Seal Coating

0	Asphalt Seal coating is designed to do two things; protect your asphalt surface first and second, to improve the appearance of the asphalt pavement. If asphalt is properly installed and protected with seal coat, your pavement can last significantly longer.

Protection: The most important part of seal coating is protecting the existing asphalt surface. Protection is provided by closing hairline cracks and putting a water resistant barrier between asphalt and the deteriorating effects of moisture seepage, ultraviolet radiation and ozone. It can also minimize raveling (loss of aggregate) and fill minor voids in the asphalt surface. Appearance: Not only does seal coating protect your pavement surface it significantly improves the overall appearance of the asphalt. Seal coat is a mineral filled, fortified asphalt emulsion sealer engineered to protect asphalt pavements from oxidation and moisture damage.

Asphalt preparation is essential prior to seal coating older pavement. Before seal coating there are a few things that should be considered before moving forward.

• Remove and Replace deteriorating asphalt
• Pothole patch any areas needing patched
• Route, Clean and Fill any cracks that are in the asphalt surface

Once all of these things are considered and taken care of then Seal Coating of the asphalt can proceed. Seal Coating is a Five Step Process that takes time and precision to do it right.

The First Step is to remove and replace any deteriorating asphalt that may exist in the parking lot. Some examples are soft spots, alligatored areas, and potholes. All these issues should be taken care of before the application of seal coat to ensure proper protection and a uniform appearance.
The Second Step is to route all the cracks in the asphalt surface. This ensures that the crack will have uniform thickness, making for a stronger longer lasting bond. Next the crack has to be blown out and dried to ensure proper adhesion of the hot applied crack fill material. Once those steps are done the crack can be filled with hot applied asphalt crack filler. This prevents the crack from opening back up and getting any larger.
The Third Step is cleaning the asphalt which is considered to be the most crucial part of the seal coating process. We thoroughly shovel, broom, blow and sweep up all the dirt and debris that is on the asphalt surface. This prepares the surface for the seal coat itself.
The Forth Step is to apply the seal coat. For this we have two trucks with spray mounted equipment to apply the material. We start out by cutting in all the edges with two foot wide brooms ensuring all edges are thoroughly covered. Once the edges are cut in we then spray the material to create a uniform thickness on the entire asphalt surface.
The Last Step is parking lot striping. No parking lot is complete until a fresh coat of paint is applied where the existing lines were.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: We also have seal coat squeegee machines available if your project requires a different type of process than the one stated above)

Regular Seal Coating Can Save Money

Besides keeping your asphalt looking brand new, asphalt seal coating can save money. Over a 15 year lifespan, unsealed asphalt maintenance costs average $8.80 per square yard. Sealed asphalt costs average $2.57 per square yard. With a regular program of seal coating You Can Save 243% in Maintenance Cost.