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A Few Frequently Asked Sealcoating Questions

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

It dawned on us that many of our customers have questions about the sealcoating process. So we have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked sealcoating questions we could find. These include:

Why are two thin coats of sealcoat better than a single thick coat?

The answer is quite simple. Applying two thinner coats allows the sealcoat to dry and cure much faster than one thick application. Sealcoating is water-based and cures through evaporation. Because of this, the top layer dries faster than the bottom layers. If applied in one thick coat, sealcoating has a tendency to hold water and stay soft for a long period of time.

One thin coat of sealcoat looks good enough; why do I need a second coat?

Aesthetics is only part of the reason for sealcoating. The larger purpose for this process is to protect the asphalt underneath. One thin coat only provides half the necessary protection.

Applying one thin coat also means that you will have to sealcoat more frequently.

Why does sealcoat fail or peel?

Oil spots and other contaminants, like grease and dirt, will prevent the sealcoating from properly bonding with the asphalt. This is why the pavement should be thoroughly cleaned before the sealcoating process begins.

Why are there white streaks in the sealcoating?

This could be a sign that there is a problem with your base. The limestone from the base may be making its way through pre-existing cracks in the pavement.

Hopefully these FAQs have answered some of your sealcoating questions, but if you still want to know more, contact the asphalt experts at PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today!

Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.

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Sources

Sealcoating Performance: Frequently Asked Questions

Crack Sealing versus Crack Filling

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Your pavement will eventually fail. It doesn’t matter how well you maintain your paved surface, it will eventually deteriorate and crack. However, how you deal with those cracks will determine how long your pavement will last. Sealing and/or filling cracks in existing pavement is the single the most effective procedure that can be performed to extend pavement’s lifecycle. This will prevent water and other foreign materials – sand, dirt, et.c – from seeping down into the asphalt where it can cause major distress and failures by weakening the base and sub-base.

This article from PaveManPro.com explains how filling or sealing pavement cracks is the most cost effective way to extend the life of your asphalt pavement.

Crack filling and crack sealing, while similar in nature, offer very different benefits.

Crack filling is less costly and will require less initial investment, but this solution may only be a temporary fix. Once the crack begins to move or expand, the crack filling material will lose its effectiveness and the crack will need to be re-filled. For this reason, crack filling is more effective in milder climates with less temperature change.

Crack filling materials include liquid asphalt, asphalt emulsions and cutbacks.

Crack sealing is a more costly option, but provides a longer life expectancy than crack filling – lasting 8 years or more. Crack sealing – which utilizes a flexible, specially prepared hot pour rubberized sealant – is considered a permanent treatment and is the only effective treatment for active cracks that contract and expand between seasons.

Crack sealing materials include asphalt rubber, rubberized asphalt, low-modulus rubberized asphalt and self-leveling silicone.

So explain your situation and budget to your pavement specialist and come up with a solution that meets your needs and your budget. If you have any questions, contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy by calling 410-636-8777 or click here

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