Rochester NY Sealcoating helps to protect asphalt surfaces from harmful chemicals like gasoline, motor oil and antifreeze. It also preserves that brand-new black asphalt look.

When applying asphalt emulsions, workers should always wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, impervious gloves and safety goggles to avoid skin irritation. Proper climate conditions are also crucial, as sealcoating cannot be done during scorching heat waves or in the rain.

Asphalt pavement that isn’t regularly seal coated can become damaged quickly. This is because it’s exposed to elements like UV rays, rain, and chemicals from vehicles. Seal coating protects asphalt from damage and keeps it looking new for longer. It also prevents more expensive repair and resurfacing costs in the future.

Asphalt is a mixture of sand and gravel aggregate held together with a petroleum-based binder. The oil in the binder makes it pliable and flexible enough to handle temperature changes and the pressure of traffic. However, water, UV rays, gasoline, motor oil, de-icing salt and other chemicals will cause the binder to deteriorate and dry out, leading to cracks and crumbling. Asphalt seal coats block these harmful chemicals and slow the oxidation process, thus prolonging the life of your asphalt.

One of the most common problems for asphalt driveways and parking lots is water damage. Without sealcoating, water can seep into small cracks and freeze in cold temperatures, expanding and causing larger cracks. Sealcoating fills in these small cracks to create a barrier and protect the surface from water damage.

The regular application of asphalt seal coats can also help reduce the risk of potholes and other surface damage. These are caused when moisture seeps into the asphalt, softening it and causing it to shift under vehicle weight and stress. Sealcoating creates a strong, protective layer that can keep moisture out to preserve the integrity of the asphalt and prevent it from shifting or cracking.

While sealcoating can’t prevent all types of asphalt damage, it is a very effective maintenance treatment that will save you money in the long run. It’s a much cheaper option than repairing or replacing the entire asphalt surface, and it’ll extend the life of your pavement for decades to come.

Asphalt sealcoating should be done by a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly and effectively. There are several steps involved in the process, including removing dirt and debris from the surface and applying the coal tar-based sealant at the best time of day for your location. Before sealing, the area should be closed off to pedestrians and vehicles so the sealant can be applied evenly.

Prevents Water Damage

Water is asphalt’s biggest enemy, causing damage and deterioration. When water penetrates and softens asphalt it erodes the base underneath and causes cracks to form. If this is not stopped, the resulting voids become potholes and require costly repairs. Sealcoating creates a barrier that stops moisture from damaging the surface.

A well-applied sealcoat acts as a protective layer that holds the aggregate and fines of asphalt together, slowing the oxidation process. It also helps to block UV rays that cause the darkening of asphalt. Sealcoating is usually applied in a black color, and when applied correctly it looks beautiful. A freshly paved parking lot with a fresh coat of sealcoat will appear darker and more vibrant than a lot with severe blemishes, like potholes.

Pavement sealcoating is a quick and easy way to improve the look of a business or residential property. It is recommended that businesses and homeowners have the surface resealed annually, but it can be done more or less frequently depending on the conditions of the surface and the amount of traffic. A good asphalt service will prepare the surface for sealcoating by sweeping, power washing, and removing any debris or oil spots. Before the sealcoat is applied, you should not spread fertilizers or spray any chemicals, as they can react with the coating. It is also a good idea to close the parking lot for a day while it is being resealed.

Leaks are another problem that can be prevented with a sealcoat. When oil or other petroleum-based liquids leak onto the surface it softens the asphalt and can lead to further damage. This type of damage is often visible as the black spots commonly seen near the blocks in parking lots (or known as Oil Spots). Sealcoating can help stop leaks by creating a strong barrier to protect the underlying layers of the pavement.

The best time to apply a sealcoat is from spring through fall, as this is when the weather is milder. It is important that the temperature be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the application and for there not to be a 40% chance of rain for eight hours after the application. If these conditions are not met, the seal coat will not fully cure and will not be able to provide the protection it is designed for.

Prevents Chemical Damage

Asphalt pavement is vulnerable to a wide range of chemicals that can break down and destroy it. Sealcoating prevents these toxins from penetrating the asphalt and allows you to clean up spills and leaks much more easily. Oftentimes car fluids such as oil, antifreeze and gasoline leak onto driveways or parking lots causing asphalt to degrade. A seal coat acts as a barrier that prevents these chemicals from damaging the asphalt and keeps it looking new.

The suns UV rays are another common enemy of asphalt. The sun causes oxidation which breaks down the binding agents in the asphalt. This ruins the structure of the asphalt and leads to cracking, potholes and premature deterioration. Seal coating protects the asphalt from the suns UV rays by acting as an effective sunscreen.

Chemicals like oil, gas and salt can also damage the asphalt. Sealcoating fills surface voids, which reduces the amount of oxygen that is present in the asphalt. This helps prevent oxidation and the breaking down of the asphalt binder. Sealcoating also contains a substance that repels oil and gasoline, allowing you to wipe away spills much easier.

The deep black color of the sealcoating layer absorbs sunlight, which helps to melt snow and ice faster than untreated asphalt. Sealcoating also retains heat, which speeds up the melting process and helps the asphalt to stay flexible even in cold temperatures. These benefits allow you to remove snow, ice and water from the asphalt much faster than untreated asphalt, protecting it from cracking and deterioration. A well-maintained asphalt surface is an important part of your home or business and it can make a great first impression for customers who visit your business. The good news is that asphalt sealcoating is relatively inexpensive and will save you money in repairs and maintenance costs down the road. For best results, the sealcoating should be applied to a dry surface. We recommend that you schedule your sealcoating in the spring or fall when it is most likely to be dry. Always use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers during the application process. International Enviroguard offers a large selection of disposable coveralls, safety glasses and helmets for employees to use during the sealcoating process.

Preserves Appearance

A well-maintained asphalt lot or driveway will not only add to the value of your property but will also make for a more professional appearance and allow for a better customer experience. If you have a parking lot full of potholes or severe cracks, customers might think negatively about your business even if they’re pleased with your product or service inside the store. A good sealcoat can help prevent those potholes and cracks from getting worse, saving you money in the long run.

The UV rays of the sun cause asphalt to fade and bleach out over time, which is unsightly and can detract from the beauty of your property. By having your asphalt professionally sealed, you can protect against this natural deterioration, as well as the unattractive results of oil and gas spills that are all too common on an unsealed lot or driveway.

Once your pavement is newly sealcoated, the surface will be smooth and glossy black. This will hide small cracks, chips, and patches and give your property a fresh, new look. Sealcoating can also hide surface stains, such as oil and gas stains that can be caused by leaks in your tank or pipes.

If you have low traffic, one coat of sealer will work just fine for your driveway or parking lot. Medium or heavy traffic requires two coats to properly protect your asphalt. Two coats also reduce the chance of scuffing caused by cars turning sharply when the lot is first opened back up to traffic.

The sand used in your sealcoat mix should be at the manufacturer’s recommended grade based on sieve size (% retained or % passing). A proper sand gradation is necessary to provide traction and a textured glare-free appearance to the sealcoating film. The sand also helps minimize oil, gas, salt and chemical penetration into the asphalt.

If you’re considering having your asphalt professionally sealcoated, it’s a great idea to get multiple quotes from different contractors to compare pricing and services. You should also have a professional inspect your lot or driveway prior to the application, as they will be able to identify any potential issues that need to be addressed before the sealcoat is applied.