Once you have made the investment to create or repair a great asphalt parking lot, it makes sense to keep that investment going for years with a simple sealcoat application. It slows the natural degradation process and keeps your blacktop looking like new.

Unlike laying down new asphalt to patch up major problems, sealcoating uses coal tar or asphalt emulsion applied over the entire surface. It protects the asphalt from sun damage, water, chemicals and even oil. Reach out to Rochester NY Sealcoating for expert assistance.

Before a parking lot can be sealcoated, it must first be blocked off from vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This can be done using cones, barricades and/or signs. Once the area has been blocked off, it must remain untouched for at least 24 hours so that the sealcoat can dry completely.

Next, the surface must be cleaned thoroughly. This includes removing any debris, dirt or oil spots from the paved surface. Brooms and blowers are typically used to remove these items from the asphalt. If there are any cracks or other damage to the paved surface, these must be repaired prior to the sealcoating process. If these repairs are not made, the sealcoating will not bond well to the surface and will eventually fail.

The pavement must also be completely dry before the sealcoat is applied. A thorough sweeping is usually enough to achieve this, but it can be helped along by using power washers if necessary. Additionally, if there is a high amount of humidity in the air, it will take longer for the sealcoat to dry and cure.

Once the surface is clean, a primer is often used to prepare the asphalt for the application of the sealcoat. This primer helps the coating adhere to the asphalt and provides a stronger bond. A commercial sealant is typically used, as it offers protection from oil and chemical substances that can degrade the paved surface.

In order to apply the sealcoat, a sprayer is used. This device is available in a variety of sizes, from two GPM (Gallons Per Minute) for small driveways to four GPM for larger areas such as parking lots. A choice of tip is also offered for the sprayer, with options that include a wide fan pattern, a narrow fan pattern and a v-shaped jet.

A squeegee is then used to help pack the seal coat material into the cracks and crevices of the surface. The squeegee can be either a ride-on sealcoating rig with multiple squeegee blades or a manual individual squeegee tool. For maximum comfort and efficiency, a ride-on system is typically preferred, as it allows for the squeegee to be pulled from one side to the other while still covering the entire paved area.

Application

Unlike asphalt paving which is done to build up new areas of pavement, sealcoating is used to maintain existing surfaces. It can include filling in potholes and repairing major cracks or simply coating the entire surface with coal tar or asphalt emulsion. The resulting layer of protection provides an added barrier against water, oil, and UV rays which can degrade and deteriorate the asphalt over time. It also helps restore the original black color of the pavement and adds to its aesthetic appeal.

Before the sealcoating can be applied, the surface must be swept clean and free of debris. This is done to ensure that the squeegee or spray application will adhere properly to the surface. If the surface has major cracks, they need to be repaired before the application of the sealcoat. Also, any underlying issues, such as potholes or drainage problems, need to be addressed.

It is important to note that the sealcoat cannot be applied if rain is expected in the next 24 hours or so. Also, the sprinklers in the area must be turned off at least 24 hours before and during the application of the sealcoat. It is also recommended that pedestrians and vehicular traffic be kept off of the newly sealcoated surface during this period to prevent tracking or causing damage to the new layer of material.

The actual sealcoating material is a combination of varying amounts of dissolved asphalt, mineral fillers, and water. It contains additives such as wetting agents, flow modifiers, and leveling agents to help the material flow and reduce or eliminate surface flaws. It also includes slip resistance additives such as sand or grit, and polymer additives for added strength and durability.

Once the sealcoating is applied, it must dry and cure before being able to withstand vehicular traffic. This is usually done over a one to two week period. During this time, you may notice tire tracks on the surface, but they will disappear as the surface begins to heal.

The main purpose of sealcoating is to protect the asphalt from the elements that cause it to deteriorate and break down over time. The protective barrier created by the sealcoat acts as a barrier against rain, UV rays, and other oxidizing substances. It also replenishes the degraded asphalt binder and oils that have been lost over time.

Maintenance

Sealcoating is an effective, long-term pavement maintenance technique that many property owners and managers overlook. Performing regular inspections and regularly scheduled reapplication of asphalt sealant can prevent damage to your parking lot and extend the lifespan of the paved surface. In addition, a well-maintained parking lot will improve curb appeal and help attract customers and tenants to your commercial property.

A properly applied asphalt sealcoating protects a paved surface from the elements, helping to prolong its life and keep it looking good. It also provides a barrier against oil, fuel, and chemical substances that can cause the asphalt to degrade and crack under pressure. Sealcoating also helps prevent the deterioration of an asphalt surface by filling small cracks and holes, which will help maintain its flexibility under vehicular traffic.

The process of asphalt sealing is relatively simple if you have the right equipment and knowledge. In order to get the best results, you need to purchase high-quality sealer and use professional-grade equipment such as a sprayer or squeegee. Then, you need to prepare the area by cleaning it thoroughly and repairing any cracks that need attention.

Once you’ve prepared the asphalt, it’s time to apply the sealer. First, you’ll need to mix the sealer with a mixing paddle until it’s creamy and uniform. Then, you’ll need to apply the coat evenly across the entire surface. Finally, you’ll need to let the sealant dry overnight before you can safely drive on the surface.

When determining which type of maintenance to use for your asphalt, it’s important to consider the condition of the paved surface and your budget. For example, minor cracks and surface deterioration can be effectively addressed with sealcoating, while deeper cracks and structural issues require a more targeted approach like crack sealing to stabilize the compromised area.

Additionally, if you’re working with a limited budget, it may be more cost-effective to repair the existing paving rather than replace it completely. Resurfacing an entire parking lot involves removing the old asphalt and replacing it with new asphalt, which can be a costly undertaking.

Safety

A properly installed and maintained sealcoat protects asphalt surfaces from damage, prolonging the life of the pavement. It also helps to increase property value. It’s important to choose a company that uses safe materials, such as coal tar emulsions, and follows proper application techniques. Workers should wear the proper protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses and a mask. Workers should also have adequate training and experience.

To ensure the best results, sealcoating should be done in warm weather. Optimal conditions include daytime temperatures above 50 degrees, low humidity and no rain forecast for the immediate future. The surface should be cleaned thoroughly and cracks should be repaired prior to application. Additionally, the sealcoat should be applied in two coats to provide maximum protection and appearance.

Refined coal tar sealcoats contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems. These chemicals can also contaminate waterways and kill fish. Many municipalities have banned the use of refined coal tar sealcoats. However, if a property owner insists on using this material, it’s recommended that they take extra steps to protect workers and the environment.

The type of sand used for the application is also critical to the success of the sealcoat. The sand must be screened to ensure that it’s free of large particles that can cause premature wear and adhesion problems. Also, the sand should be graded so that it is firmly anchored in the cured sealcoat. Too much sand can lead to the formation of large pores and weaken the surface of the coating.

In addition to the sand, additives may be added to the sealcoat to enhance color or add texture. Carbon black, for example, is often used to create a dark gray color. Pigments are also available to provide a range of colors. Flakes are a unique type of additive that can be used to produce a glittery effect.

Once the sealcoat is applied, it must be allowed to cure. This typically takes one to three days. After this time, the surface is safe to drive on and walk on. A broom may be used to sweep away any loose particles and dirt that are still on the surface of the sealcoat.