If you have an asphalt parking lot, you may have based your choice on asphalt’s aesthetics, safety, or longevity. However, without sealcoating, your pavement could be at risk of losing all the qualities that you valued when you chose asphalt paving. Asphalt sealcoating is not a one-time treatment, though, so you need periodic applications throughout the life of your pavement.
What Is the Purpose of Asphalt Sealcoating?
Sealcoating serves two functions. It protects your pavement, and it makes your pavement more attractive.
1. When a sealcoating contractor seals an asphalt pavement, the chances of potholes and cracks developing are reduced. Sealcoating prevents the sun’s rays from drying out the pavement, making it brittle and more vulnerable to damage. It also slows the progression of automotive fluids that turn the asphalt beneath them into a soft, crumbly mess.
2. Sealcoating parking lots will also make the surface of the pavement appear more even in terms of both smoothness and color. The sealcoating fills in tiny voids and hairline cracks that can mar the pavement’s appearance. Furthermore, sealcoating can bring back the rich, dark color that the pavement had when it was new, and it can help prevent the fading from occurring in the first place.
In addition to the above benefits, applying a parking lot sealcoat can improve the pavement’s traction, making it safer for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists. In some cases, parking lot sealcoating can also help comply with the regulations contained in various federal and local laws.
How Often Should I Apply Asphalt Sealcoating in Atlanta?
In most cases, Atlanta customers only need to sealcoat their parking lots every 18 to 24 months. However, there are several factors that a sealcoating company considers when recommending the appropriate schedule for a specific pavement, and these factors can shorten or extend the interval.
1. How is the pavement used? In other words, does it receive a high volume of traffic? Is the traffic primarily passenger vehicles or heavy trucks? The greater the volume and the heavier the loads, the faster the parking lot sealcoat will wear away.
2. How does the surface look? Is it smooth, or does it have a craggy appearance, exposed aggregate, or other issues? Certain pavement issues can cause bonding problems that can affect the durability of sealcoating.
3. How old is the pavement? You should not get in too much of a rush to sealcoat a parking lot or overlay after it is installed. The asphalt needs time to cure first, and this process can take anywhere from two months to one year.
4. When did your sealcoating contractor last apply sealcoating? When sealcoating parking lots, it is important to not apply a sealant too often.
The Surface Masters specializes in asphalt maintenance procedures, including sealcoating. In addition to asphalt sealcoating, we also offer asphalt repairs, crack sealing, asphalt paving, milling and reclamation, pavement markings, and concrete and curbing services. We have an exceptional reputation for dependability, responsiveness, craftsmanship, professionalism, and integrity. If you would like to request a free quote, you can complete our online form, email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com, or call 770-250-6392.
