Why sealcoat?
When it comes to protecting your asphalt against deterioration, there is no greater value than a correctly mixed and applied sealcoat. Sealcoating substantially reduces maintenance costs and extends the life of asphalt pavements by as much as 300%. The cost of sealcoating is minor compared with the cost of pavement replacement. The price of asphalt is affected by crude oil prices, which fluctuate when supplies vary. During the Gulf crises, according to manufacturers, asphalt prices in the United States went up 15% to 40%. It is less expensive to sealcoat a parking lot every few years using a coal tar than it is to replace a new lot.
What is sealcoat?
Sealcoat is a mixture of emulsified asphalt/coal tar, water, mineral fillers, and various other mixtures. Seal coat is applied directly to the surface of asphalt pavement. It is applied by rubber squeegee, broom, or mechanical spray.
Seal coat seals the top of the asphalt, preventing water from penetrating the surface of the pavement. It protects the top layer of asphalt from oxidation and wear caused by exposure to the sun, air, and petroleum based products like gasoline and oil. Seal coat also beautifies the pavement by creating a smooth and black surface that is ideal for painting.
Preparation and application
All potholes must be repaired and oil spots cleaned before seal coating. The asphalt pavement must be thoroughly cleaned and all dirt and debris completely removed. We use a mechanical blower, broom, or tractor broom to properly prepare the asphalt. On the average, 36 square feet of asphalt will be covered per gallon of emulsion. Next, we seal your pavement with a rubberized coal tar emulsion, which exceeds Federal Specification RP355e, using a hydraulic-driven tanker machine with a sand hog pump system and 3-4 lbs of sand per gallon of emulsion is added to increase the solids content and to create less liability against slips and falls. For additional strength and longevity we include an acrylic-based hardening additive.
Benefits of sealcoating
Sealcoating slows oxidation and water penetration. It resists ultraviolet rays, gas, and oil spills. It is easier to clean and maintain, while increasing the pavement flexibility. Sealcoating can triple asphalt life expectancy and is cost effective in the long run. The finished black, smooth parking lot will definitely enhance your curb appeal.