Asphalt is an economical paving choice that is fast to install, durable, and suitable for many types of pavements. These properties have helped make asphalt the leading choice for North American pavements, including high-volume interstates, suburban streets, parking lots, sports courts, and private driveways. However, if you want to get the most out of your investment, your asphalt maintenance plan should include periodic applications of a sealcoat.
How Sealcoating Protects Asphalt Pavements | Houston, Texas
What Is a Sealcoat?
A sealcoat is an asphalt sealant that is used to protect and beautify pavements. Your sealcoating contractor will mix the water and sand to create a liquid that can be sprayed or squeegeed onto the pavement. As the water in the mix evaporates and the sealant cures, a strong bond is created between the pavement and the sealant. Once fully cured, the sealant forms a hard barrier between the pavement and the sources of potential damage.
What Types of Damage Will a Sealcoat Protect Against?
Asphalt pavements in the Houston area must contend with three formidable enemies. The first is the sun, which emits UV rays that dry out the binder holding the pavement together. The dried-out pavement becomes brittle and more susceptible to cracks, potholes, and other types of breakage. The second enemy of asphalt pavements is water. Whether water arrives from rain, condenses due to the high levels of humidity, or reaches the pavement as runoff from a sprinkler system, it can leak through breaks in the pavement. Gravity will pull the moisture down through the pavement structure, eventually reaching and eroding the foundation. Damaged foundations lack the stability and strength to provide the pavement’s necessary support, so serious and costly pavement damage can occur. The third enemy of your asphalt pavement is traffic. Vehicles tend to leak oil and other fluids onto pavements, and these petrochemicals can leave your pavement riddled with soft spots that will quickly become birdbaths and potholes. Sealants protect against all three of your pavement’s worst enemies.
How Does an Asphalt Sealant Make Pavements More Attractive?
The UV rays that make asphalt pavements dry also cause fading. Sealants return faded, dingy pavements to their original color. Furthermore, sealants can cover hairline cracks and other minor imperfections to make the surface appear smoother and more even.
How Often Should I Have My Sealcoating Contractor Apply a Sealant?
Only your contractor can determine the appropriate interval for your asphalt sealing. The age and overall condition of your pavement, the pavement’s function, and the type and volume of traffic the pavement receives must all be considered. However, most parking lot maintenance contractors find that lots in the Houston area generally need to be sealed every other year. Any needed asphalt repair procedures should be completed prior to the sealant application, and you should plan to have your stripes and markings repainted immediately after the sealant has cured.
Trust Marathon Solutions Group for Your Paving Needs
Whatever your pavement-related needs might be, Marathon Solutions are ready to assist you. Our services include concrete and asphalt repair, asphalt paving, parking lot striping, asphalt overlays, thermoplastic markings, routine parking lot maintenance, asphalt milling, concrete installation, marking removal, bollard installation, and sealcoating. We have an exemplary reputation for delivering work of the highest quality and providing exceptional customer service. To request a free quote, you can submit the online form, email HQ@maraton-solutions.com, or call 800-879-1147.
