Numerous studies have proven that seal coating an asphalt pavement can result in a longer life for the pavement, and the pavement will also require fewer major repairs. Sealcoating is an economical procedure that should be near the top of the list of critical maintenance procedures for asphalt pavements. However, sealant applications can fail for a number of reasons, but most failures can be prevented if you hire an experienced, dependable sealcoating contractor. Signs that your sealcoating has failed include peeling, flaking, cracking, and disbonding.
Is There a Leading Cause of Seal Coating Failures?
By far, more jobs are ruined by the failure of sealcoating contractors to clean the pavement thoroughly before applying a sealant than by any other cause. When sealcoating Atlanta asphalt pavements, it is vital that contractors make sure that there is nothing on the pavement that will prevent the sealant from bonding to the asphalt. It should be obvious to every asphalt maintenance contractor that twigs, grass clippings, trash, fallen leaves, and other debris needs to be removed, but a surprising number of novices do not realize that even tree sap or a layer of dust can interfere with the bond. Whether the contractor needs to use a pressure washer, scrapers, compressed air, or wire brushes to clean the surface properly will depend on the condition of the pavement, but it is imperative that the cleaning be thorough.
What Is the Second-Most Common Cause of Seal Coating Failures?
Two causes are tied for second place on the list of reasons that Atlanta asphalt sealcoating can fail.
1. The contractor did not apply a primer to areas that needed it. Sealants cannot adhere to oil and other petroleum-based automotive fluids, so these stains may need to be primed even after they have been cleaned. Primer may also need to be applied to high-traffic areas that are suffering from polished aggregate.
2. The contractor did not repair cracks or other pavement breaks first. While sealants can conceal tiny surface flaws, they will not repair any crack larger than the size of a human hair, and they certainly cannot repair even a small pothole.
What Is the Third-Most Common Cause of Atlanta Asphalt Sealcoating Failures?
The third-most common cause is also a two-way tie.
1. Sealants are extremely sensitive to weather conditions, so contractors must monitor humidity levels and temperatures carefully when sealcoating Atlanta pavements. Contractors should never apply a sealcoat if the temperature is less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if the relative humidity is high. Furthermore, there should be no chance of rain for at least 24 hours after the job commences.
2. It is never a good idea to apply sealant too soon after the pavement is built or resurfaced, and it is counterproductive to seal a pavement too often. Fresh asphalt needs to exhaust its excess oil prior to sealing, and parking lot paving companies have stated that this can take anywhere from 90 days to around 10 months. Also, new sealant should not be applied until the old sealant has almost worn away.
The Surface Masters is an Atlanta-based asphalt paving company. We would be happy to answer any additional questions you might have about asphalt sealcoating or the other services we offer, which include asphalt paving, concrete work, asphalt patching and repair, crack sealing, and pavement markings. We have earned our superb reputation by consistently providing our customers with exceptional work and exemplary service. We offer free quotes, so submit your request today by completing the online form. If you prefer, you can also call our Marietta headquarters at 770-250-6392.
