What are the benefits of regular seal coating for your driveway or parking lot?

1. Increased Lifespan and Resilience

Regular seal coating increases the lifespan and resilience of a driveway or parking lot by slowing oxidation and enhancing its appearance. By protecting the asphalt from the elements, it works to prevent fragility and increase flexibility in the surface. Chip sealing is an effective way to extend the life of asphalt pavements, as it provides a thin, protective layer to the pavement that prevents water from entering and causing damage. Furthermore, a career in asphalt provides a great opportunity for a stable and rewarding career with plenty of room to grow.

2. Improved Aesthetic Appearance

Seal coating is an important part of maintaining an asphalt driveway or parking lot and can have a significant impact on its aesthetic appearance. Sealcoating can help to slow oxidation and sun-bleaching, both of which can cause the asphalt to look worn and unappealing. Applying a seal coat gives the pavement a crisp, dark finish that looks much better than the old asphalt, enhancing the overall curb appeal of the property. In addition, a deep, dark sealcoating can help to maintain the value of the driveway or parking lot and create a better first impression.

3. Reduced Damage from Sunlight and UV Rays

Seal coating helps protect against sunlight and UV rays by creating a waterproof barrier that prevents water from seeping into the asphalt and causing damage. It also provides an additional layer of protection to the asphalt, which blocks out the harmful elements in the sun’s ultraviolet spectrum and minimizes wear and tear. By filling in small cracks, seal coating also prevents chemicals from leaking beneath the asphalt pavement and causing further damage.

4. Protection Against Penetration of Water and Other Substances

Seal coating provides an extra layer of protection against the penetration of water and other substances that can easily cause damage to asphalt pavement. When applied, sealant creates a waterproof barrier that prevents moisture from entering and damaging the asphalt. Additionally, sealant coats the paved area which protects it from UV ray damage. Furthermore, seal coating helps to seal cracks that may have already formed, preventing water from seeping into the cracks and causing further damage. Lastly, seal coatings also speed up the melting of snow and ice and reduce the possibility of water seeping under the asphalt and potentially eroding it. Overall, seal coating is an effective way to protect the driveway or parking lot against water penetration and other damaging substances.

5. Improved Safety for Foot Traffic

Regular seal coating can significantly improve safety for foot traffic in a parking lot by making it more visible. Sealcoating provides a bright, white appearance that helps to make the parking lot easier to see at night. This way, people are more easily able to find their cars, which prevents potential accidents. Moreover, sealcoating can also help to prevent potholes from forming in the parking lot, as potholes are a common cause of accidents and can damage vehicles. Thus, sealcoating enhances the safety of a parking lot, while also extending the life of the pavement.

6. Extended Warranty on Repairs

Regular seal coating helps with driveway repairs by providing protection against damaging elements, extending the life of the driveway, and preserving its integrity. The process involves laying a specialized asphalt sealer on the driveway, which can be done every two to three years depending on the drainage and traffic in the area. This helps to prevent the need for costly repairs in the future, and can also improve the overall visual appearance of the driveway.

7. Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Sealing your asphalt driveway or parking lot with a layer of asphalt sealer can have numerous benefits, one of which is enhanced energy efficiency. Asphalt sealcoating helps to protect the surface of your driveway or parking lot from the elements and slow oxidation, which can cause the surface to become brittle and cracked over time. This can help to insulate the pavement and reduce the amount of heat it radiates, which can in turn reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the area. It can also help to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat the area, as the sealcoat will help to keep the pavement warm by retaining heat. This can also help to reduce costs significantly. Additionally, sealcoating can help to reduce deterioration of the pavement, which is caused by UV rays and water infiltration, and reduce the need for repairs and maintenance, thus saving energy in the long run.

8. Reduced Risk of Pavement Cracking and Damage

Seal coating helps reduce the risk of pavement cracking and damage by preventing the weakening of its structure due to the infiltration of water. As water seeps through cracks, it can cause the pavement to expand and contract, leading to larger cracks and other issues. Sealcoating acts as a barrier against water, blocking it from entering the pavement and preventing further damage. Additionally, it reduces oxidation which can also lead to structural damage. Sealcoating also enhances the overall appearance of the pavement, which is an added benefit.

