Sealcoating Your Driveway Or Parking Lot
Sealcoating is a great way to restore sun-bleached asphalt and keep it looking like new. It will also protect your driveway or parking lot from damage.
To begin with, the pavement needs to be completely clear of dirt and debris. This includes removing any small pebbles from the surface, as well as anything else that may be present. Visit https://www.rochesternysealcoating.com/ to learn more.
Sealcoating offers protection from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause asphalt pavement to deteriorate. The sealant prevents the oxidation of the asphalt’s binder, which is necessary for its strength. If the oxidation is not stopped, it will eventually damage the pavement and lead to cracks and other forms of surface degradation. The protective sealant fills in the small cracks and helps to keep water out, which is particularly important during winter weather when water can freeze, expand, and cause even more damage to the asphalt.
A professional sealcoating company will use a spray hose to apply the sealant to the surface of the pavement. Then, workers will spread the sealant with brushes and squeegees to ensure that the material is evenly distributed. Then, workers will reapply any markings like parking spaces or roadways with high-quality traffic paint once the seal coat has fully cured. Lastly, they will sweep the area and remove all equipment, including trash and chemicals, to avoid environmental contamination.
It is important for workers to wear the proper safety gear when working with asphalt sealant. This includes gloves, eye protection, and a face mask. It is also a good idea to have an eye wash station nearby in case of any spills. This will help flush out any harmful materials before they cause serious harm to the skin or lungs. It is also a good idea to set up barricades and warning signs around the work site to keep unauthorized personnel or vehicles out of the area until the seal coat has dried.
The type of customers that a sealcoating business serves will determine the types of jobs that it takes on. For example, if the sealcoating business is located in a large city, it will likely have more commercial and public clients who need their driveways, sidewalks, and streets sealed. However, it may also serve residential clients who are looking to protect their own asphalt surfaces from the elements. The company will need to develop a marketing strategy to target each type of customer. In addition, the company will need to develop tools and resources that will help it improve its performance and efficiency. For instance, it may want to consider using an optimization tool, like OptimoRoute, to automate routing and workflow processes. This will reduce costs and increase productivity.
Protection from oil and fuel spills
Sealcoating acts as a protective barrier for asphalt pavement, so it will repel harmful fluids like oil and fuel. This helps prevent the oil from seeping into the pavement, which can then break down the binder and cause cracking and serious pitting. However, if you notice an oil spill or have a spill happen, it’s important to act fast and scrub the spot with detergent and then rinse it with a hose. This will help keep the oils from seeping into the pavement, causing a costly repair job down the road.
The best sealcoating products include a coal tar emulsion, which is naturally resistant to oil and gasoline spills. Refined coal tar also has a different molecular structure than asphalt, and is more durable. Other ingredients in a good sealcoating mix can vary, including additives for speeding drying, reducing tracking, altering sand suspension, increasing water repellency, improving flexibility, and adding resistance to salts and petrochemicals.
It’s crucial that you hire a professional asphalt contractor to perform your sealcoating project, as they’ll have the proper specialized tools and equipment for the job. A reputable contractor will use pressurized spray equipment to apply the sealer, so it dries evenly and quickly. A professional will also know how much to apply per square foot, which ensures the quality of work and a cost-effective result.
After the sealcoating is applied, it’s essential to keep traffic off of the newly coated surface for at least 48 hours to let it dry and cure. In addition, the area should not be subjected to sprinklers or hoses during this time, as these can affect the appearance and performance of the new coating.
Whether you’re a property manager with an expansive commercial parking lot or just a homeowner with a residential driveway, seal coating is an excellent way to protect your investment and extend its life. With a professional application from an experienced asphalt company, you can expect a high-quality finish that will last for years to come. To learn more about the benefits of a sealcoating project for your property, contact us today!
Protection from chemicals
Sealcoating protects your parking lot or driveway from serious water damage, UV rays, and harmful chemicals. This protects your investment and saves you from the hassle and cost of major repairs. This also gives your business a professional look that attracts more customers. However, it is important to know the benefits of sealcoating and its limitations before hiring a company. It is also important to educate workers on the proper safety measures for working with chemicals and equipment.
Proper mix design is essential to the success of a sealcoat job. Excessive quantities of water, polymer additive, and sand will degrade the performance of the coating. The manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications must be adhered to in order to achieve the desired results.
There are many types of sealcoat additives available on the market. They offer a variety of functions including thickening, sand/aggregate suspension and faster drying. However, not all of them are created equal. It is crucial to choose an additive that fully compliments and boosts the properties of your base material. Polyvinyl acetate/acrylic copolymer based additives have poor resistance to water, and therefore will introduce a permanent water sensitivity in the cured film of the sealer. Additionally, they have low resistance to oxidizing agents, petroleum distillates and other de-icing salts.
Coal tar emulsions contain carcinogenic chemicals that are toxic to humans and the environment. They can be fatal if ingested prior to curing or if exposed to skin or lung contact. Additionally, repeated exposure can cause cancer and other diseases. These toxins are also damaging to the environment, as they wash into streams and lakes and can harm fish and other wildlife.
Some people may think that sealcoating is not worth the time and money, but it’s a great way to protect your parking lot or driveway from the elements. Without it, your asphalt can become damaged from cracks and potholes. It can also become prone to oil and fuel spills and be destroyed by the harsh winter elements. Sealcoating can prevent these damages and extend the life of your asphalt or concrete parking lot or driveway.
Easy maintenance
Asphalt driveways and parking lots take a beating from cars, trucks, and other vehicles. While a bit of wear and tear is normal, it can lead to cracks and other serious problems if left untreated. Seal coating creates a protective layer that protects your asphalt from the elements and extends its lifespan.
It’s important to repair any existing issues like cracks and potholes before sealing a driveway or parking lot. A good quality asphalt crack filler will do the trick. Also, be sure to trim the grass before starting the job. It can get imbedded in the cracks and make it difficult to clean them out later on.
The best time to sealcoat your asphalt is in spring or fall. This is because it requires temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a day without rain afterward for the sealant to cure properly. If you choose to perform the job outside of these seasons, then it will take longer for your pavement to dry and cure.
There are several different types of tar sealers available. Some are made from coal tar, which is petroleum-based and can resist oil spills. Others are made from synthetic tar substances that don’t need to be heated. The most durable and expensive option is acrylic.
While it doesn’t offer as much protection as coal tar, acrylic is water-resistant and lasts up to five years or more. It’s also available in a variety of colors and is more environmentally friendly.
Once the sealcoat has been applied, you’ll have to wait 24 hours before driving on it. During this time, it’s best to avoid any sharp turns or other activities that can cause the sealcoat to peel off.
Whether you manage a commercial or industrial property with acres of paved surface or you’re a homeowner who wants to protect your own driveway, sealcoating is the best way to keep your asphalt looking great and functioning properly. Contact a professional asphalt paving contractor to discuss your options and schedule an appointment. The best contractor will have high-quality equipment and trained staff that can provide you with superior results.