The Benefits of Regular Sealcoating Maintenance

Asphalt surfaces like driveways and parking lots are the first thing that people see when visiting your business. If your paved surface is looking worn, it can give customers a bad impression from the start.

Sealcoating

Sealcoating helps extend the lifespan of your asphalt for a fraction of the cost of repaving. It prevents weather damage, keeps weeds out and protects your investment. Visit Website to learn more.

Asphalt pavement is made up of sand and gravel aggregate mixed with a petroleum-based binder that makes it flexible and pliable. Over time, however, gasoline, motor oil and salt begin to deteriorate the asphalt and cause it to become brittle. When this happens, the asphalt can no longer withstand the pressure of traffic and will crack or develop potholes. Performing regular sealcoating prevents these problems, saving you the cost of costly repairs and extending the lifespan of your driveway or parking lot.

Sealcoating creates a waterproof barrier that keeps water from penetrating the surface, where it can weaken and damage the underlying base. This also helps prevent the freeze-thaw cycle in colder climates, where water can seep into small cracks, freeze and then expand, leading to further damage.

In addition to preventing water damage, seal coating protects the surface from harmful UV rays that can fade and degrade asphalt surfaces. Sealcoating offers a layer of protection that shields the asphalt from these damaging rays, prolonging its life and enhancing the appearance.

Before sealing, the asphalt will be cleaned and blown free of any dirt or debris that could interfere with the application of the sealcoat. Then, any cracks will be filled with a hot rubberized crack filling material to reinforce the existing surface. After that, the newly applied sealcoat is rolled onto the surface, creating a thin layer of protective material that covers the asphalt and prevents future damage.

The best time to apply a sealcoat is in the spring and fall, before and after the temperatures start to fluctuate. If you skip this maintenance step, your driveway or parking lot will be vulnerable to the elements and can experience severe damage like alligator cracking and potholes.

Aside from avoiding damage, a well-maintained driveway or parking lot looks professional and clean, which increases the curb appeal of your property and can boost your home’s value. Plus, a well-maintained asphalt surface is safer for drivers and pedestrians, as it will be more stable under foot.

Keeps Your Driveway Looking New

Asphalt is a durable material that can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance, but it can only hold up to the elements and traffic if it’s sealed regularly. Sealing is a cost-effective way to protect the investment you made in your driveway or parking lot. Without it, you’ll face expensive repairs and replacements sooner than expected.

Driveway sealcoating isn’t just about preventing damage to the surface of the blacktop; it also beautifies it. Over time, the sun can make your pavement look washed out and gray, but a fresh coat of sealant restores it to its dark, original color. In addition, a quality sealcoat fills in small surface voids and smooths out the appearance of your driveway or parking lot, which makes it more attractive to your customers, tenants or residents.

Before you reseal your driveway, do a thorough inspection of the area. If there are any oil stains or cracks, they should be repaired before the reseal. It’s also a good idea to clip any weeds or grasses growing in your driveway, and use a degreaser on grease stains. If you don’t take care of these issues before resealing, the new asphalt will be dislodged by the tires of vehicles passing over it, creating bumps and damaging your surface.

As a preventive maintenance measure, it’s important to get your asphalt seal coated every 2-3 years. This will protect it from the weather, salt and de-icing chemicals that can deteriorate and damage it, making it more prone to cracks, potholes and other problems.

Asphalt pavement is a combination of rock and stone, held together with a binder that’s extracted from the distillation of certain crude oils. Over time, rain, UV sunlight and chemical spills can erode the binder, leading to deterioration and the eventual need for replacement of the asphalt surface. A good seal coat acts as a shield, protecting the binder and extending the life of your driveway or parking lot. Regular sealcoating can extend the life of your asphalt by as much as 20%. That’s why it’s a wise investment in your property.

Prevents Deterioration

Asphalt pavement is comprised of rock and/or stone, gravel, and a binder made from the distillation of petroleum or natural deposits. The binder gives the asphalt its strength and flexibility. When the binder degrades, the pavement becomes brittle and more susceptible to cracking, potholes, and other forms of damage. Sealcoating slows this process by protecting the surface from UV rays and other environmental contaminants.

In addition, the protective layer created by the sealcoat prevents water from seeping through the pavement, reducing the risk of cracking and other damage. This helps the parking lot last longer and saves money in maintenance costs.

The sealcoat also improves the appearance of the parking lot, making it appear rich and well-maintained. This enhances the curb appeal of your property, which can be a major benefit for commercial properties. Additionally, the smooth surface of a sealcoated lot is easier to sweep and pressure wash. This makes it much faster and more effective to perform maintenance, which can further reduce the likelihood of expensive repair bills.

Sealcoating can also help protect your parking lot from winter weather elements. Because the sealant repels water, it takes significantly longer for roads to freeze and become dangerous to drive on. This can make your parking lot safer for pedestrians and drivers alike.

While it is important to note that sealcoating can only be used on properly maintained parking lots, and it does not fix any existing damage to the pavement, it can still significantly increase the lifespan of your parking lot. It is recommended that you have your lot professionally inspected and sealcoated every few years to ensure that the pavement remains in good condition.

It is vital to use a high-quality asphalt sealant that is safe for both people and the environment, such as those manufactured by International Enviroguard. Other products, such as coal tar emulsions, are not as safe and can release toxic fumes that can cause cancer and other health problems. In addition, it is necessary to have the right personal protection equipment (PPE) available on site for employees during the application of the sealant. This should include coveralls, boots, safety glasses, and a respirator.

Increases Property Value

Property values aren’t just tied to home prices; a well-maintained driveway and parking lot can also boost your resale or rental value. In fact, potential buyers and renters are more likely to show favor towards properties that exhibit pristine maintenance, so having your asphalt surfaces regularly sealcoated is a surefire way to improve the value of your property in the long run.

In addition to the aforementioned aesthetic benefits, residential and commercial sealcoating elevates your property value by mitigating future repairs. Over time, sweltering heat and rain can wear down asphalt surfaces, causing cracks and potholes. By preventing premature wear, you can significantly reduce repair costs, saving you money in the long run.

Additionally, the smooth surface of a freshly sealcoated driveway or parking lot is less prone to accidents and injuries than an uneven, crumbling surface. The reduction of tripping hazards makes your property safer for children and elderly people, fostering a sense of safety that can boost your property’s value.

Sealcoating also offers a range of financial benefits for your business. A properly sealed pavement is more resistant to chemical damage, extending its lifespan and saving you the cost of frequent replacements. The bitumen in the sealant binds fine particles, creating a durable, long-lasting surface that protects your asphalt from weathering and chemicals.

As you can see, the many benefits of regular sealcoating make it a smart and worthwhile investment for both homeowners and businesses alike. With its cost-effective and transformative effect, it’s a no-brainer for anyone that wants to safeguard their property from environmental damage and promote its value in the market. So, why not reap the rewards of a sealcoated driveway or parking lot by hiring Top Gun Sealcoating today? Our expert services are available for both commercial and residential applications, providing an affordable solution for elevating your property’s value.