The Ultimate Guide to Sealcoating

Sealcoating is a crucial process when it comes to maintaining the appearance and integrity of your pavement. Asphalt pavements are porous in nature and they tend to permit water to penetrate the surface. This water penetration leads to eventual cracking and erosion of the surface. In order to prevent this kind of damage, a layer of sealer must be applied to the surface of the asphalt. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with essential information about sealcoating to help you understand this process and why it’s so important.

1. Understanding Sealcoating

Sealcoating is the process of applying a protective layer to the surface of the asphalt to protect it from various environmental elements. It’s made of a mixture of water, refined tar, and asphalt cement. Sealcoating is a cost-effective method for prolonging the lifespan of your asphalt pavement and it’s recommended to have it done every 2 - 3 years to ensure the surface stays protected.

2. Benefits of Sealcoating

There are numerous benefits that come with sealcoating, and one of the primary ones is the enhancement of your pavement's appearance. It is relatively easy to identify a pavement that has been seal coated and one that has not. Beyond the esthetic benefits, it increases the lifespan of your pavement by 10-15%. Sealcoating also protects against the oxidation of asphalt, which results from exposure to the sun and its harmful UV rays.

3. When to Sealcoat

Most times, it is recommended to wait a minimum of 30 days after the asphalt pavement is installed before sealcoating. This waiting period allows the pavement to cure and provides the best base for the sealcoat to adhere to. After the initial sealcoating process, reapplication should be done once every 2 - 3 years. It is important to only use quality sealcoating products to ensure proper adhesion and to get the most out of your investment.

4. The Sealcoating Process

The first step in the sealcoating process is to clean the surface thoroughly to ensure that no debris or oil is present. Once the surface is cleaned, a crack filler is used to fill any cracks in the pavement. Following the crack filling, the sealcoat is mixed using a pump and spray system and then applied to the surface. The surface then needs to cure for 24 to 48 hours before any significant foot or vehicle traffic is permitted.

5. Why Hire a Professional? 

Sealcoating is not a straightforward process and it's advisable to hire an experienced and dependable contractor to do the job. They not only have the required equipment, but they also understand the application technique better than a novice. Professionals know how to create a consistent mix of sealcoat, which is crucial to ensure the longevity of your pavement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sealcoating is an essential process for anyone who wants to prolong the lifespan of their pavement. It protects against the corrosion and erosion caused by various environmental factors, and maintains the overall appearance of your surfaces. In addition, it saves you the money and effort that would have been spent on repair and replacement of damaged pavement. To ensure quality service and results, it is important to hire a professional sealcoating contractor.  If you are looking for reliable contractors of sealcoating in Lake County, FL, don't hesitate to contact Reliable Pavement Maintenance for a free estimate.