Asphalt Sealcoating
Compared to concrete, asphalt pavements are faster and less expensive to construct. They also offer a quieter ride, better traction, and more visual appeal. If an asphalt pavement receives adequate maintenance throughout its life, it can potentially last for decades. Without adequate maintenance, the pavement could become unusable in less than eight years. One of the most critical maintenance services you can provide is professional asphalt sealcoating.
What Is Asphalt Sealcoating?
An asphalt sealcoat is a product that is applied to a pavement to protect it as well as enhance its appearance. Sealcoating is liquid when it is applied, then it hardens to form a barrier that is bonded to the surface of the pavement.
How Often Does My Pavement Need Asphalt Sealcoating?
The interval between applications depends on your pavement’s age, its condition, and the use it receives. A new pavement should not be sealed for two or three months, but it should be sealed during its first year of life. A typical parking lot in Central Texas will normally need a reapplication every two years. However, if your pavement supports only a few vehicles, your interval could be three or four years. On the other hand, if your pavement supports a high number of heavyweight vehicles, you might need at least a touch-up every year.
What Are the Benefits of Sealcoating?
For just a few cents per square foot, asphalt sealcoating can provide benefits that will far outweigh the cost.
- Sealcoating blocks the harmful UV rays that can inflict severe damage on an asphalt pavement. UV rays dry out asphalt pavements, so they become brittle and prone to cracking.
- UV rays also bleach asphalt pavements from a rich black color to an unsightly gray or brown. Sealcoating helps prevent UV rays from fading the pavement’s color, and it can usually restore the original color if fading has already occurred.
- Virtually all vehicle fluids are distilled from crude oil, and petroleum distillates that come into contact with each other will try to reunite. The attempted reunion can be extremely destructive to one or both of the distillates. Since asphalt is also a petroleum distillate, vehicle fluids can make it soft and break down the binder holding the pavement together. Before vehicle fluids can damage the pavement, they must eat their way through the sealcoating. They will do so eventually, but sealcoating gives you significantly more time to remove the fluids and prevent the damage.
- Sealcoating improves the appearance of the entire pavement. It can hide minor surface flaws, including hairline cracks and small pockmarks. The surface will appear more even and smoother.
- Sealcoating contains sand, and this can improve traction, especially when the pavement is wet. Pedestrians will be less likely to slip and fall, vehicles will be less likely to skid, and cyclists will be less likely to lose control of their bikes.
If you would like to learn more about asphalt sealcoating in Austin, Tx, contact the professionals at JSC Asphalt Care. We also offer parking lot striping, speed bump installation, asphalt repair, parking lot signs, asphalt paving, and parking lot maintenance plans. We have an exemplary reputation that is based on the superior quality of our work, our professional customer service, and our competitive rates. To discuss your asphalt-related needs, call us at 512-653-6526. You can also use our online form to request a free quote.