Asphalt crack filling and asphalt sealcoating are the two most important procedures of any routine asphalt maintenance program. Crack filling should always be performed before applying sealcoating to achieve optimum protection of the asphalt pavement. Both procedures work together to preserve the integrity of your asphalt pavement and prolong its life to allow you to enjoy your asphalt sealcoating saving benefit.
Why Does Crack Filling Precede Sealcoating?
If your asphalt pavement has reached the point where your sealcoating contractor recommends a fresh application of a sealant, your pavement has more than likely developed at least small surface cracks. Although sealcoating can fill very small and shallow imperfections on the surface of your asphalt pavement, it cannot repair large cracks. Any cracks that are more than approximately an eighth of an inch in width, depth, or length will probably need to be filled. No reputable asphalt contractor would sealcoat without properly repairing cracks in the pavement first.
Many asphalt pavement issues begin as cracks. Cracks allow moisture into the pavement’s structure, and moisture will compromise the base layers, promoting the formation of potholes, alligator cracking, and other major damage. In addition to cracks, other types of damage will need to be repaired properly before sealcoating. Hire only a professional asphalt contractor with a proven reputation to ensure the quality of the sealcoating job.
What Is the Procedure for Asphalt Pavements?
Once all repairs are completed, the surface is cleaned. The sealcoating material is mixed and applied in a liquid form by either the squeegee or sprayer method. Weather conditions are anticipated and closely monitored during the application and curing process to ensure that the finished product is of the highest quality. Once dry, pavement striping and other markings can be applied over the new sealcoating.
Depending on use and weather conditions, proper parking lot maintenance should include a reapplication of a high-quality sealcoating material every 18 to 36 months. Keep in mind that your particular pavement may need annual sealcoating or only require sealing every four to five years.
How Does Sealcoating Atlanta Pavements Help Protect Them?
Maintaining the sealcoating on asphalt pavement protects the pavement from the sun’s UV radiation. Without the consistent protection of a sealcoating material, the asphalt pavement will prematurely become brittle as the asphalt binder oxidizes and loses its ability to hold the aggregates within the pavement material together. The asphalt pavement will crumble and crack, and moisture will enter beneath the surface and progress into the base layers. Major repairs are inevitable without the protection of the sealcoating material.
Sealcoating also protects the asphalt pavement from weather conditions that expose it to moisture. Rain, snow, and ice are prevented from entering the pavement’s interior by the sealcoating material’s waterproofing properties.
As asphalt pavement ages, it will turn gray and dull. Sealcoating revitalizes the appearance of the asphalt pavement by restoring its black, shiny, smooth surface.
How Can I Protect My Asphalt Sealcoating?
The longevity of a good sealcoating material can be protected and extended by keeping the surface of the asphalt pavement as dry and clean as possible. Watch for standing water on the pavement after a good rain. If puddles remain on the pavement after other areas have dried, it could indicate a drainage issue. Keep all drains clear of debris. Furthermore, remove any debris from the pavement. Debris left on the pavement can trap moisture, and some types of debris can cause the sealcoating material to deteriorate as the debris decomposes.
Remove any petroleum-based chemical spills from your pavement as quickly as possible. Automotive fluids that leak on the sealcoating will cause a breakdown of the sealant, robbing it of its protective qualities. Once the sealcoating material is compromised, the petroleum-based product will enter the asphalt pavement and cause it to deteriorate prematurely.
For Asphalt Sealcoating Atlanta Customers Trust, Call MH Greeson
From our office in Marietta, MH Greeson provides customers throughout North Georgia with high-quality asphalt pavement and parking lot maintenance services, including asphalt sealcoating, parking lot striping and pavement marking, crack and pothole repair, and the installation of parking lot car stops, traffic signs, and bollards. You can use the online form to ask for a free quote, or you can call our office at 770-335-2983 if you want to discuss your paving needs in more detail.
