Observing the Build

Asphalt sealcoating is a treatment option for a wide range of paved surfaces. It serves many restorative and preventative purposes. You may wonder if it's right for your situation. Here are a few scenarios that favor requesting asphalt sealcoating services.

Limited Damage

Over a few years, nearly all asphalt surfaces will develop chips and cracks. If the damage is relatively minor, sealcoating can quickly fill in the gaps. Some surfaces may need a little work, such as filling in bigger cracks. However, applying a sealcoat afterward can make the surface look more even. It also will address some microfractures that could be waiting to become cracks.

Rain Protection

Asphalt sealcoating also works very well as protection against rain. Especially if you live in a region that gets heavy rainfalls regularly, you may want to try sealcoating to keep the rain from permeating the asphalt. It also is a good option in regions where icing happens frequently.

Bear in mind, though, that some asphalt mixtures are designed to let the rain soak through, so it's wise to ask the company that installed it if sealcoating is a good long-term solution. Usually, these surfaces look craggier like dry skin, so you can usually tell if that's the design.

UV Protection

Perhaps you live somewhere that has the opposite problem. Dry regions that receive lots of sunlight also have problems with asphalt damage. The sun bakes the surface, and the asphalt often gets an ugly gray color. Sealcoating will restore the asphalt's appearance while also providing future protection against further damage.

Prevention

Given the value of asphalt sealcoating services in these other cases, many people elect to preemptively seal their driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces. This can significantly extend the lifespan of newly paved areas.

Aesthetics

The dark and rich blackness of sealcoating is hard to match. If you want a strong contrast between the black of a parking lot and the yellow of the stripes for the spaces, sealcoating is a great way to achieve that aesthetic. You also can reapply the coating several years from now to sustain the look.

High-Traffic Areas

Sealcoating also protects surfaces against constant abuse. If your use case involves lots of vehicles coming and going, you may want to seal the surface. Not only will this provide a sacrificial surface, but it'll prevent petrochemicals like oil and gasoline that are leaking from the vehicle from interacting with the asphalt. It also can keep dirt and debris from getting into cracks.

For more information about asphalt sealcoating, contact a local company.