Understanding Asphalt Sealcoating

If you've ever organized construction that incorporates asphalt paving, there's a good possibility that you're acquainted with the idea of sealcoating. It's a defensive layer on top of your road or parking area, and it's worth the return on investment — but it might not be the right choice for your commercial asphalt paving in Austin, TX.

What is Sealcoating?

There's asphalt everywhere and for a good cause. It's long-lasting, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly, but it still requires a little maintenance. Once asphalt surfaces are established, they're exposed to the sun's UV rays, moisture, oil, and winter weather antidotes. This forces the asphalt to dry out, splinter, and fade over time.

Sealcoating is used to protect asphalt from vulnerability and damage. It absorbs into the asphalt, restores the surface to look new again, replenishes the lubricants and binder employed for the installation, fills in voids, and smooths out the surface. It also obstructs elements like oil and sunlight from damaging the asphalt.

Advantages of Sealcoating

• Rehabilitation: You've seen recently installed asphalt before: It's a deep ebony color that you can tell has just been laid. You've also noticed old, damaged asphalt, withered, cracked, and roughly surfaced. Sealcoating revives that new look, which not only enhances curb appeal but can also enhance the value of your property.
• Durability: The aggregate mixture and petroleum-based binder make asphalt flexible, but that flexibility wanes from wear and tear over time. Oil and gas from automobiles dripping onto the pavement can further corrupt its integrity. Over time, the asphalt becomes breakable and can improve the likelihood of cracks. Sealcoating discourages the oil and gas from oxidizing, keeping asphalt in more satisfactory condition for more extended periods.
• Prevention: Without sealcoating, asphalt is compromised from oxidation. Small cracks develop in the pavement; if you don't address them, water seeps through, leading to ugly and hazardous potholes. Sealcoating can prevent potholes and save money on repairs for years in the future.
• Affordability: Without appropriate maintenance that includes sealcoating, you could face a total asphalt replacement. New asphalt installation is costly, and line striping or curb installation adds to that cost. Per square foot, sealcoating commands a fraction of the cost of new installation and reduces overall maintenance expenses over the life of your pavement.

When to Skip Sealcoating

With all of the advantages sealcoating offers, it's crucial to remember that it's not always the fitting alternative for your pavement undertaking.

• Your asphalt is fresh: Newly established asphalt takes some time to cure and harden enough to support automobile traffic. Curing lets excess chemicals in the binder travel to the surface. After this occurs, usually three to six months after the initial paving operation, you can apply a sealer.
• Your pavement isn't in good condition: Sealcoating is excellent for dry and faded asphalt surfaces with minimal cracking, but it will not fix more severe cracks, potholes, and other problems. So before you finance sealcoating, patch areas of extensive damage. You might even need an asphalt overlay spread before a thorough sealcoating can be established.

We hope this helps you better understand sealcoating. Contact us today for more information on asphalt paving in Austin, TX.