24 Sep Asphalt Maintenance for Commercial Property Managers: Insights from a Brevard County, Florida Asphalt Paving Company
Asphalt maintenance is perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of property management in Brevard County, Florida. Think about it: would a property owner treat a pothole in their lot with the same urgency as a leak on the roof? The answer is generally “no”. Unfortunately, this neglect of asphalt leads to more costly repairs in the future — ones that could have been avoided if the property owner would have followed a preventative maintenance program for their asphalt.
What Is Asphalt Maintenance?
Asphalt maintenance consists of protecting an asphalt surface by employing certain methods (asphalt sealcoating and crack repair, for example) to prevent damages to the existing structure.
Asphalt Sealcoating in Brevard County
Unfortunately, asphalt starts to deteriorate as soon as it is installed. The asphalt is diminished when the binder that holds all of the aggregate (stone) together begins to oxidize from sunlight, water, and other external conditions. When the asphalt is sealcoated, however, the binder is protected from oxidation, which extends the life of the surface.
Application Method for the Sealcoat Material
While some people argue that brushing is the best application method for the sealcoat material, it has its shortcomings. By brushing the seal coat material, the natural indentations of the asphalt are filled in, and the asphalt loses its traction. Spraying, on the other hand, allows the seal coat material to be applied evenly without filling the natural grooves of the asphalt.
Tip: If a Brevard County asphalt contractor states that they brush exclusively, you may want to take caution in dealing with them. Many times, these contractors have not invested in the proper equipment, which may prevent them from completing the bigger sealcoating jobs.
The Mixture of the Sealcoat Material
Another aspect of sealcoating that is often overlooked by Brevard County asphalt contractors is the mixture of the sealcoat material itself. The material should be mixed at 25 to 35 gallons of water per 100 gallons of concentrated sealer, and it should be enhanced with two to five pounds of sand for every gallon of sealer. The sand is used to restore traction to the surface after the asphalt has been treated. When creating work specifications, make sure to include the amount of desired sand required per gallon of sealer.
Asphalt Crack Repair in Brevard County
In addition to asphalt sealcoating, crack repair is vital to properly caring for an asphalt surface. Due to the settling of the ground, poor base design, and asphalt oxidation, asphalt will eventually crack. When the asphalt cracks, it becomes vulnerable to water damage. Water penetrates the cracks and gravity pulls it into the sub-base (stones), which deteriorates the support structure. This deterioration can lead to asphalt depressions, potholes, and further cracking.
How to Repair Cracks in Asphalt?
Crack repair is a temporary fix, and it does not eliminate the need to actually replace the asphalt. That said, it is much more cost-effective than an actual asphalt replacement. Here is a simple two-step process for crack repair:
Step 1: Hot tar is melted to 375ºF and poured into the cracks to prevent water penetration.
Step 2: To finish the crack repair process, the hot tar is applied to the crack to create a four-inch band.
Tips: All debris should be removed from the cracks before treatment.
Contact All Asphalt Services for Professional Asphalt Maintenance, Repair and Paving in Brevard County!
If you own a commercial property in Brevard County, Florida, and if you are looking to incorporate an effective asphalt maintenance strategy into your overall preventative maintenance strategy, All Asphalt Services can help. Our contractors have the expertise to handle all kinds of asphalt jobs, including sealcoating and crack repair. We have the necessary products and equipment that can be catered to your particular needs. This combination of superior quality products with professional-grade equipment guarantees unmatched results.
Contact us today to get started!
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