Do you want to preserve and protect the appearance and durability of your asphalt paved surface? Sealcoating the paved surface is the best thing to do to ensure it. Asphalt paving consists of small stones, also known as aggregate, combined with other fillers to create a durable surface for roads, driveways, and parking lots. But certainly, asphalt has its limitations and is not immune to damage from everyday traffic and vagaries of nature.
What Damages Asphalt?
There are a few things that harm asphalt paved surfaces over time.
Sun: Strong sun rays dry the oil out of the paved surface and make it brittle. Constant sun exposure makes the asphalt paving brittle. Gradually it loses its flexibility, and cracks start appearing on its surface.
Water: Rain and snow are not good for asphalt paved surfaces. When cracks start appearing on the surface, the water penetrates and seeps into its foundation. Asphalt paved surfaces in places that experience harsh winters develop cracks faster because of contraction and expansion of water as temperature changes, and it accelerates the process of erosion.
Traffic: Once cracks start forming on asphalt, exposure to regular road traffic is also damaging for the paving. The extra weight of the vehicles puts stress on the cracks and damages them further.
What is Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is the most cost-effective way to save and enhance the life of asphalt paved surfaces. It is a liquid protective layer applied over the paving using a spray. The sealant in this layer offers a layer of security to the asphalt from elements like sun exposure, water, UV rays, snow, and even from vehicle fluids like coolant, gasoline, oil, etc. Ideally, the paved surface must be applied with a seal coating every 3-4 years for its maintenance. However, remember to duly fix any existing cracks and potholes before applying seal coating.
What are the Benefits of Sealcoating?
Whether you have a freshly asphalt paved surface or repaired an existing asphalt paved surface , professional seal coating is the best way to extend its lifespan. Here are some of the long-term benefits of seal coating.
Maintenance of Roads:
Well-maintained roads are an asset, and no one likes to ride on a road full of cracks and potholes. Worse still, if someone gets injured by tripping on a pothole in your driveway and the liability of the damage can fall on you. Sealcoating is not very expensive and surely can save you all the hassles you could get into because of a badly maintained driveway.
Increases Durability of Asphalt Surface:
The flexibility of asphalt is retained when the surface is seal coated. Flexibility is one of the important features of asphalt, enabling it to endure stress-related damage and enhancing its durability.
Reduces Damage to Vehicles:
Driving on a road that has potholes is damaging to the vehicles. Whether it is your vehicle or that of your customer, it is important to maintain your driveway to prevent potholes. Sealcoating helps in preventing cracks and potholes and thereby reduces damage to vehicles.
Smooth Surface:
Sealcoating helps keep the surface of the asphalt smooth, making it easy to carry out small repairs on the surface.
The Aesthetic Aspect:
A fresh asphalt paved surface is pitch black because of the oil in the asphalt. Sealcoating the surface gives it a fresh black look and makes it stand out again. Aged asphalt starts greying and does not look impressive. Sealcoating brings back life to it and makes it look aesthetically pleasing.
If you have any requirements of paving or seal coating in Maryland , check out the services of Premier Paving. With over 30 years of experience in this field, they offer quality services at very competitive prices. Call Premier Paving today to book an appointment.
