Sealcoating your asphalt parking lot or driveway will protect your expensive asphalt investment saving you thousands of dollars. This simple periodic maintenance can double the life of your pavement and reduce the likelihood of larger repair issues, while providing a jet-black finish for your asphalt that will beautify your home or business. This simple, low-cost procedure can save you a significant amount of money in the long run by eliminating the need for more extensive and costly types of services such asphalt repairs, paving, asphalt overlay and crack repairs. Sealcoating asphalt pavement with coal tar emulsion sealer slows pavement deterioration by protecting against the enemies of a parking lot or driveway.
The three major elements that deteriorate asphalt are:
1. Sun and Oxidation: Sealcoating prevents oxidation and resists ultraviolet rays. Asphalt pavement begins to deteriorate almost as soon as it is placed. As the pavement is exposed to oxygen, the asphalt binder (tar) hardens. This hardening results in a brittle surface that eventually cracks. Cracks in the pavement enable oxygen and rainwater to penetrate the pavement, often into the sub base, weakening it and reducing the pavement’s strength. Sealcoating protects the surface and fills surface voids, reducing pavement’s exposure to oxygen and water and extending pavement life.
2. Water and Ice: Sealcoating resists water & ice. The sealer provides a protective shell that prevents water from penetrating through the asphalt. Water will soften the base causing larger more expensive repairs such as sink holes, depressions and cracks. In colder climates, the water will freeze and expand which will create pot holes and cracks throughout the asphalt. Sealcoating your parking lot or driveway can save you a significant amount of money by preventing water and ice from penetrating the asphalt surface.
3. Oil & Gas Spills: Sealcoating resists oil and gas spills. This is especially important on driveways and parking lots where cars are parked or worked on. Oil and gasoline soften asphalt. A professional-grade coal tar sealer contains additives that enable it to resist any such leaks. By filling surface voids, sealcoating also reduces the depth to which oil or gas can penetrate the pavement.