Why Sealcoat?
Sealcoating will prolong and protect your pavement’s life. You may ask, how? Well there are several ways. In order for you to understand then, you must first understand that asphalt is a combination of sand, stones and liquid asphalt cement.
Exposure To Sun And Water
Over time the sun and water exposure causes the cement to evaporate. This causes the asphalt to turn gray in color. This indicates pavement that has too much sand and stone and not enough asphalt cement. It has usually started to harden at this point, and tends to become brittle. If it is left untreated, the combination of the northwests cold winters and hot summers (causing the pavement to swell and contract when it cools) will cause movement in the base materials, eventually causing it to crack. Properly applied sealcoating will help to minimize, if not totally eliminate, the damages done by the sun and water.
Oxidation Is Prevented By Sealcoating
Before & After
Environmental exposure causes, natural oxidation and drying of asphalt. This is ok during the first 6 to 12 months because the asphalt becomes more firm. But after the first 12 months, oxidation begins to harden the pavement. This causes the loss of flexibility and results in a hardened surface that is sure to crack. These cracks in the pavement enable oxygen and rain to enter the pavement, usually into the subbase, causing it to weaken and reduce the pavement’s strength. Sealcoating protects the surface, fills surface voids, and reduces the pavement’s exposure to oxygen and water, extending the pavement life expectancy.
Ultraviolet Rays Are Resisted By Sealcoating
Ultraviolet rays break down the carbon bond structure of the asphalt, causing the pavement to deteriorate and crumble. Applying sealcoating helps to prevent the UV rays from penetrating the pavements surface.
Gasoline and Oil Is Resisted By Sealcoating
It is extremely important on driveways, parking lots and where cars are worked on. Petroleum products soften asphalt. Our professional-grade sealers contain the additives needed to enable it to resist these types of leaks. Filling all surface voids, sealcoating reduces how deep these petroleum products can penetrate the pavement.
Sealcoating Cracked Asphalt
Hardened and brittle asphalt will eventually crack. Cracked pavement enables oxygen and rain to penetrate the surface, weakening it and minimizing the pavement’s durability. Sealcoating protects the surface and fills surface cracks, minimizing the pavement’s exposure to oxygen and water, helping to extend the pavements life.
Sealcoating Improves The Appearance And The Ease Of Maintenance
Sealcoating returns the dark color of the original pavement and makes it look like new. Sealcoated surfaces are also easier to maintain and clean. Because sealcoat seals surface voids, sealcoated pavement is much smoother. And the smoother the surface the easier it is to sweep, clean and maintain.