Asphalt is a durable, sturdy paving solution with long-lasting benefits. But like most things, it doesn’t last forever; it deteriorates with time. Luckily, with proper repair and maintenance, you can protect and extend the life of your asphalt pavement. Seal coating is a crucial component of asphalt maintenance with numerous benefits, including boosting curb appeal, ensuring safety, and preventing costly repairs. The benefits don’t end there; asphalt seal coating offers protection against harmful elements and can greatly prolong the lifespan of your pavement. Here’s how:
Why You Should Sealcoat Your Pavement
Sealcoating, or pavement sealing, involves applying a protective layer to asphalt-based surfaces. It helps repair or replace damaged or aging asphalt pavements to restore their integrity. Other use cases include protecting asphalt surfaces from various elements, including water, oils, chemicals, and UV damage. Its mechanism of offering protection works differently with each element, as discussed below:
Protects Surfaces
Sealcoating protects asphalt surfaces in a variety of ways. Firstly, it protects against the effects of UV rays. Sun is everywhere, and you can do little to escape its effects. UV rays from the sun can break down many things, and the binders and aggregate in asphalt are no exception. It causes oxidation which has a deteriorative effect on asphalt pavements. A seal coat acts as a sunblock, providing long-term protection against the damaging effects of UV rays.
Secondly, seal coating protects asphalt from moisture damage. The damage water has on asphalt surfaces is often overlooked. Water can seep into cracks, eroding the ground beneath and causing the surface to deteriorate. Water’s damaging effects are more pronounced in areas experiencing seasonal changes. Sealcoating can go a long way in protecting your surface from rain, snow, and water overflow. It achieves this by filling hairline cracks to prevent moisture intrusion into the surface.
Thirdly, seal coating protects against oil, gasoline, and other contaminants known to eat away at an asphalt surface. Oil and gasoline spills can particularly erode asphalt. By seal coating, you add a protective and more resistant barrier to the harmful effects of these contaminants. Sealcoats also fill small cracks, preventing contaminants from penetrating the pavement and causing more extensive damage.
Extends Pavement Longevity
Asphalt, though durable, weathers away with time and is prone to damage from various elements, including UV rays, water, and contaminants. The combined impact of the protective properties of seal coating results in an extended pavement lifespan. A well-constructed pavement with proper maintenance, including sealcoating service, can maintain its structural integrity and appearance for decades.
Sealcoating can also extend an asphalt pavement’s life by enhancing its flexibility. Unlike concrete pavement, which is rigid, an asphalt surface is termed flexible. So, they tend to flex when vehicles pass over. However, over time, they can become brittle and flex less, becoming more prone to cracks. Sealcoating helps asphalt pavement retain its flexibility.
Contact Pro Pave for Quality Sealcoat Applications
Sealcoating dramatically enhances, protects, and extends the lifespan of the asphalt surface. The value of sealcoating in the modern world, where asphalt pavements are more exposed to the sun, water, drastic weather patterns, oil, gasoline, chemicals, etc., cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a private property owner or run a commercial facility, using the right contractor can help you reap the full benefits of sealcoating.
Pro Pave Inc. can help you keep your asphalt pavement functional, appealing, and safe with regular sealcoating. Contact us today to get a quote.
