Asphalt is comprised of two components bitumen and aggregates. The majority of the asphalt you use is aggregates that are a mix of crushed stone, sand and gravel. The remainder is the bitumen is a black material that helps to hold the aggregates together.

Although asphalt is very resilient, it’s also prone to potholes and cracks, especially when exposed to elements. UV rays, grease snow, and other substances can harm the asphalt. The heavy traffic can also be one of the main causes of cracks in asphalt. The only way to protect it is through sealing.

Yes, it’s an absolute necessity, as you want to safeguard your investment. If you wish for that your drive to be durable, sealing coating is the best way to take. Insufficiently protected asphalt can lead to potholes and cracks that could cause serious damage to the foundation of your home. Seal coatings are cost-effective in the long run , and it will greatly improve the appearance of your driveway.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SEALCOATING A DRIVEWAY

What is Asphalt Sealcoating?

Although asphalt by itself is durable but it’s not enough for your driveway. Exposed to sun’s harmful radiation, oil, snow and other substances can make it crack or break as time passes. If not addressed it could negatively affect the appearance and appearance of the drive. In the worst case scenario cracks could cause potholes that create a hole inside your wallet. Sealcoating can provide an additional layer of protection to the asphalt surface. If you maintain your asphalt with sealcoating, you can be sure that it will increase the lifespan that your driveway will last. If you’re a home owner, it might improve the value of your house.

Here are a few advantages from sealing the asphalt of your driveway

Sealcoating Slows Oxidation

Asphalt pavement is insensitive to UV radiation. When exposed for long periods its binder – which is the glue that holds the stone and sand in place – rapidly deteriorates. As oxidation increases your asphalt’s oil levels decrease and the surface becomes tougher. It will continue to dry especially in the heavy use. As cracks begin to form, they will develop. If you don’t fix this, water can enter your foundation for your pavement, which can damage it even more. The water can cause mini holes, and possibly Alligator Cracks which can be expensive to fix. The most effective way to reduce the speed of the process of oxidation is to do so by sealing the area. The sealant acts as an additional protection from these harmful rays.

Asphalt Sealcoating Enhances Pavement Appearance

If your parking space appears damaged, it may not appear inviting to customers. It could impact your sales. If you’re a home proprietor and the asphalt is brimming with holes and cracks don’t expect the buyer to be interested in your property. The process of repairing your asphalt pavement may seem simple, but it’s a great way to bring in and retain more tenants. First impressions may last for a long time. Making your curb appeal more appealing is essential to your business’s success. With sealcoating, you’re sure that the aggregates will be fixated into the asphalt and will not break.

How Much Does it Cost to Sealcoat Asphalt?

Sealcoating is priced between $0.15 to $0.25 in square feet. It’s cheaper than asphalt installation , which can cost between $1.5 to $1 per square foot.

Sealcoating as part preventive maintenance does more than prolong the lifespan of your asphalt surface, it’s also a good method to save money. Asphalt that is not properly protected can cause potholes and cracks, which can cause more expense in repairs. If left untreated, it could even damage the foundation of your driveway which can cost you even more for repairs.

When you sealcoat every two to 3 years your asphalt will be secured. It will not be necessary for expensive repairs. But, it’s equally important to use a high-quality sealer to sealcoat. Choose asphalt sealers that are of airport quality. Visit the Shop at Asphalt Kingdom for assistance with any of the tools or products to sealcoat your.

Be aware that sealing isn’t the answer for potholes or cracks. It’s not intended to repair, but rather to protect. Sealcoating won’t repair pavement imperfections or make your pavement more flexible. pavement. If your pavement is damaged beyond repair sealing it could be a waste of time and money. If your asphalt has become brittle or cracked, filling cracks is the most effective solution. It is best to sealcoat after fixing the asphalt. It is not possible to sealcoat fresh asphalt, either. You must wait until the asphalt has fully dried or between 3 and 6 months.

How Often Should I Seal My Asphalt Driveway?

Sealcoating asphalt is done every 2 to 3 years, based on the amount of the driveway is used for or how often it is exposed to elements like snow, UV rays, and other chemical substances. As part of your routine maintenance regular inspection of your asphalt, you should check it for depressions or cracks and make sure you fix them as quickly as you can. Don’t wait for tiny cracks to develop into major potholes that will require costly repairs.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that your asphalt must be in good working order prior to sealing it. Repairs should be made first. When filling cracks, ensure you clean your surface by clearing it of all dirt and debris. It is essential to have an uncluttered surface prior to using to apply the crack filler. In other words, it won’t perform.

Choosing Your Sealcoating Equipment

A range in sealing equipment is in our shop. The type of equipment you purchase will depend on your specific needs. Are you a DIY-er looking for sealing your drive? Or do you need to sealcoat for your business? The homeowner might only have to buy a few tools, while property managers require equipment that can save time and money.

Before we begin, let’s examine the items you require when sealing the asphalt surface. To wash the surface it is a broom and an water hose. But, the process will be completely different if you’re providing sealcoating services. Gas blowers will definitely reduce time and cost.

