Are your driveways or pavements looking like a worn-out patchwork quilt instead of giving a finished look? Have you ever wondered why this all happened or how to protect it? So this all occurs when asphalt is subjected to various climate changes and pressures, such as rains and heavy vehicles.
In this situation, asphalt sealcoating will act as a superhero to save your asphalt from all external damage. It is like a sunscreen, which will protect the texture from UV rays, rain, pressure, and much more. So, now you know that asphalt seal coating is a protective layer.
In addition to protection, it also offers many other amazing benefits like improving the appearance of your pavements, reducing cracks, and even saving money by reducing the expense of repairing.
In this article, you will learn everything about this amazing seal coating, its process, and its benefits, so keep reading!
What is Asphalt Sealcoating?
You are curious to know what exactly asphalt seal coating is and what it is made of, right? So, here is a brief introduction to it. It is basically a protective process in which a protective layer is applied on the top of asphalt-based surfaces.
These surfaces include pavements, driveways, parking lots, or roads. This sealing helps to enhance the lifespan and appearance of your driveways. This protective seal coat is a mixture of various elements, like water, asphalt emulsion, sand, and other adhesive components.
One major element is bitumen, which is a byproduct of petroleum refining. It helps to improve the waterproofing qualities of the seal coat.
Benefits of Asphalt Sealcoating
Here is a list of benefits that compel every person to install asphalt seal coating on their driveways to the buildings.
Let’s have a look at these benefits:
Prevents Oxidation
A protective asphalt coating will help to protect your driveways or pavements from dangerous oxidation reactions. Sun UV rays cause these reactions due to prolonged exposure.
Want to know how this happens? So, UV rays dry bitumen, which results in cracks and more chances of break-outs. But this seal coating protects your asphalt from UV rays and enhances its lifetime.
Reduce Frequent Repairs
The well-established seal coating also reduces the need for frequent repairs. Moreover, it also saves you a lot of money. All this is because this layer will not allow wear and tear to damage your ways, and the need for costly repair will be reduced.
Enhances Appeal and Property Value
This sealcoating is not only protective, but it will also give your property an aesthetic appeal with its finish looks. This feature will indirectly boost your property value as it will look fine and protective from harsh conditions.
Water Resistance
As we all know, water is the biggest enemy of asphalt. It easily seeps into the cracks and damages the base layer. So, asphalt seal coating prevents water from seeping into the asphalt. So, it makes asphalt water-resistant and prevents the formation of potholes.
The SealCoating Process: Step-by-step Guide
Applying seal coating is a systematic process that ensures that your coating is installed properly. So, the complete step-by-step guide to installing the seal coating is mentioned below:
Analyzing and Cleaning the Surface
The first and most important step is to analyze the asphalt before starting the process, as it will help you to properly seal-coat it. Later, after a complete inspection, the asphalt roads or pavement are cleansed.
These roads are cleansed by using brooms, flowers, or pressure washers. This cleaning removed dust and stones so that the sealant adhered to it easily.
Repairing Cracks and Potholes
Now, to prevent water from seeping into the holes or to allow smooth and even seal coat application, all the cracks are repaired. The crack and pothole are filled with specialized fillings so that it fills the gap and does not remove.
Preparing the Sealcoat material
Now, a sealant is prepared by mixing a specific quality of sealing agent, sand, water, and bitumen.
Applying Asphalt Sealcoating
After carefully preparing the mixture, the most important step comes. It is to apply the asphalt seal coating on the surface.
To evenly apply the sealing mixture various tools are used. These tools include squeegees, rollers, or spray machines.
Drying Out Time
Now, wait for at least 24-48 hours to dry the asphalt sealcoating. If you do not let the sealing dry, it will not protect the asphalt from environmental changes.
Factors Affecting Sealcoating
There are hundreds of factors that affect the effectiveness and longevity of asphalt seal coating. Therefore, understanding these factors is essential to get the maximum results.
So, the factors that affect the asphalt seal coating are listed below:
- Weather Condition
- Asphalt Sealcoating
- Quality of seal coating material
- High-traffic areas
- Condition of the surface being sealed coated.
- Sealcoating application technique
- A number of coats were applied.
- Drying time of sealant
Common Mistakes in Asphalt Sealcoating
Here is a list of common mistakes that people often make. These mistakes just become a cause of their money and time wastage as the asphalt seal coating wears off too quickly. The mistakes people do, which you should avoid include:
- Skipping Surface Preparation
If you do not prepare the surface, like filling the gaps or cleaning it properly, then it will be removed quickly. It is because the dust and uneven surface won’t allow it to stick to the surface properly.
- Applying thin layers of seal coating
If you apply too many thin layers, then it is still a big mistake. The best practice is to apply 2-3 layers of even thickness and let them dry properly.
- Insufficient Drying Time
Another mistake is opening the roads for traffic before the proper drying of the seal coating. With the traffic wear and tear the coating will be removed and affect your asphalt layer.
- Applying Sealcoating in Poor Weather
You must not apply seal coating in cold, wet, or humid weather. The best time to apply this process is in summer when the temperature is above 50°F (10°C).
Conclusion
After reading this guide, I guess all your confusion about the asphalt seal coating will go miles away. It is because everything important about seal coating is mentioned.
These seal coatings not only improve the protection of your asphalt-based surfaces but also make them appealing. There are many benefits of this sealcoating like it prevents water from seeping into the base and forming the potholes.
Moreover, the process of applying these layers is also simple and quick. Various factors affect the asphalt coating. So you should also consider them whenever you decide to use this protective layer on your pavements.
Ready to upgrade your property with expert paving and construction services?
At SS Paving and Construction, we deliver high-quality craftsmanship tailored to your needs. Whether it’s a durable driveway, a smooth patio, or reliable commercial paving, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s bring your vision to life!
FAQ
Can I apply asphalt seal coating in cold weather?
No, it is better to apply seal coating in temperatures equal to or higher than 50°F (10°C). As in cold weather, do not let the sealant properly bond to the surface.
Will seal coating improve the value of my property?
Yes, the well-maintained asphalt surface with a protective coating will enhance the appeal and overall value of your property.
How long does the seal coating take to dry completely?
If the weather condition is favorable, then seal coating will typically take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely.
