subject: Things To Know About Sealcoating [print this page] A protective coating on asphalt is called sealcoating. Sealcoating actually seals the asphalt to prolong the life of the pavement as well as preserve the appearance. It keeps harmful, natural elements like rain and sun from damaging driveways and/or parking lots. When the asphalt is exposed to these conditions it results in cracks, discoloration, and even breakage. Other conditions such as traffic and temperature change add even more damage faster. Sealcoating slows this process by acting as a "protective barrier" to your new or old asphalt.
Weather conditions during the construction process affect the quality when sealcoating. Like every construction project a 75 degree, sunny day with no rain and no humidity are ideal situations. Extreme heat or extreme cold causes the sealcoating material to take much longer to bind to the asphalt. It can be done in various temperatures if the extra time is allowed for the curing process to take place. Rain is also a major factor when sealcoating. The water from the rain dilutes the chemicals and will not allow the binding process to take place which results in breakage after the water evaporates. If rain is in the forecast within the next eight hours then sealcoating should not be on the agenda.
As a general rule it is necessary to have a minimum of two coats of sealcoating material applied to your paving job. The first coat of sealcoating material takes care of the asphalt it penetrates and conditions it helping to maintain its structure. The second coat adheres to the first coat acting as a "protective barrier" keeping the harmful elements away.
The market today is price driven. Sealcoating is the most cost effective way to make your used asphalt look new again and/or protect your newly poured asphalt however there are other things to take into consideration. On existing asphalt you must make sure to start with a clean surface. Make sure the surface is free of any debris. If there are any cracks or holes you must fill them with different materials these materials vary due to the extent of the damage. The preparation of the asphalt is a great deal of time but you must make sure the asphalt is structurally correct before the sealcoating process.
Sealcoating can be a "do it yourself" project or there are several companies located in Austell, Douglasville, Villa Rica, Carrollton, Marietta, Roswell, Vinnings, Fairburn, Peachtree City, Sandy Spings, Kennesaw, Canton, Atlanta, Decatur, Lilburn, Alpharetta, Cartersville, Hiram, Fayetteville, Buckhead, Lithonia, Dallas, College Park, Woodstock, Cumming, Tucker and Lawrenceville areas that can assist you with all your sealcoating questions and concerns.
