Did you know that in very little time your faded, weary asphalt pavement parking lot or driveway could be restored to almost new? Seal coating is a great way to revive your driveway or parking lot!
What is sealcoating?
Sealcoating is a think liquid layer added to your paved surface. This protects it from UV Rays, rain, snow and fluids from your vehicles. Sealcoating won’t cure existing problems in your pavement like cracks or weeds growing up in those cracks, but it will help prevent those damaging effects from happening.
Properly Applying SealCoating
During the warmer weather months is a great time to apply seal coating to your asphalt. A properly installed sealcoat should be applied after you have repaired the cracks. To repair those cracks, you will need a crack filler or dig up and apply new asphalt where you can’t repair cracks.
Sealcoating should be left to the professionals, but if you are the adventurous homeowner and want to apply it yourself. Here are some basic steps you should follow:
- Make sure it is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no rain.
- Clean your driveway surface first with a high-pressure washer and let dry.
- Clean any oil stains with a cleaning detergent.
- Let your driveway dry for a couple of hours.
- Mix your sealcoat properly.
- Pour the sealcoat out in small amounts and spread in a 20 square foot area evenly. Be sure to thin your coat out so it drys effectively.
Facts About Sealcoating Asphalt
- Sealcoating protects and prolongs the life expectancy of asphalt pavement by filling surface damage and providing a protective layer to keep out damaging UV rays, vehicle fluids, and water.
- The low cost of regular sealcoating can save you money in the long run. A properly maintained and sealed asphalt surface has an extended lifetime and reduces long-term repair costs.
- With exposure to the elements, asphalt pavement over time becomes faded in appearance. A fresh sealcoat application enhances the appearance of asphalt, making it look and wear like new.
- Sealcoating is typically done using one of two application methods: spray or squeegee.
- Sealcoating accelerates the melting process of snow and ice on pavement surfaces. This helps to protect against water penetration, rain, frost and snow damage.
- To correctly complete the sealcoating process, the air and pavement temperature is recommended to be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of the application and for eight hours following the application.
- Prior to pavement sealing, the asphalt surface should be cleared of all dirt and debris. In addition, minor repairs, like potholes and cracks, should be filled and vehicle fluids, like oil, should be properly removed.
