If you have ever seen sealcoating transform a faded, unsightly asphalt pavement into a dark, smooth expanse, you might think that sealants are just beauty treatments. However, cosmetic improvement is just a bonus. The main purpose of having your asphalt paving sealed is to protect it.
How Sealcoating Protects Asphalt Pavements
What Is Asphalt Seal Coating?
Sealcoating, also known as asphalt sealing, is the application of a liquid sealant to a pavement. When the sealant cures, it bonds to the pavement to form a tough barrier between your pavement and the forces that can damage it.
What Forces Will Sealcoating Protect Against?
One very dangerous enemy of asphalt pavement is sunlight. You have probably heard that the sun emits UV rays that can damage your skin. These same rays can also damage asphalt pavement by stealing its moisture, making it brittle and more vulnerable. To protect your skin, you can apply a sunscreen, and sealcoating acts similar to protecting your pavement. Sealcoating also helps protect against the development of soft spots in the pavement that are caused by leaked automotive fluids. Also, asphalt sealing helps prevent staining, water infiltration, and damage from tires.
How Often Should I Sealcoat My Asphalt Pavement?
Every pavement is a little different, but asphalt contractors typically recommend an initial application before the pavement reaches its first anniversary. After that, the frequency will depend on the pavement’s use and overall condition. Most sealcoating contractors recommend repeating the application every 18 to 30 months, but your schedule may be different.
How Much Protection Will Asphalt Sealcoating Actually Provide?
The easiest way to answer that question is to explain what sealcoating and parking lot striping contractors have learned from numerous tests conducted by state transportation agencies, pavement engineers, and other researchers. If asphalt contractors construct two identical pavements, subject them to identical weather conditions, and ensure that the weight and number of the vehicles they support are similar, they can leave one pavement unsealed to see what difference sealcoating makes. In test after test, the pavement without sealcoating will need repairs sooner, require more expensive repairs, and be resurfaced in about half the time. Frequently, a pavement with sealcoating has proven to have a useful life that is more than double the life of the pavement without sealcoating. If you include timely crack repairs, routine cleaning, and an overlay every 12 years or so, you could reduce your pavement-related costs by as much as 65% or more over a span of 15 years. This makes sealcoating the most cost-effective way to maximize the return on the money you have invested in your pavement.
Contact MH Greeson for More Information
At MH Greeson, we enjoy helping people obtain the longest, most trouble-free lives for their asphalt pavements. We are a well-respected company serving customers in most North Georgia counties. We offer sealcoating, parking lot striping, asphalt crack repairs, parking lot signage, bollard installations, pavement marking, asphalt patching, and pothole repair, ADA compliance, tennis court resurfacing, and car stops. We have built our outstanding reputation through consistency, craftsmanship, customer service, professionalism, and integrity. To request a free quote, you can either fill out the online form or call 770-335-2983.