In the application of the sealer either a squeegee, or brush will suffice. The majority of DIYers or homeowners employ either to cut costs. The expense of investing in expensive equipment might not be sensible, particularly if want to cut costs. For property managers, the squeegee will not do the trick. It will take a lot of time to finish sealing. A spray system could be the ideal solution. It will save you time, which allows you to accomplish more work. That means you’ll have more money in your pocket.

Additionally, you can purchase tools to prevent people from getting of your road. Sawhorses and caution tapes are a great option. A simple ribbon can suffice as long as it can stop tracks from tires and footprints harming your work.

If you need assistance in choosing the right sealcoating equipment or sealant you should purchase, contact an agent from our team. We’re always willing to help!

Sealcoating Tips

1. Best Season to Sealcoat

While it’s possible to sealcoat in winter months but experts aren’t recommending sealing coats during colder months. The best time to sealcoat is in the summer months. UV radiation allows the pavement to dry quite quickly. If you don’t have the heat, you’ll need longer. This will add to the overall expense and expose your pavement to further damages. If you’re sealing for businesses, this might not be an economical option.

No matter if you’re DIY or an entrepreneur, sealcoat only during summer because it provides an extremely fast drying time. If temperatures reach 70 degrees, it’s feasible to travel on asphalt after 12 hours. Walking on asphalt is allowed within three hours.

2. Protect Your Sealcoating

The fact that your asphalt is freshly sealed , doesn’t mean it won’t be affected by elements or other elements that can cause damages like oil. Beware of vehicles with oil leaks as they can cause serious damage to the new asphalt. It is possible to address this issue by using an cleaner.

3. When to Sealcoat

If you’ve just bought a new property, it’s difficult to decide if it’s time to seal. You can ask previous owners to tell you when the last time they sealed their roads however, it’s better to recognize the most common indications that your asphalt requires sealing. Be aware of gray-colored spots in your pavement, the appearance of weeds, cracks on your surfaces, and water seeping through the blacktop. These indicators will alert you when you need to apply sealcoat.

4. Block Traffic to Your Asphalt

Make sure that people stay away from the newly sealed asphalt. It is possible to put up an warning sign warning that driving or walking isn’t permitted. It’s essential that the sealcoat dry and bonds to the asphalt prior to using your blacktop. In the event that it doesn’t, the sealer could become dislodged by the movement of tires. It will create bumps, which will ruin the hard work you put into it.

5. Fresh Asphalt and Sealcoating

Don’t apply a sealcoat to your freshly laid asphalt. It should be given ample time to dry. In general, you should take a few months to cure before sealing your asphalt.

6. Weather Forecast

If you’re not sealing during the summer, be sure you are checking the weather forecast before you start. If it rains, your sealcoat may not dry properly.

Application Tips:

Make use of squeezerswhen you’re sealing smaller areas. If you are working on a larger area you may want to think about using a sprayer instead. It’s easier to get your job completed faster using the second.
Remember that you could also use sand in conjunction with the sealant to give it more consistency and also to provide a non-slip surface for the sealant.
Do you need to speedily clear and eliminate all the dirt on your asphalt? Make use of a pressure cleaner, make sure you let it dry completely following.
If you notice oil staining on the surface, then you could clean it with an primer for oil staining.
Sealcoating can only be used for sealing the asphalt, not fixing potholes, cracks, or cracks. Repair the asphalt before sealing it.
Be careful when sealing because there are sealcoats which can stain other surfaces such as concrete areas adjacent to each other.

Sealcoating in Winter: Should You Do It?

Sealcoating is the most effective method to extend the lifespan for your asphalt. It safeguards your asphalt pavement from UV Rays, rain, snow, leaks, and other factors that can harm the pavement. But is it possible to sealcoat the pavement all year long? Beware of sealing coating in temperatures that fall less than 50°F. If it does the binder particles would not work effectively. In addition, your asphalt will look blotchy, gray. If you sealcoat your asphalt at temperatures lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your sealer film may break or break off from bonding.

Two elements influence sealcoating during winter seasons: temperature and humidity. If the humidity is excessive, it will raise the level of moisture within the atmosphere. This means that it can take a while for your asphalt to completely dry. The temperature must be higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit to allow the pavement to dry quickly. The experts recommend sealing only in the summertime because using a sprayer isn’t feasible in winter. This would need to be manually applied and it will cost more.

There are significant risks when you decide to sealcoat during the winter months. The most effective solution is to ensure that your asphalt is properly repaired. Fix other issues like cracks and potholes. Wait for either the spring or summer months to start sealing your asphalt.

Sealcoating for Pavement Preservation

Sealcoating is the sole option to extend the lifespan of the asphalt pavement. It is a water-proofing agent. the sealant stops water and moisture from leaking in the concrete. If you sealcoat the foundation at intervals of two or three years, or whenever needed, it will be able to stand up to high usage without cracking. You can expect a smoother and cleaner surface when you seal the asphalt. Your driveway will appear more modern and fresh appearance. In addition, it will last for many years.

Why is Asphalt Sealcoating Necessary?