Sealcoating protects asphalt and makes it look fresh, new, and clean.
Asphalt sealing, often referred to as sealcoating, is important for protecting asphalt from destructive elements. While sealed asphalt may be seen as more expensive, unsealed asphalt actually costs property managers more money in the long run as it deteriorates much quicker.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating acts as a protective barrier between the asphalt and natural and manmade elements that could harm the pavement. Sealcoating means that a coating will keep the asphalt’s original properties in, while keeping destructive elements out. This not only extends the life of the pavement but also extends its performance. The type of coating, or sealer, used depends on how long property managers want to keep their pavement protected.
Oxidation
Asphalt is a sensitive substance, as it needs protection from the sun and heat, cold and moisture, and chemicals. Right after paving is finished, the sun starts to break down unsealed asphalt by drying it out and oxidizing it. The binder that holds the stone and sand particles in asphalt together, called liquid asphalt, changes to a soft consistency and fails. Once the liquid asphalt is worn out, the rest of the pavement starts the raveling process, which is when the stones and sand particles come loose and erode the pavement very quickly. Asphalt sealcoat works to block the sun’s rays and protects it from raveling.
Moisture
Asphalt is also affected by the cold, rain, snow, and ice. Unsealed asphalt allows water to penetrate through the asphalt and deteriorate the pavement. Whether it’s from rain or sprinklers, water will eventually lead to complete pavement failure. Snow and ice also lead to pavement failure, while creating dangerous conditions for drivers. When left unsealed, the snow and ice cover important pavement markings as the asphalt can’t melt the snow. However, sealcoating helps to melt snow and ice and keeps drivers safe in the winter.
Chemicals
While most cars do not leak fluids, some older vehicles on the road pose a threat to unsealed asphalt. Some fluids can cause permanent damage to unsealed asphalt, but sealcoating will act as a layer of protection against these chemicals. Sealcoating is very important for all asphalt as it protects the pavement against dangerous elements keeps the asphalt in good shape for a long time, and will ultimately save you money in the long run.
Asphalt Maintenance You Can Trust from PTG Enterprises
If you want to protect your asphalt and ensure it has a long lifespan, choose PTG Enterprises for your sealcoating and asphalt maintenance needs. We offer commercial concrete, masonry, asphalt installation, repair, and paving throughout Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, and P.G. Counties. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 636-8777. For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, and Flickr.
Tags: asphalt, My Pavement Guy, pavement, PTG Enterprises, Sealcoating