9. Cost Savings Due to Reduced Maintenance Costs

Regular seal coating helps to save money by protecting asphalt pavement from chips, cracks, and other damage, eliminating the need for costly repairs. Additionally, seal coating provides a barrier against water, oil, and UV damage, helping to extend the life of the parking lot and reducing the amount of money spent on repairs and maintenance. Finally, the improved appearance of the parking lot resulting from seal coating can help to attract more customers and increase foot traffic, resulting in higher profits.

10. Improved Quality of Life

There are four important benefits of asphalt sealcoating that should not be ignored. These benefits include increased life of asphalt surfaces, better protection from harsh weather conditions, improved curb appeal, and reduced maintenance costs. Regular seal coating can thus improve the quality of life by protecting surfaces from weather damage, reducing the need to frequently replace or repair the asphalt, and enhancing the appearance of the area. By making sure the asphalt surfaces last longer and remain well-maintained, regular seal coating can ensure that they remain safe and functional for a longer period of time, thus improving the quality of life for those who use the surfaces.

How often should you seal coat your driveway or parking lot?

It is recommended to sealcoat your driveway or parking lot every two to three years for normal use, or every year if the pavement experiences heavy traffic. Sealcoating should be done as soon as possible after the initial pavement has been placed, giving it a year to properly cure and wear. Regularly inspecting your property every few months, at the beginning and end of every season, will help you identify any potential repairs that need to be made before sealcoating. Sealcoating provides many benefits, such as extending the life of the asphalt pavement, creating a cleaner and smoother surface, and improving its aesthetic value.

FAQs

What is seal coating?

Seal coating is a protective layer applied over asphalt pavement in order to extend its lifespan. It is usually made from acrylics or bitumen-based products and consists of a thick liquid mixture of sand, water, proprietary fillers, and polymer additives. The coat is applied using high-powered machines that spray or brush it on the surface. This helps to create a uniform coating that is more resistant to damage from weather, sunlight, and salt. Additionally, seal coating can also help to fill in any cracks or damaged areas on the pavement, creating a more even surface that is less likely to experience further damage. As such, seal coating can be an important part of maintaining a clean and functional parking lot.

What are the benefits of seal coating?

The benefits of seal coating include: extending the life of the driveway or parking lot and preventing hardening and crumbling of the asphalt; creating an attractive, uniform coat over the pavement; protecting the driveway from salts, chemicals, and moisture; restoring the deep, shiny, black appearance of freshly laid pavement; forming a protective barrier against UV rays, water, oil, and other oxidizing substances; replenishing the degraded petroleum binder and specifically formulated oils; keeping the asphalt from becoming brittle, drying out, cracking, and crumbling; improving the property’s aesthetics and increasing its value; preventing the formation of potholes; providing moisture protection; melting snow and ice more quickly; and saving money on driveway maintenance.

How often should seal coating be done?

Seal coating should be done every two to three years, or whenever necessary, depending on the amount of traffic and exposure to the elements that the driveway gets. The best time to apply the seal coating is when the temperature is nearly 50 degrees Fahrenheit and is not predicted to drop for at least 24 hours. Before applying the seal coat, any pavement cracks, potholes, and areas with compromised structural integrity must be repaired. After application, no foot or vehicle traffic should be allowed on the pavement for at least 24 hours.

How long does seal coating last?

Seal coating can last for several years when applied correctly and maintained regularly. Generally, it is recommended that you have driveways and parking lots sealed every two to three years for normal use, or every year if the pavement experiences heavy traffic. However, this also depends on the condition of the asphalt and the severity of weather, traffic, and other conditions to which it is exposed. Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity of seal coating, as seal coating cannot repair cracked or crumbling pavement. It is also important that you allow for sufficient curing time before allowing traffic to pass over the seal coated asphalt.

How much does seal coating cost?

Seal coating is an essential part of maintaining your driveway or parking lot and can save you money in the long run. The cost of seal coating can vary depending on the type of product you use, the size of the area to be covered, and the amount of surface preparation and repair required. Low-end sealants can cost around $6 to $9 for a 5-gallon pail that covers about 400 square feet, while top graded products will cost around $25 for a 5-gallon pail that can cover up to 300 square feet. For professional installation, national averages are about $1.15 per square foot for materials and labor combined. Sealcoating as part of your preventive maintenance not only extends the life of your asphalt pavement, but it’s also an effective way to save money. Unprotected asphalt leads to cracks and potholes which will cost you more in repairs. When neglected, it can also damage your driveway’s foundation, which will cost you even more in replacements.

