How Asphalt Sealcoating Shields Apartment Parking Lots from UV Damage

How Asphalt Sealcoating Shields Apartment Parking Lots from UV Damage

Asphalt sealcoating shields apartment parking lot paving from many damaging elements. However, one of the most dangerous is UV rays. Harsh rays from the sun can beat down on your parking lot, increasing the risk of oxidation, damage, and visible fading. In this blog, we’ll cover how asphalt sealcoating protects parking lots for apartments throughout the Las Vegas area.

How Does Asphalt Sealcoating Work?

Sealcoating is a form of preventative maintenance. When you hire asphalt sealcoating companies, they’ll prepare your pavement before applying several thin coats of sealer. Most reputable sealcoating companies in Las Vegas use asphalt emulsion sealers. They contain bitumen, which is the same stuff that acts as a binder in your pavement.

After application, the water content in the sealer evaporates. This allows the sealer to bond to your asphalt and create a protective barrier.

Asphalt Sealcoating Shields Apartment Paving from UV Rays in What Ways?

Asphalt is naturally resilient, but it’s particularly vulnerable to UV damage. More specifically, it’s the bitumen binder that’s at risk of damage. Over time, years of exposure to UV radiation can cause the binder to oxidize. This process happens when the oily compounds called maltenes turn into harder substances called asphaltenes. Radiation accelerates the transformation of maltenes into asphaltenes, thereby promoting oxidation.

Why are sealcoating companies in Vegas so concerned with oxidation? Once oxidation starts, the binder in your pavement becomes more brittle. One of asphalt’s biggest advantages is that it’s pliable enough to withstand temperature fluctuations and traffic loads without cracking or buckling. That changes when UV damage and oxidation occur, which is why it’s so vital that you hire asphalt sealcoating companies regularly.

Once cured, sealcoating in Vegas is like sunscreen on your skin. When applied by experienced Las Vegas sealcoating companies, it blocks harmful UV radiation, protecting the binders in your pavement.

Why Are Apartment Parking Lots More Vulnerable to UV Damage Without Sealcoating in Las Vegas?

It all comes down to exposure. All paved surfaces can be damaged by UV radiation. However, without asphalt sealcoating, apartment parking lots take on a significant amount of exposure. Most are completely open to the elements. They’re also large and expansive.

Many parking lots lack any form of shade whatsoever. As a result, there’s a real risk of UV damage without service from Las Vegas asphalt sealcoating companies.

You also have to consider the color of asphalt. Fresh paving is glossy black, which absorbs significant solar energy. Asphalt holds onto heat and radiation more than lighter-colored concrete, increasing the risk of damage.

Can Sealcoating in Las Vegas Prevent Major Damage?

Absolutely! Sealcoating companies in Vegas work to keep your pavement damage-free by protecting it from harsh UV rays. When oxidation happens, the surface becomes brittle and more susceptible to cracking. If left unprotected by Las Vegas sealcoating companies, water can seep into tiny cracks and eventually reach the foundation layers.

There, it can erode the soil and create structural integrity problems. Before you know it, a simple crack turns into a pothole or pavement failure.

You can avoid all that by hiring asphalt sealcoating companies. Routine service slows down oxidation, mitigates the risk of damage, and even prolongs the life of asphalt paving.

How Often Should I Seek Service to Ensure Asphalt Sealcoating Shields Apartment Paving Over the Long Term?

Most Las Vegas sealcoating companies recommend service every three to five years for basic residential driveways and protected parking lots. However, if yours has significant exposure to UV radiation, you may need to hire sealcoating companies in Vegas every few years.

Many factors can affect your service timeline. The best thing you can do is have sealcoating companies inspect your property at least once a year.

Ready to protect your apartment parking lot paving with sealcoating in Las Vegas? Affordable Striping & Sealing has you covered. We’ve served property managers throughout the area since 2006. In the last two decades, we’ve built a reputation for reliability and quality, delivering exceptional results that count for our clients.

In addition to sealcoating, we offer road markings, traffic signs, parking lot layout design, striping, crack repairs, ongoing parking lot maintenance, and more. Get your free quote today by calling Affordable Striping & Sealing at (702) 222-9009. You can also use our online form or shoot an email to vegas@affordablestriping.com.