Why should You Sealcoat Your Parking Lot?

Have you seen the driveways in the parking lot cracking even though it is layered with asphalt? It’s safe to say that nothing lasts forever, especially asphalt parking lots. However, that doesn’t mean that the lifespan of that surface can’t be extended. So how do you extend the life of your parking lot? With professional sealcoating. As asphalt ages, the air, sun, traffic, and weather cause it to break down and deteriorate. You’ll be able to identify when this is happening because the original black color fades and hairline cracks start to develop. Professional sealcoating can delay this process in the following ways:

 

• Enables quicker, easier cleaning – as a comparison, sweep a concrete surface and then one that’s been sealcoated. The concrete will usually tug on the broom while it will slide easily over the sealcoated surface.
• Enhances skid resistance – as asphalt ages, the fine particles begin wearing away. Sealcoating not only helps to keep those fine particles in place, it replenishes the surface particles as well and provides additional traction for vehicles. This is an important aspect of ensuring there are lesser number of accidents.
• Extends the lifespan of the pavement – when you combine all of the benefits that sealcoating provides, you can easily see why it can extend the lifespan of your parking lot’s surface. If it’s well constructed to begin with, asphalt pavement should last 15 years or longer.
• Improves surface flexibility – compared to rigid concrete surfaces, asphalt pavement is considered a flexible surface. When a vehicle drives over an asphalt surface, it essentially flexes under the weight of it. As asphalt ages, it gets brittle and doesn’t flex as much, eventually leading to cracking.
• Prevents water intrusion below the surface – most sealers contain a fine aggregate. This helps to fill those hairline cracks mentioned above and reduce the likelihood that water will seep beneath the surface.
• Protects the asphalt binder against gasoline and oils – asphalt is petroleum-based. Consequently, any petroleum-based liquid that spills on it will eventually join with the asphalt binder and soften it. This can lead to extensive surface damage.
• Saves you money in the long run – parking lots are typically the costliest element of any business property. So anything that can be done to extend the lifespan of it will reduce its life-cycle cost and give you more bang for your buck.
• Slows down oxidation deterioration – while oxidation cannot be prevented, timely sealcoating will slow the deterioration caused by the air and the sun’s UV rays. When a coat of sealer is applied, it adds a layer of protection against these issues.

 

To learn more about our sealcoating services, call Right Track Painting & Sealcoating today at (617) 480-9831. Our business representatives are available to take your calls.