Sealcoating provides an affordable, protective coating for asphalt pavement. It helps to prevent damage from the elements like sun exposure, water, rock salt, motor oil and chemical penetration, and freezing and thawing cycles.
This process is most effective from spring to fall. Workers must wear appropriate PPE (personal protection equipment) while spraying. This includes boots, coveralls and face shields to protect against carcinogenic fumes and particles. Visit https://www.rochesternysealcoating.com/ to learn more.
Sealcoating is the process of applying an asphalt-based emulsion to paved surfaces. The emulsion consists of bituminous or acrylic liquids mixed with water, silica sand and polymer additives. It is often applied to parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and patios. The main purpose of the material is to provide a waterproof and abrasion-resistant barrier that protects the pavement from the elements and slows down deterioration. It is an effective method to enhance the beauty and prolong the life of paved surfaces.
In order to achieve the best results, it is important to understand the preparation and application processes. The key to a long-lasting protective coating is the proper cleaning of the surface before the application process. Any traces of oil or other debris must be thoroughly removed to ensure a successful bond between the asphalt and the emulsion. This can be done using a power washer or a garden hose.
Once the paved surface has been cleaned, it is important to block off the designated area. This step will help to keep any debris or vehicles from intruding on the work area and prevent them from being sprayed with the slurry. It is also recommended to turn off any automatic sprinkler systems, as these will interfere with the drying of the newly-sealed surface.
The next step is to stage the barrels of sealcoat and prepare them for use. Each barrel is designed to cover a certain amount of square footage, so it is crucial to place them at the correct intervals. It is also a good idea to have some extra material on hand, as sometimes things go wrong.
Before the sealcoat is mixed, it should be agitated to remove any lumps or clumps. Once the mixture is smooth, it can be applied to the driveway or parking lot. Typically, spraying is the preferred application method. This method is faster and produces a more uniform finish. The contractor can choose to use a ride-on sealcoating rig with a squeegee or a manual individual squeegee for application.
There are several environmental factors that can cause premature wear of a freshly-sealed driveway or parking lot. Driveways that are shaded or have maple, evergreen or any other sap-producing trees overhanging them may experience fading in these areas. In addition, high humidity can cause sealcoat to dry more slowly and not at a uniform rate. This can result in temporary graying of the sealcoat, but it will usually return to its normal charcoal black color after a few days of sun exposure.
Application
Just as the skin requires sunscreen to protect it from harmful UV rays, asphalt pavement needs seal coating to safeguard it against water intrusion, oil damage and other environmental factors. Once applied, sealcoat provides a barrier that helps to keep moisture, salts and chemicals from damaging the surface of the pavement while enhancing its curb appeal. It is important to remember that sealcoating is not a permanent repair for the pavement, however it does help to extend its lifespan and is an affordable preventive maintenance measure.
In order for sealcoating to be successful, the conditions must be right. The asphalt must be completely dry prior to the application of the sealant and it should not rain during or after the application. Additionally, it is recommended that you block off the area for pedestrian and vehicular traffic with cones and barricades to ensure everyone’s safety and that the work zone is kept contained. You will also want to make sure that any sprinkler systems for the surrounding grass are turned off before and during the sealcoating process.
It is best to choose a day where the temperature will be around 50 degrees and not too windy. This will allow the sealant to cure properly and not be blown away or sucked up by the wind. If the weather is too hot, it can cause the sealcoat to dry too quickly and not adhere correctly to the asphalt.
Once the asphalt is swept and prepped for sealcoating, it can be applied either by squeegee or spray. For the best results, it is typically a combination of both methods as they each offer unique benefits. A squeegee method is great for smaller cracks and tight spots while spray applications are ideal for larger areas and can yield results that last 40 percent longer than either method alone.
While it may be tempting to try your hand at applying the seal coat yourself, this is a job that is better left for professionals. Professionals will have the proper equipment to prepare the asphalt, apply the sealant and properly cure it. They will also be knowledgeable of the different types of seal coat available and can guide you to the best choice for your asphalt.
Curing
Sealcoating is a process that involves applying one or two coats of commercial-grade asphalt to a parking lot, driveway or road. It can be done on new or old pavement and is a great way to fix cracks, rejuvenate the appearance of a road, and protect against water, UV rays and other environmental factors. It requires specialized equipment such as sprayers or squeegees and is typically performed by professional contractors.
It is important to let the seal coat dry properly before allowing vehicles to drive on it. A sealcoat that isn’t allowed to cure completely can lead to unsightly discoloration and even premature failure of the asphalt surface underneath. It can also create a hazardous situation for drivers, causing their tires to slide across the newly applied surface.
Since sealcoat is a water-based material, it must be allowed to release all the moisture in its film before achieving optimum strength. This is a crucial step that is influenced by pavement and ambient conditions such as temperature, humidity and wind velocity. If not permitted to complete this phase, even the best sealer will have inferior performance characteristics.
To speed up the curing process, it is recommended that a “fogging” additive be added to the mix. This chemical reacts with the water in the sealer to create a vapor that is released into the atmosphere and helps to evaporate the excess moisture. This allows the other ingredients to dry faster and helps to prevent track-out problems such as oil stains.
Before sealcoat is applied, the area to be sealed must be power-washed and/or swept clean of all debris and chemicals. Then the cracks, potholes and other imperfections should be repaired using an appropriate material. The application is then done with spray or squeegeeing equipment, and the result should be an even and smooth coat that can withstand vehicle traffic and other weather conditions.
Before a contractor begins work, all workers should be fully trained and familiar with the proper safety procedures for working with these materials. Many of these chemicals are carcinogenic, and repeated contact with them can cause cancer and other health problems. This is why all employees should wear protective clothing and use a respirator when needed.
Maintenance
Sealcoating improves the integrity, longevity and aesthetic of any paved surface. It helps repair cracks and fill small holes and can make your parking lot or driveway look like new with a nice black finish. However, it’s important to note that sealcoating is not a replacement for in-depth asphalt repairs or complete pavement replacement.
A high-quality commercial-grade sealcoat can last up to 30 years, but it’s still necessary to perform regular maintenance to ensure that your asphalt surfaces maintain their strength and appearance. Performing preventive maintenance by regularly sealing and cracking-filling your parking lots, roads, and driveways will help you avoid expensive repairs and replacement.
It protects the underlying layers of your pavement from oil, fuel and chemical substances that will soften or degrade asphalt. Sealcoating also acts as a barrier to UV rays and other weather elements that will cause the pavement to degrade.
In addition, a properly-applied sealcoat can improve the visual appeal of your property by restoring sun-bleached pavement to its original dark color. This can increase your property value and provide a clean, professional appearance to customers and employees.
To extend the lifespan of your sealcoat, it’s important to implement a preventive maintenance program that includes periodic inspections and scheduled reapplications. Consult with a pavement contractor to determine the right frequency for your pavement’s needs.
Before applying any sealcoating, the paving surface should be thoroughly cleaned of all debris and dirt. This will include sweeping and pressure washing. It’s also important to keep in mind that the application process can be hazardous and requires trained professionals for safety reasons.
The areas to be sealed should be closed off to pedestrians and traffic with cones, barricades and possibly caution tape to ensure everyone’s safety during and after the process. It’s also essential to remember that sealcoating doesn’t fix potholes or large cracks in the paving surface, so these should be repaired before applying the sealant.
Asphalt pavement is comprised of rock and stone or gravel, held together by a binder. The binder is created by distilling certain petroleum products, and it’s what keeps the paving surface flexible and strong. Over time, rain, sunlight, and chemicals will begin to break down the binder, leading to deterioration and making the pavement brittle.