Overall, sealcoating costs between $0.15 and $0.35 per square foot, which is significantly cheaper than asphalt installation, which costs between $1.50 and $2.00 per square foot. It’s essential that you use a quality driveway sealer when sealcoating to ensure the best results, and it’s also important to remember that sealcoating won’t fix pavement defects or restore the flexibility to your pavement. Additionally, supply chain problems due to the pandemic have caused some delays, so it’s important to be aware of that.

What materials are used in seal coating?

Seal coating materials include coal tar sealers, asphalt emulsion coatings, acrylic sealers, and fast-dry sealers. Coal tar sealers are generally cheaper but require more product management when applied and are often applied by professional crews. Asphalt emulsion sealers are easier to apply and emit fewer VOCs than coal tar-based products, but the protective layer is less resistant to chemical spills. Acrylic sealers are synthetic compounds composed mostly of acrylic and polymers, which are less harmful to the environment, but are more expensive and may provide an inferior protective layer. Fast-dry sealers are usable for foot traffic in an hour and vehicle traffic in a day, but typically do not last as long and require temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit for application.

What is the process for seal coating?

The process for seal coating involves several steps:

• Prepare the surface: First, the surface needs to be cleaned of any dirt and grime. All potholes and cracks must be properly repaired.
• Apply the sealer: Once the surface is prepared, sealer is applied with either a spray or squeegee. It is important to ensure the sealer is evenly applied across the surface.
• Let the sealer cure: After the sealer is applied, it needs to cure. For best results, it should be left undisturbed for at least eight hours at as close to 13 degrees Celsius as possible.
• Maintenance: To ensure optimal protection and the best aesthetic results, it is recommended to have your driveway or parking lot seal coated every two to three years for normal use, or every year if the pavement experiences heavy traffic.

Is seal coating safe for the environment?

Seal coating can be beneficial for asphalt pavements, extending their life, creating a uniform coat, and protecting against moisture and chemicals. However, there is debate about the environmental safety of seal coating, particularly when it comes to coal tar sealers. These substances can also leach into groundwater if used in excessive amounts. While professional crews may still use it in areas where it is allowed, there are alternative seal coating options such as asphalt emulsion coatings and acrylic sealers which emit fewer VOCs and may be less harmful to the environment. Ultimately, it is important to consider the environmental impact of seal coating before choosing a product.

What is the difference between seal coating and asphalt repair?

Seal coating and asphalt repair are two different processes used to extend the life of asphalt pavement. Seal coating is a preventative measure which creates a protective barrier against UV rays, water, oil, and road salt, while also reducing weather damage and slip-resistance. Asphalt repair, on the other hand, is a reactive measure which repairs existing issues such as cracks and potholes, and replaces part of the pavement with an asphalt overlay. Seal coating fills small cracks to prevent future damages while asphalt repair is used to repair already existing damages. Seal coating is best applied when the pavement is new, while asphalt repair is necessary when the pavement is severely damaged or degraded. Seal coating will not repair large cracks and is only suitable for small cracks and rough spots. Asphalt repair is necessary to fix large cracks and potholes. Asphalt repair can be expensive and is best avoided through proper maintenance such as seal coating.

How does seal coating improve the appearance of asphalt surfaces?

The application of a seal coat to an asphalt surface can greatly improve its appearance. The sealer fills in surface defects, creates a uniform coat, and forms a protective barrier against UV rays, vehicle fluids, and water. This restores the deep, shiny, black appearance of freshly laid pavement, bringing life back to the asphalt and making it look new again. The sealer also helps prevent the pavement from hardening, cracking, and crumbling, extending its life and reducing repair costs. Additionally, regular seal coating can speed up the melting of snow and ice, and protect the asphalt from oxidizing substances. All of these benefits together create a strong, attractive surface that can improve the curb appeal of any property.

For all your sealcoating services call Freedom Asphalt at or visit our website for more information. We are located in Dover, PA and service the areas around.