Sealcoating is an important part of not only protecting your
asphalt from deterioration, but also keeping your parking lot
attractive. Many property managers are familiar with the need to
sealcoat their asphalt paving, but have specific questions about the
details. Often, their questions are very similar, so we thought it best
to compile a list of these frequently asked questions to better help you
understand the basics of sealcoating.
My asphalt has surface cracks that keep coming back. What do I do about them?
Before sealcoating it is important to seal any existing cracks. If left a crack is not filled, it will allow water in that can cause damage to the asphalt pavement. If the water penetrates the pores of the surface, or worse, under the asphalt into the base, expensive asphalt repairs will be needed to repair the damage. Even after an asphalt parking lot is sealcoated, if the cracks have not been filled first, this damage can occur.
An important thing to note, if asphalt cracks are filled properly the first time, the crack sealing will last the life of the sealcoating. You should not see cracks coming back!
Should we have our asphalt parking lot sealcoated every year?
No. While many sealcoating companies will try to get you to seal your asphalt annually, this is just to pad their pockets! Sealcoating asphalt too much can lead to many problems. Most property managers don't realize that the first two coats of sealer applied are what actually protect the asphalt. Most of the sealcoating after those initial applications are usually for cosmetic purposes only.
Can we sealcoat our parking lot in hot weather?
Yes, but it must be done using the proper techniques. As you know, asphalt can get very hot, especially in Florida during the summer. Applying sealer when the temperatures are above 90 degrees can cause the sealer to dry too quickly. If this happens it can peel, flake, or get a streaky finish. In order to apply sealcoat in temperatures above 90 degrees, the proper technique is to spray the surface with a light mist of water first. This has a cooling effect on the asphalt. Once the surface temperature has been lowered, the sealer can safely be applied.
A well-paved asphalt paving project can last twenty to forty years if properly maintained. Hiring a reputable paving contractor can save you money in the long run. Not only will you have a parking lot that looks great, the workmanship should last for decades!
My asphalt has surface cracks that keep coming back. What do I do about them?
Before sealcoating it is important to seal any existing cracks. If left a crack is not filled, it will allow water in that can cause damage to the asphalt pavement. If the water penetrates the pores of the surface, or worse, under the asphalt into the base, expensive asphalt repairs will be needed to repair the damage. Even after an asphalt parking lot is sealcoated, if the cracks have not been filled first, this damage can occur.
An important thing to note, if asphalt cracks are filled properly the first time, the crack sealing will last the life of the sealcoating. You should not see cracks coming back!
Should we have our asphalt parking lot sealcoated every year?
No. While many sealcoating companies will try to get you to seal your asphalt annually, this is just to pad their pockets! Sealcoating asphalt too much can lead to many problems. Most property managers don't realize that the first two coats of sealer applied are what actually protect the asphalt. Most of the sealcoating after those initial applications are usually for cosmetic purposes only.
Can we sealcoat our parking lot in hot weather?
Yes, but it must be done using the proper techniques. As you know, asphalt can get very hot, especially in Florida during the summer. Applying sealer when the temperatures are above 90 degrees can cause the sealer to dry too quickly. If this happens it can peel, flake, or get a streaky finish. In order to apply sealcoat in temperatures above 90 degrees, the proper technique is to spray the surface with a light mist of water first. This has a cooling effect on the asphalt. Once the surface temperature has been lowered, the sealer can safely be applied.
A well-paved asphalt paving project can last twenty to forty years if properly maintained. Hiring a reputable paving contractor can save you money in the long run. Not only will you have a parking lot that looks great, the workmanship should last for decades!
Maureen McHale is a web marketing consultant specializing in SEO, content marketing and website design. With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor. For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website for a free estimate for your asphalt pavement sealcoating needs or call 866-934-7623.
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