Are you planning to sealcoat your asphalt pavement? In this article, we’ll discuss what to expect during a sealcoating process, including the steps and materials used.
A sealcoating process helps protect your asphalt pavement from damage and deterioration, such as cracking and potholes. It also enhances the look of your pavement. Regular sealcoating will extend the life of your pavement and protect your investment.
Steps Involved in Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a multi-step process, involving several steps which are discussed below:
Step 1: Cleaning
The first step in sealcoating is to properly clean the surface of the pavement. This is done to remove any dirt, dust, debris, oil stains, and other contaminants that can interfere with the sealer adhering to the pavement. This is sometimes done with pressure washing, and sometimes with a broom and a detergent solution.
The first step of the asphalt sealcoating process is to clean the surface of the asphalt. This is necessary to make sure the sealant will adhere properly and that the finished product looks its best. To clean the pavement, all debris and foreign materials should be removed including trash, leaves and dirt. Pressurized water should then be blasted to dislodge all dirt, dust, and oils that have accumulated on the surface of the asphalt. This step is important because it will ensure that the sealer has a strong bond with the pavement. After the pavement has been thoroughly cleaned, it is ready for step two.
Step 2: Repairing
Once the surface is cleaned, any cracks or potholes should be filled and repaired. Filling these cracks and potholes will prevent water from seeping into the pavement and causing further damage.
The second step in the asphalt sealcoating process is the repair of existing cracks and surface damages. Asphalt naturally deteriorates over time and needs to be maintained to avoid further damage and costly repairs. Cracks in asphalt can become larger and deeper as time passes, so they need to be repaired as soon as they are noticed.
Asphalt repair starts with cleaning the surface and removing any dirt, leaves, and debris. If a crack is deep enough, a specialized asphalt patch may be used to fill it. If the crack is shallow and the surface is still in good condition, a cold patch asphalt may be used.
Once the surface is prepared, any existing cracks and potholes are filled. The asphalt cracks are first filled with a hot rubberized crack filler and then followed by a cold seal coat. Executed correctly, this repair process can keep water from penetrating the asphalt and causing further damage.
Next, any existing surface damages need to be addressed. Depending on the severity of the issue, it can be filled with an asphalt patch, covered with a seal coat, or the asphalt may need to be replaced. It is important to properly assess the surface before deciding the best repair option.
Once the repairs have been made, the surface is ready for the sealcoat. Sealcoating adds an extra layer of protection to the asphalt, helping it to last longer and look newer. The added protection helps reduce the effects of weather and UV exposure, as well as protects against premature aging and cracking.
By properly repairing the surface damages and applying a seal coating, the asphalt can remain in good condition for many years to come. Regular maintenance is also important to help prolong the life of the asphalt and keep it looking its best.
Step 3: Applying the Sealer
Once the surface has been cleaned and filled, the sealer can be applied. Generally, the sealer is applied with a sprayer. It is important to ensure that the sealer is applied evenly and in the proper amount to ensure adequate protection.
Once the asphalt has been cleaned and prepared for sealcoating, the next step is to apply the sealer. In the third step of the sealcoating process, a layer of sealer is evenly spread over the asphalt. This is usually done with a squeegee and a broom and takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the size of the area being sealed. A specialized industrial sprayer may also be used in some cases.
The sealer that is used will depend on the job at hand. Generally, a single coat of sealer is all that is necessary for residential jobs. However, for heavy commercial jobs, two or more coats may be necessary. The type of sealer applied will depend on the age and condition of the asphalt and the desired level of protection.
After the sealer application is finished, the asphalt must then be given time to dry and cure. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the temperature and humidity. It is important to allow the sealer to properly dry to ensure the best protection for your asphalt.
Finally, when the sealer has dried, any excess sealer should be removed from the surface with a broom and a leaf blower. This will help ensure a professional appearance. Afterward, the asphalt is ready for use and can enjoy the benefits of a long-lasting seal.
Step 4: Curing
After the sealer has been applied, it needs to be left to cure. Generally, this takes a few days for the sealer to fully dry and bond with the pavement. During this time, it is important to keep traffic off of the newly sealed pavement to allow the sealer to fully cure.
The curing time for sealcoating can vary based on the climate and weather conditions and usually takes anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. The asphalt sealer needs to be given time to cure and set, so that it can bond with the surface and provide adequate protection. During this time, the material will harden and form a strong and durable seal. During the curing period, no traffic should be driven or parked on the newly sealed asphalt. If you do, it could cause damage to the coating and reduce the effectiveness and longevity of the sealcoating process.
After the curing period is complete, the newly sealed asphalt is ready for use. The sealcoat will offer protection from ultraviolet rays, water damage, oxidation, abrasion, and other elements that cause asphalt surfaces to deteriorate prematurely. Asphalt sealcoating will also help restore color and refresh the appearance of the asphalt surface.
You should keep in mind that asphalt sealcoating not only provides a fresh look and an added layer of protection, but it can also help to extend the life of your asphalt for many years. For these reasons, it is important to follow the correct process when sealcoating your asphalt surface. The process begins with a thorough cleaning of the asphalt and ends with a curing period of 12 to 24 hours. Following this step-by-step process will ensure that you get the most out of your sealcoating job.
Materials Used in Sealcoating
There are several materials that are used in sealcoating. These materials include:
Asphalt Emulsion
Asphalt Emulsion is used as a binder material in the sealcoating process. It helps to bind the other materials together.
Sand
Sand is used to fill any cracks or potholes in the pavement before applying the sealer.
Additives
Additives are used to enhance the performance of the sealer and help protect against cracking.
Filler Materials
Filler materials are used to fill any low spots in the pavement surface prior to applying the sealer. This helps to ensure that the sealer is applied evenly.
Conclusion
Sealcoating is an important part of protecting asphalt pavement and extending its life. In order to get the most out of your sealcoating, it’s important to understand the steps involved and the materials used. This article has outlined the steps and materials used in a sealcoating process and should give you a better understanding of what to expect.
Freedom Asphalt offers professional asphalt sealcoating services in Dover, PA. Our experienced team is available to discuss your needs and determine the best course of action to help protect your pavement and extend its lifespan. We understand that customers have different needs depending on their individual situation, so we offer customized solutions to meet each customer’s needs.
During the asphalt sealcoating process, we use high-quality materials to ensure the best results. We clean the area before we apply sealant to ensure that any dirt or debris is removed from the surface. We use only the latest in sealant technology, ensuring that you get the best protection for your pavement. Our team applies sealant in thin layers to ensure that the sealant bonds properly to the pavement. Once the sealant has cured, we rinse the pavement to remove any excess sealant.
Our team follows strict safety protocols during the asphalt sealcoating process, including the use of safety equipment and taking all necessary safety measures. We also keep worksites free of debris and make sure that our team is dressed in the proper safety attire at all times.
At Freedom Asphalt, we understand that asphalt sealcoating is an important part of keeping your pavement in top condition. We are committed to providing high-quality services that exceed your expectations. We offer a variety of asphalt sealing services to fit your needs, including sealcoating, crack sealing, and more. With our professional services, your pavement will look better and last longer. Contact us today at 717-502-2222 to learn more about our asphalt sealcoating services in Dover, PA
