Sealcoating protects asphalt paved surfaces. It replenishes oils in the petroleum binder that degrade due to water and UV rays, as well as oil leaks.
The liquid formulation contains coal tar, asphalt emulsions or acrylics, silica sand, and additives that increase friction to prevent slippage. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s specifications when applying the material. Visit https://www.rochesternysealcoating.com/ to learn more.
When it comes to the exterior of your property, boosting curb appeal is a top priority. It is the first impression potential buyers have of your home, and a good one can make or break their decision to move forward with further consideration. Curb appeal is more than the color of your front door or the height of your lawn. It also includes the condition and appearance of your driveway, sidewalk, or parking lot.
When your home’s exterior looks clean, attractive, and well-maintained, it creates a positive impression in the mind of buyers. This “halo effect” makes them more receptive to the property’s other qualities. This is why many homeowners and businesses prioritize improving the look of their property’s exterior.
Investing in exterior renovations can help increase the overall value of your home or business. Depending on the specific project you choose, it may even boost your property’s value more than it costs. However, it’s important to take the time to do a thorough job with any improvement or maintenance project you undertake.
Sealcoating is a cost-effective way to protect your asphalt and improve its look. It fills in hairline cracks, tiny pits, and pores that allow water, chemicals, heat, oil, and debris to penetrate and damage the surface. It also adds a rich, dark hue to the pavement and enhances its overall curb appeal.
Asphalt is an outdoor building material and it will naturally wear down over time. A good quality sealcoat will extend the lifespan of your blacktop and resist common cosmetic blemishes.
While the primary reason for a homeowner or business to seek out professional asphalt services is to protect their investment, it is worth noting that the curb appeal benefits are an added bonus. A smooth, black surface looks clean and fresh, so it’s easier to keep pristine.
Adding a fresh layer of sealcoat to your residential or commercial property is an excellent way to enhance its appearance and increase its value. It’s one preventative maintenance task that can save you thousands in repair or replacement costs, and at the same time boost your property’s curb appeal.
Longevity
Sealcoating is an excellent way to prolong the life of asphalt surfaces by shielding them from sun damage, harsh chemicals and daily wear and tear. It also provides a sturdy barrier against water penetration, which can cause asphalt to weaken and crumble over time. Moreover, sealcoating creates a smoother surface that is easier to clean and more resistant to oil spills. It also enhances and beautifies the pavement, increasing its curb appeal and enhancing your property’s value.
The longevity of a sealcoat depends on many factors, such as the quality of the sealant used and the weather conditions. For instance, regions that experience harsh winter weather will see quicker degradation of the asphalt surface due to freezing and thawing cycles. Additionally, the quality of the application is also important as improper sealcoating may result in uneven or incomplete coverage.
To achieve optimum results, it is recommended that you have your asphalt sealcoated by a professional. They will ensure that the sealant is applied evenly and according to the manufacturer’s specifications. A minimum of two coats should be applied, and it is essential that the first coat dry completely before the second is applied. It is also advisable to avoid driving on the newly-sealed surface for 24 hours.
Prompt Repairs and Maintenance
Proper maintenance practices can significantly extend the lifespan of a sealcoat. These include keeping the pavement clean and promptly addressing cracks. It is also crucial to ensure that the area is well-drained, as standing water can break down the sealcoat and asphalt beneath it. In addition, it is advisable to avoid placing heavy machinery or equipment on the pavement, as this can cause indentation and damage.
It is also advisable to have your pavement inspected and sealed regularly, so that you can identify any problems and address them before they become serious issues. For example, if your pavement has deep cracks that are starting to deteriorate, you can hire a professional to perform a fill and repair service. In addition, it is advisable to have your pavement resealed at regular intervals, such as every two to three years.
Safety
Coal tar sealcoat contains toxic chemicals that pose a risk to workers and can be harmful to our ecosystem, waterways and animals. It has also been linked to cancer. Modern coal tar-free sealcoats contain no such chemicals and do not have the same health risks. However, they do contain rubberizing additives, which improve the performance of the product and help it dry faster.
Sealcoating involves working with a lot of machinery and equipment, so workers need to follow all safety guidelines. This includes wearing personal protective equipment like coveralls, face masks, safety glasses and gloves to reduce the exposure to fumes and particles. In addition, the equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it is functioning properly.
When a pavement is sealed, it becomes much safer for pedestrians and drivers. This is because sand, which is often included in the mix, improves the traction of the new surface. Without sand, the pavement would be slippery, increasing the risk of falls and vehicle skids.
The sand also improves safety by reducing the sun’s glare. Without sand, the sun’s rays can reflect off the asphalt and cause a blinding glare that makes it difficult for people to see. With sand added to the mix, the glare is eliminated, making the pavement more visible and safer for everyone.
Workers need to take additional precautions when performing asphalt and sealcoating tasks in hot weather. The heat can lead to dehydration and loss of alertness, which could increase the likelihood of an accident. To avoid this, workers should wear hats and long pants to protect their skin from the sun’s rays and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
Another important factor in worker safety is ensuring that the work site is free of any loose materials or debris. This is especially critical when using spray machines that can spit out material at high speeds. Insufficient preparation can cause the material to get into sensitive areas like eyes and mouths, resulting in injuries. The best way to minimize this is by offering the right PPE and following manufacturer instructions for use.
Maintenance
Asphalt pavement that is not seal coated becomes damaged and worn down quickly. It can develop potholes and cracks that can be a safety hazard for drivers and pedestrians. When this happens, the pavement must be repaired or replaced which is costly. Sealcoating is an affordable way to protect and extend the life of your parking lot or driveway.
In addition to enhancing curb appeal, seal coating protects the surface from weather elements and the effects of automotive fluids. It helps keep the asphalt pliable and flexible to handle temperature fluctuations and traffic pressures. It also repels water which can cause the deterioration of the asphalt and lead to potholes.
A professional pavement contractor will prepare the area to be seal coated by cleaning it with rotary or power blowers and brooms. This will remove dirt, debris and sand from the surface of the asphalt. Linear cracks will be filled with hot rubberized crack filler. The seal coat will be applied with a sprayer or brush and then rolled to spread it evenly across the entire surface. After application, the seal coat must dry for 24 hours before vehicles can be allowed on the surface.
After a sealcoat is applied, the surface will appear jet black which adds to the curb appeal of your property. The improved appearance can help attract more customers to your business or increase the value of your home. A smooth, even surface is easier to clean and requires less maintenance than uneven or cracked asphalt.
Seal coating prevents oil, gasoline and chemical spills from penetrating the paved surface. It also keeps the petroleum binder and specific oils on an asphalt surface from deteriorating and becoming brittle. The protective sealcoat also blocks damaging UV rays and helps to shield the surface from the harmful chemicals in motor oil.
If you want your paved surfaces to last as long as possible, it is recommended that you sealcoat them regularly. Commercial asphalt surfaces that receive heavy vehicle traffic like a parking lot at a popular strip mall should be resealed every two to three years. Residential asphalt surfaces that experience moderate vehicle traffic can be resealed every five to seven years.
