Asphalt Sealcoating | Getting The Benefits From Your Sealcoating
Sealcoating benefits asphalt pavement in several ways, including protecting the pavement from sun damage, making the pavement more attractive and guarding against petrochemical spills. Although asphalt sealcoating is very economical, you still want to ensure that it has a long life if you want to have the maximum protection for your pavement. Here are some tips on how to get the most benefits from your sealcoating.
When Should I Apply Sealant to My Pavement?
If your pavement is new, your first sealcoating application should be at least 30 days and no more than 12 months after the pavement installation. New asphalt pavement needs time to cure and lose its excess oil. If you apply sealant before the pavement is ready, the asphalt and the sealant will both be more susceptible to tire damage. If you do not seal the pavement, however, the asphalt will lose too much oil, leading to the premature deterioration of the pavement. Your asphalt contractor can tell you when to seal your new pavement. The weather is an important factor; during the summer months, new pavement will lose oils more rapidly than in cool weather.
After an initial sealcoating job, you will need to apply new sealant periodically. The number of vehicles and their weights are two factors that help sealcoating contractors determine an appropriate schedule. For example, the asphalt around a loading dock receiving dozens of fully loaded trucks every day will need fresh sealcoating more frequently than a small parking lot where employees park their passenger vehicles. The average parking lot needs fresh sealcoating every two years, but your schedule could vary.
What Should I Do Immediately After Sealcoating?
Your sealcoating contractor will probably request that you turn off your sprinkler system 24 hours before work is scheduled to start. Leave them off for at least 48 hours after the sealcoating is completed.
During hot weather, you will typically be able to open your pavement to pedestrian traffic within a few hours. If the pavement is in dense shade or the weather is cool, you may need to keep people from walking on your pavement until the following day. Vehicle traffic can often resume the following day, but if it is possible to close the pavement for 48 hours, please do so. Your contractor is the best source of information; he or she will need to evaluate the hours of sunlight, ground temperatures and other factors that can vary widely from job to job.
When sealcoating is new, you can expect to see some tire scuffing. Scuff marks typically disappear in a few weeks. However, vehicles with power steering can leave more serious marks if the wheels are turned while the car is stationary. Try to avoid this as well as hard braking and excessive acceleration.
You may notice sand on top of your fresh sealcoating. This is a normal process that will typically end within the first month. It is common for some grains of sand near the top of the sealant to be dislodged by normal traffic. If the sand loss continues past the first month or appears to be unusually severe, call your contractor.
Where Can I Find a True Sealcoating Professional?
Affordable Striping & Sealing is a highly regarded asphalt maintenance contractor serving greater Las Vegas. We specialize in designing, repairing and maintaining parking lots. Our services include sealcoating, parking lot line striping, crack repairs, pavement and road markings, parking lot layout, bumper block installation and parking lot signs. We have an exemplary reputation for delivering exceptional quality at affordable rates. You can request a free quote by submitting the online form or calling 702-222-9009.
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