Let's get right into it...
Let’s get right into it. You may be asking yourself what sealcoating services you may need, and the answer to that question is a big one.
Sealcoating comes into play in a lot of different areas of life, whether it is for residential or commercial projects.
Having a regularly scheduled sealcoating service every 2 to 3 years can make the maintenance of your surfaces covered with asphalt not only easier to manage but also cheaper. A great way to think of sealcoating is to think of it as a type of sunscreen for your driveway and other asphalt surfaces.
Having a regularly scheduled sealcoating service every 2 to 3 years can make the maintenance of your surfaces covered with asphalt not only easier to manage but also cheaper. A great way to think of sealcoating is to think of it as a type of sunscreen for your driveway and other asphalt surfaces.
How it's Made
Having a regularly scheduled sealcoating service every 2 to 3 years can make the maintenance of your surfaces covered with asphalt not only easier to manage but also cheaper. A great way to think of sealcoating is to think of it as a type of sunscreen for your driveway and other asphalt surfaces.
The first is that in order for your sealcoating services to be completed the air and pavement temperature should be at least forty degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important for you to know that the sealing has to sit for at least 8 hours. You should also know that before we start sealing your asphalt surfaces they should be cleared from dirt and debris. If your driveway or parking lot has potholes or major cracks let us know! It is extremely important to fill these potholes and cracks before your sealcoating services can begin.
Types of Sealant
When it comes to your sealcoating services there are a variety of sealcoating materials that are available. Each type has a specific purpose and of course have their advantages and disadvantages. There are 4 different types of sealers that we use in sealcoating, coal tar emulsion, acrylic, oil based, and asphalt emulsion.
Coal Tar Emulsion
This type of sealer is the most common and usually the first choice when it comes to sealcoating services. The reason it is favored is because of the many advantages that come along with it. The coal tar emulsion sealer is the most durable sealer and it provides the most protection. It is important to note that this sealer is not petroleum based which means that it is able to resist most pollutants that it comes into contact with. Just like most sealcoats, this sealer is resistant to water and UV light and can last up to five years before needing to be sealed again.
Acrylic
Acrylic sealcoating is the most expensive coating. The cost of this sealer is so high because of the many advantages that come along with it. Acrylic sealcoating is durable, weather resistant, environmentally friendly, and UV resistant. This type of sealant is also available in more colors than your typical black and grey sealant. While it is more expensive, using acrylic sealant for your sealcoating services will help you extend the life span of your sealant, as asphalt surfaces that are sealed with acrylic sealing can last up to 7 years or more. If you are looking to sealcoat a parking lot with a lot of parking spaces, acrylic sealing is going to give you the best results and life span.
Oil Based
On the flip side, oil based tar sealants are typically the most cost-effective sealcoat. However, it does have its disadvantages. Oil based sealants cannot protect against UV rays or various petroleum products that come in contact with asphalt surfaces. This type of sealant is more of a band-aid fix for your asphalt because it is a cheap way to coat a small area very quickly, however, it should never be used when you are looking to sealcoat a large area.
Asphalt Emulsion
This type of sealant is made particularly for driveways. But with that being said, it does not provide as much protection as other sealant options. People will opt for asphalt emulsion because of the darker color it produces and it can be used in places that coal tar can not be used. However using asphalt emulsion for your sealcoating services does come with some disadvantages, this sealant is water resistant but it is not UV resistant which means it will fade pretty quickly and will need to be recoated every season.
What Coating is Best for You?
Rather than asking yourself which type of sealcoating should I get you should ask which type of sealcoating is best for you and the area you are looking to seal. There are a few things you need to take into consideration first like:
- Are you sealcoating a parking lot or your driveway?
- What weather conditions are best for sealcoating services?
- Did you just get your driveway paved?
- How many hours do I have to wait for it to dry?
- Is there a time of year that I shouldn't sealcoat?
All of these questions are extremely important to consider when determining which sealant is best for you. Taking a deeper look at all of the sealants that we’ve mentioned there are 2 types that aren’t exactly ideal when it comes to sealing larger areas with a lot of cracks and repairs (coal tar emulsion and acrylic). And on the flip side, there are two that are perfect for sealing driveways and smaller areas (oil based and asphalt emulsion).
If you have recently paved your driveway you have to wait a minimum of 6 months because the asphalt needs time to cure. This means that when fresh asphalt is put down, the oils in the binder need to be washed away and cured of the heat of the sun before the sealer can be applied.
Let us Take Care of Your Sealcoating Services
Whether your business needs a parking lot that is visually appealing with a clean black surface and easy to see stripes, or you want to protect the surface of your driveway at home our team is here to help. Professional sealcoating goes way beyond looking aesthetically pleasing (although we do make sure it is) but it also goes on to help address other issues too.
Too much seal coating can result in flaking and chipping and when that happens there is no way to get your asphalt surface back to a smooth elevation. We use just the right amount of sealant to leave your asphalt surfaces looking smooth and perfect every time. Give us a call today for more information on how we can help you.