There are two primary ways that homeowners extend the life of asphalt. The first is to prevent damaging elements from getting into the asphalt in the first place. The second is sealcoating. Read on to learn all about sealcoating and how it protects asphalt.
Asphalt Composition
Asphalt pavement is essentially made up of 95% aggregate, or small particles of sand and gravel. The other 5% is what we think of when someone mentions asphalt. It is the black, tarry, sticky substance that holds those particles together. As time passes, the oils in the pavement are exposed to the elements. The elements cause the chemical compositions to break down and dry the asphalt out. This makes the pavement more brittle and prone to breakage and cracking.
What Is Sealcoating?
Essentially sealcoating is applying a thin layer of liquid over the top of the asphalt to protect it from damaging elements such as rain or motor oil. It comes in a few varieties; tar based, petroleum based, or asphalt based. Which one is used depends on the contractor you have hired to do the job and what will work best for your pavement.
When applied, the oils in the sealcoat seep down into the weathered pavement below and help to replenish the oils that have been depleted over time again due to exposure to UV rays, rain, and chemicals, and normal usage. It also allows the pavement to regain some of its flexibility. Sealcoating is not a cure-all, so any cracks or potholes will not magically disappear with sealcoat. In those instances, other repairs are needed before a sealcoat is applied.
More about Sealcoating
- Sealcoating is considered a part of proper maintenance for your asphalt. The low cost of sealcoating can save you money in the long run, as sealcoating can help to protect your pavement from extensive damage. One of the biggest ways it does this is by helping to ensure proper drainage so that water is not left to drain directly into the asphalt sub-base, or foundation.
- Over time and with exposure to heat, UV rays, rain, snow, and other damaging elements, asphalt can start to grey and look worn out. Applying a sealcoat gives new life to the look of your asphalt.
- Sealcoating protects and prolongs the life of your asphalt by filling minor surface damage in the pavement.
- Sealcoating should only be done when the temperature outside is above 50 degrees for two days in a row and climbing. It is also not recommended to apply sealcoat if the weather forecast shows rain for 24 hours on either side of a sealcoat project.
- Before sealcoating, it is important that the surface be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt and debris. It is also essential that any cracks or potholes be repaired before applying the sealcoat. Lastly, any motor oil or other fluids should be carefully removed.
- Sealcoating can be done by either a spray process, or it can be spread with a squeegee.