If you own an asphalt driveway or an asphalt parking lot, then you know how expensive it can be to repair them. If they get too damaged, you may even need a complete rebuilding. This process will make you rip out all the asphalt and start from the rocky substrate. Instead of doing this, why not protect the asphalt to begin with using sealcoating and then repair it with the occasional asphalt paving overlay? This is much more cost-effective than a complete rebuilding.
If You Have Newly Laid Asphalt Paving
One of the best ways to make your home or business look much better is to add some newly laid asphalt. However, if you don’t give it some sealcoating, it will deteriorate. Sealcoating will leave a hard, black surface which will be the protective coating atop your asphalt surface. However, don’t schedule to apply it immediately after asphalt driveway installation. You need to wait for 12-24 months after installation for the best results. Keep in mind the local seasons and weather patterns when choosing a time to sealcoat.
How Sealcoating Prevents Premature Asphalt Repairs
As most asphalt companies can tell you, an unsealed asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot usually only lasts 10-12 years. With some care and sealcoating, your asphalt surface could last up to 15-20 years of solid use. Not only that, but sealcoating your driveway or parking lot prevents cracking, potholes, and depressions. Sealing also protects the asphalt surface from oil and chemical spills and water penetration. However, the most important things it protects from are UV rays and seasonal cycles.
When UV rays shine long enough on asphalt surfaces, the carbon bonds in the material break down, making the asphalt surface brittle.
Seasonal cycles, simply put, are the expanding and contracting cycle of water turning into ice and back into water. This slowly breaks down your asphalt as water enters cracks and expands into ice which breaks the surrounding asphalt. Obviously, if you let this happen by not sealcoating, you’ll have to pay some hefty repair costs.
Professional Overlays
If your asphalt is already in need of repairs because you didn’t put any sealcoating before, the good news is that you can ask for a basic asphalt overlay process. This will cover medium-range cracks, fissures, and potholes. As long as the subgrade is in good condition, an asphalt overlay is a good choice to fix any medium-sized problems.
An overlay works by cleaning cracks and holes and filling them. Afterwards, a fresh layer of asphalt is applied. Remember, though, to cover with a sealcoating 12-24 months after the overlay.
Severe Deterioration
If you have severe deterioration, so much so that an overlay isn’t an option, you may be asked to do a complete excavation of the area before applying an overlay. Fret not, as this can all be prevented with smart maintenance and a good sealcoating.
Conclusion
If you have or are planning to have an asphalt parking lot or driveway, consider getting sealcoating for it. With careful maintenance, you can extend the life of your asphalt surface by many years. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Looking for asphalt pavement in Edmonton? Drop WW Construction a line today! We’re a full-service paving contractor.
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