavement should be repaired. All potholes must be removed and replaced, cracks must be cleaned and filled, and oil spots cleaned or primed.

Sealcoating Facts

-Sealcoating should only be performed under the proper weather conditions.

-The recommended air and pavement temperature should be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit and rising during sealer application and for 8 hours afterward.

-Traffic should be kept off a newly sealed surface for a minimum of 3-5 days to allow for drying (curing) time. It is also important to refrain from using sprinklers near the area, hosing down, or washing the area for 48 hours before and after work is completed.