If you have a deck at home, you probably know that a periodic application of stain, sealant, or paint can help prevent rot, warping, and other damage to the wood. When a board is damaged, you may need to replace it, or you may find it more efficient to rebuild your deck if the damage has become so extensive that the deck’s supports have been compromised. All of these options can be cost-effective, but they may not all be needed simultaneously. You can draw a similar analogy between asphalt paving and sealcoating.
Asphalt Paving or Sealcoating – What Is the Most Cost-Effective?
What Is the Difference Between Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating?
Returning to the example of a deck, you can think of an asphalt sealcoat as similar to the paint or sealant that protects the wood and makes the deck more attractive. Asphalt sealants provide the same benefits for your pavement. Sealant applications are a critical part of an effective asphalt maintenance program, but they will not resolve more than minor surface flaws. With a deck, you may need to sand the wood to make the boards smooth and even. You could compare this to a paving technique known as asphalt resurfacing. Resurfacing is the installation of an asphalt overlay on top of a properly prepared existing pavement. If you need to replace a board or two in your deck, you could compare this to paving repairs to fix potholes, alligatored asphalt, or similar pavement damage. Lastly, if you decide to rebuild your deck, the analogy would be a complete demolition and reconstruction of your asphalt pavement.
Is Sealcoating More Economical Than Asphalt Paving?
In virtually all cases, a professional pavement maintenance program that includes regular applications of a high-quality sealant will extend the life of an asphalt pavement, reduce the need for expensive repairs, and boost the aesthetic appeal of the pavement. Your asphalt paving company probably recommended that you wait a few months before sealing your asphalt overlay or new pavement, but you should never wait more than a year for the initial application. Taken on its own, professional seal coating is the most cost-effective way to help you reduce the lifetime costs of your pavement, which means that it can help you reduce your need for asphalt patching and other paving procedures by preventing the damage from occurring.
Is Asphalt Patching, Resurfacing, and Paving Economical?
Asphalt is the most economical paving material available. Whether you need a pothole mended, a parking lot resurfaced, or a new pavement constructed, you will find that you will pay much less for asphalt than for a similar concrete procedure.
If All Asphalt Procedures Are Cost-Effective, How Do I Decide Between Them?
The best solution is to call a reputable asphalt contractor to evaluate your pavement. The Surface Masters, a highly experienced and well-respected paving company, would be happy to conduct a professional inspection of your pavement to determine the most cost-effective solutions for your situation. Our services include asphalt resurfacing and paving, sealcoating, pavement markings and parking lot striping, asphalt patching, asphalt crack sealing, and concrete installation and repair. We deliver exceptional work and exemplary service to clients throughout the greater Atlanta area. If you would like for us to prepare a free quote for you, submit our online form, call 770-250-6392, or email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com.
