What Is Asphalt Sealcoating
Asphalt is a popular material for paving driveways, walkways, and parking lots because of its durability and relatively low cost. However, asphalt can deteriorate over time from exposure to the elements, leading to cracking and potholes. Asphalt maintenance is important to preserve the longevity of your asphalt pavement and protect it from further damage. And one way of taking care of your asphalt surface is by applying a sealant over it.
So what is asphalt sealcoating? Read more as we’ll talk about this topic in today’s article.
Sealcoating Defined
Asphalt sealcoating involves applying a protective layer of sealant to the surface to protect it from oxidation, water damage, and other environmental damage. Sealcoating also adds a fresh look that can make an asphalt driveway look like new again.
The process of sealcoating an asphalt surface is relatively simple. First, the area to be sealed should be inspected for any cracks or holes that need repair. Once these are filled and repaired, a layer of sealant is applied to the entire surface. This layer can be brushed or sprayed on with a special machine depending on the size of the area being sealed.
Components Of The Sealant Mixture
The sealant usually consists of a mixture of asphalt, oil, and other additives which form a barrier that reflects UV rays, prevents moisture from entering the pavement, and protects against oxidation. Once the sealant is applied, it should be left to dry for several hours before traffic can resume on the surface. Depending on weather conditions and usage, a sealcoated surface can last up to three years before needing to be resealed.
Cost
The cost of asphalt sealcoating varies depending on factors like size, condition, location, and type of sealer used. Generally speaking, a professional contractor will charge between $0.08 to $0.30 per square foot for an asphalt sealcoating job.
The size of your driveway will play a major role in determining the final price you pay for asphalt sealcoating. The bigger the surface area to be covered, the more material is needed and the longer it will take, pushing up costs. On average, a driveway between 500 and 1,000 square feet can cost between $400 and $800 to have sealed. Larger areas will mean higher prices due to increased materials and labor requirements. Smaller areas may cost less as fewer materials are needed and jobs can usually be completed in a much shorter time frame.
Aside from that, the present condition of the asphalt surface will affect the final price of the sealcoating process because more work may be needed to properly prep and repair any existing damage before sealcoating. If the asphalt has deep cracks, holes or other structural damage, these will need to be addressed in order to ensure that the new coat of asphalt sealer adheres properly. Repairing these types of issues can be labor intensive and significantly add to overall cost. Additionally, if there is already a layer of an old sealer on top of your current pavement, this must first be addressed with a comprehensive degreasing process prior to applying a new coat. This adds costs as well but also ensures you get that smooth finish you desire when all is said and done. In either scenario, it’s important that you articulate any needs or concerns clearly at time of estimate so contractors are aware from start what type of condition they’ll find when they begin work on site. Doing so will eliminate surprises later down the line and keep costs efficient for all involved.
In the same way, the location of your home can affect the price of sealcoating because the amount and type of work needed for sealcoating are affected by many factors, including local climate conditions and ground movement in your area. Areas that experience heavy rain or snowfall may require a thicker layer of sealant due to extreme weather conditions. Ground movement from seismic activity or soil exhaustion can also create cracks in asphalt surfaces, making additional repair work necessary prior to applying a fresh layer of sealant. And even traffic volume near your home is another factor that affects the cost as heavier traffic requires a more frequent application.
Moreover, the type of sealer used can also affect the price of sealcoating because different types of sealer offer different levels of protection and cost more or less depending on their quality. The most common types are coal tar-based emulsions and asphalt-based emulsions, which afford rich black color along with superior resistance to gasoline and oil spills. Asphalt-based emulsions come in a range of polymers including neoprene, styrene butadiene, acrylic and latex. These polymers add flexibility, reduces cracking, improves adhesion and strengthens the overall sealing performance. High-grade coal tar is also available but is less popular due to its higher cost and strong odor. Each type offers varying levels of protection at varying prices so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Benefits
The benefits of sealcoating are numerous; it helps protect the pavement from oxidation and water damage, adds a fresh look, reduces maintenance costs, and provides traction in the event of snow or ice. However, it is important to note that while sealcoating is a necessary maintenance procedure, it cannot replace the need for regular asphalt repairs and replacements. Sealcoating simply helps extend the life of your driveway or parking lot by preventing these issues from happening in the first place. So, if you want to keep your pavement looking new and well-maintained, sealcoating is a great way to do so.
Who To Hire To Sealcoat Your Driveway
When planning to sealcoat your driveway, it is important to choose a skilled contractor to ensure that the job is done properly. A good sealcoating contractor can improve the appearance of your driveway and protect it from damage while extending its life. Here are some tips to help you choose the right contractor for your asphalt sealcoating project.
First and foremost, you should check the contractor’s experience. Look for a contractor who has completed similar projects in the past to ensure that they understand what needs to be done. Ask for references from these customers and contact them to get their opinion on the contractor’s work.
You should also make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any accidents that occur while the sealcoating is being completed.
Finally, be sure to ask for a written estimate before signing a contract with the contractor. Ask how long it will take to complete the job and what materials they use. The best contractors are transparent about their costs and always provide detailed quotes.
Overall, asphalt sealcoating is an important part of protecting your driveway and extending its life. Contact LA’s trusted paving company, Highway Masters Paving, and you can be sure that the job will be done properly and your driveway will look great for years to come.