Protecting Your Asphalt From The Elements with Sealcoating

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Key Takeaways:

  • Sealcoating protects asphalt surfaces from damage caused by UV rays, moisture, and chemicals.
  • Without sealcoating, asphalt is vulnerable to cracking, fading, and water infiltration.
  • Regular sealcoating helps prevent costly repairs and extends pavement life.
  • Spring and fall are ideal times for applying sealcoat.
  • Hiring an experienced sealcoating contractor ensures long-term protection and a professional finish.

Asphalt pavement is constantly exposed to the elements. Over time, this exposure breaks down the pavement and compromises its appearance, strength, and lifespan. Sealcoating is one of the most effective ways to protect asphalt against harsh weather, UV radiation, and chemicals. When applied regularly, sealcoating forms a protective barrier that extends pavement life and reduces the need for repairs.

At Brothers Paving & Concrete, we’ve seen firsthand how sealcoating can make a difference. This guide outlines the key benefits of sealcoating and the environmental threats your pavement faces year-round.

Benefits of Sealcoating Asphalt Pavement

1. Prevents Damage from UV Rays

One of the primary benefits of seal coating is that it prevents damage from UV rays. These harmful rays interact with the top layer of asphalt, making it deprived of the requisite oils and mulch that protect it. UV rays can cause various problems for asphalt, including cracking, fading, and chalking. Sealcoating prevents this damage and allows moisture to penetrate the asphalt, keeping it hydrated.

2. Reduces Pavement Deterioration

Not only does seal coating make your asphalt pavement look great and protect it against deterioration. Asphalt is made of petroleum and, without proper protection, will break down over time due to exposure to the elements. Sealcoating lays a barrier between your asphalt and water damage, oil spills, and other chemicals that cause wear and tear.

3. Increases Pavement Life

Because asphalt sealcoating helps to reduce pavement deterioration, it also helps to increase pavement life. A well-sealed asphalt parking lot or driveway can last up to twice as long as one that is not seal-coated. As a property owner, you can save time and money by investing in asphalt sealcoating, and the result will be totally worth it.

4. Enhances Pavement Appearance

In addition to preventing damage, seal coating gives asphalt pavement a sleek black finish that hides stains and other blemishes. Although sealcoat does not mask crack seal, it does present a more polished and professional appearance, and is the perfect way to keep your asphalt pavement looking great.

5. Improves Pavement Safety

Not everything about asphalt seal coating has to do with appearances, as it also provides several practical benefits. For example, sealcoating can improve pavement safety by helping to prevent slipping in wet weather or causing skidding on ice. It also improves visibility for cars and pedestrians, making your asphalt pavement much easier to navigate.

6. Reduces Maintenance Costs

Another benefit of seal coating is that it reduces maintenance costs. Because asphalt sealcoating protects asphalt from damage, property managers will not have to repair or replace damaged asphalt as often. With the help of a trusted paving contractor, you can even have a seal coating application applied directly over your existing asphalt, extending the life of your pavement for years to come.

asphalt sealcoating

Common Problems Asphalt Pavement Faces

1. Sunlight

One of the most damaging elements of asphalt is sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause the asphalt to become brittle and dry out, leading to cracking and potholes. Sealcoating provides a barrier against the sun’s UV rays, helping to keep your asphalt in good condition for much longer.

2. Water

When water seeps into cracks in the asphalt, it can cause the cracks to widen and deepen, eventually leading to potholes. But fret not – sealcoating can help prevent this by adding a moisture layer and preventing water from getting in. Proper sealcoating will protect your asphalt against even the most severe weather conditions. It will stay in good shape for years to come.

3. Snow and Ice

To make it simple, you must ask yourself what snow is made of. Snow is made of water, and applying a sealcoat to your asphalt will act as a barrier from snow. Even if the snow were to stay on top of the seal-coated asphalt for extended periods, it would not stick to the surface. Instead, it would simply melt away in the sunlight and rinse off.

4. Oil and Gasoline

The pesky oil stains on asphalt pavement are a nuisance to every homeowner. They make your roadways and parking lots look unkempt and dirty and can be difficult to remove. However, with a sealcoat on your asphalt, oil stains simply wash away in the rain. This is because the sealcoat contains a resistant substance that prevents oil and gasoline from penetrating the asphalt surface, leaving it to look clean and polished.

5. Salt

Although salt is commonly used to de-ice roads in the winter, it can cause asphalt damage by eating away at it. With asphalt sealcoating, you steal the power of salt and prevent it from destroying your pavement. By sealing in the asphalt, salt can no longer penetrate and cause damage.

6. Chemicals

By creating a barrier between the asphalt and chemicals, sealcoating keeps damage at bay, such as discoloration or breakdown that things like herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides can cause. Since bitumen in the asphalt is volatile to these chemicals, sealcoating is the key to keeping your pavement strong and looking great.

7. Heat

Excessive heat is an enemy of your beloved pavement. It is one of the reasons why asphalt eventually succumbs to cracking and fading. Sealcoating protects your pavement from the damaging effects of high temperatures by providing a barrier between it and the sun’s rays.

Where it may be a bit more costly upfront, a seal coat can help to protect your asphalt from the effects of harsh weather, chemicals, and heat. With regular sealcoating, your asphalt pavement can last for years, keeping it looking beautiful and pristine while protecting its structural integrity. So why wait? Contact a reputable sealcoating contractor today.

Why Choose Brothers Paving & Concrete for Sealcoating in Manassas, VA?

Get the best seal coating services in Manassas, VA, from Brothers Paving & Concrete. We provide excellent and unmatched asphalt sealcoating services that help to protect your asphalt from the effects of the sun, chemicals, and heat. Our professionals work round the clock to ensure that your pavement receives only the best protection and maintenance.

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