Your asphalt pavement was economical to build, but that does not mean that you want to have it reconstructed more often than is absolutely necessary. If you want your pavement to last, you should put the power of sealcoating to work for you.
Sealcoating is the application of a sealant to an asphalt pavement. Sealants are liquid when they are applied, but they harden and bond with the pavement to create a tough, protective shell.
Asphalt produces a durable pavement, but the material has a few formidable enemies. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, commonly known as UV rays. These rays have a drying effect on the binder in your asphalt pavement, leaving it brittle, more susceptible to cracking, and faded. Sealcoats function much like a sunscreen to block UV rays. Another dangerous enemy of asphalt pavement is water. Your pavement rests on a foundation, and this foundation must be strong enough to support the weight of your pavement and its traffic. Water that penetrates to the base can erode and weaken the foundation, resulting in costly damage to your pavement. Sealcoating enhances the pavement’s ability to resist water. Other enemies of asphalt pavement are oil, brake fluid, gasoline, and other fluids that vehicles tend to leak. These petrochemicals will try to combine with the asphalt binder in your pavement, resulting in soft, easily damaged areas. Sealcoating resists the penetration of petrochemicals, giving you more time to remove them before they reach the asphalt. In addition to protecting your pavement, sealcoating will also enhance its appearance by covering minor imperfections and restoring its dark color.
There are two primary methods of applying sealcoating, and your contractor may use one or both. The first method involves the use of a sprayer to apply the liquid sealant. This is an efficient way to cover a large area quickly, but care must be taken to avoid getting the sealant on nearby cars or structures, especially on a windy day. The second method involves using a squeegee to apply the sealcoating. This method requires more time, but it provides excellent control when sealcoating a small space, cutting in around the edges of the pavement, or working near walls, curbs, vehicles, or buildings. For most jobs, contractors will apply two thin coats of sealant, allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second one. Your contractor should not attempt to cut corners by applying the sealant in a single thick coat; this will not allow the sealant to cure properly, and you will be unhappy with the results.
Peterson Grading & Paving is one of the top asphalt sealcoating contractors in Orange County. We help schools, churches, HOAs, retailers, hotels, property management firms, condos, and facility managers throughout California obtain the best return possible on their paving investments. Our services include asphalt paving, crack repair, milling, asphalt overlays, asphalt repair, and sealcoating; concrete ramps, sidewalks, curbs, parking lots, and repairs; parking lot signs, striping and pavement marking, maintenance, line removal, ADA compliance, and marking removal; and bollard installation, epoxy coating, warehouse striping, and shot blasting. We are known for delivering exceptional results at reasonable rates, so request your free quote by calling 949-402-6979, filling out our online form, or emailing Ryan@GradePave.com.
At Peterson Grading & Paving, our aim is to serve our clientele in the most efficient way with the best work possible. Your money cannot be wasted or misused in trying economic times.
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