Your asphalt driveway and/or parking lot are the first things that people see when they visit your house or place of business. As such, they give a first and often lasting impression of how conscientious you are and your level of professionalism.
An asphalt driveway or parking lot costs on average $5.00 to $8.00 per square foot to pave, which means that your new asphalt represents a significant investment and an important asset to your home or business.
This is why protecting a newly paved surface is a critical part of property management.
Regular sealcoat maintenance will protect and lengthen the lifetime of new asphalt. But what is sealcoating and how does it work? Read on to discover the answers to these questions and more.
What Is Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is a straightforward process using an oil based emulsion treatment applied to a paved surface in order to protect it. This treatment is made from a heavy, clay-based emulsion oil.
When a layer of sealcoat is applied, it covers and seals the asphalt, which takes on a dark black color and gains an almost glossy sheen.
Asphalt sealcoating can usually be walked on later in the day in which it is applied, and we recommend a 24-hour waiting period before driving on it. This allows the sealcoat to completely dry.
Why Is Sealcoating Necessary?
Asphalt sealing gives your driveway or parking lot an extra layer of protection from the sun, water, and wear and tear damage. Instead of the elements damaging the new asphalt, sealcoating is your first line of defense.
Asphalt sealcoating also saves money. Repairing residential driveways and commercial parking lots is very costly, while having your asphalt sealed on a regular basis is relatively cheap in comparison.
How to Sealcoat Your Asphalt
The first step in having your driveway sealcoated is to find a professional. Driveway sealcoating deals with harsh chemicals and is an intense process, so it is best left to someone who knows exactly what they are doing.
Try searching for “sealcoating near me” or “driveway sealing near me” on the internet. Make sure to pick a company with a reputation for quality and a history of good service. Consider reaching out to friends or neighbors who have already had their driveways sealed and ask them who they used and how the experience went.
Next, schedule a time for the sealcoating when inclement weather is not expected. In addition, make sure you won’t need your driveway for a few days. In a residential property, consider moving your cars to the street for a while; in a commercial property, look into parking somewhere nearby for a few days.
A reputable professional will make sure the driveway or parking lot is clean and free of debris. In addition, try to make sure nothing will impact the driveway as it is being sealed. For example, shut off a sprinkler system if it sprays the driveway.
Once the professionals arrive to get the job done, all you have left to do is wait. You should avoid driving on a freshly sealed driveway for up to 24 hours.
Who Should Sealcoat Their Driveways and Parking Lots
Anyone who owns a driveway benefits from having it sealed every 2-4 years. The protection for asphalt guards against the pain of dealing with asphalt problems. Plus, the layer of sealant makes the driveway look incredibly sleek and professional.
Those wondering when to sealcoat asphalt should know that there is an answer. Most generally agree that doing so every three years is good practice. This allows you to put a new layer of sealant over the driveway before the old layer becomes too ineffective.
This is particularly true in the case of commercial buildings. The driveway of a business is often one of the first places a customer or business associate sees when entering the property. If the driveway looks old or worn, one of their first impressions regarding the business will be negative.
This is why commercial sealcoating is so important. It ensures that this first impression is as positive as possible. Anyone approaching the area will see the professional-looking driveway immediately upon entering.
Protecting Your Driveway with Sealcoating
Both commercial and residential driveways need protection. Otherwise, they will start to deteriorate and may even end up costing money in repairs. Making proper use of sealcoating provides this protection and makes the driveway look great.
If you are interested in having your driveway sealed, make sure to contact the professionals at the Asphalt Jungle.
