Why Sealcoating Is More Popular in 2018

As early as the 1900’s, asphalt (previously called asphalt concrete) was used to cover roads and walk ways  to make it easy for transportation means and functionality. However due to intense heat, water penetration and changing weather conditions, it would deteriorate quickly. As a business owner or homeowner you want keep your driveways, parking lots and roads (roads are maintained by government) smooth, safe and easily accessible. In order to prevent damage, sealcoating is implemented to provide a protective layer or coating and to extend it’s life and avoid repaving. It’s protective outer skin also protects from deterioration by gasoline, oil and other harsh chemicals.

Why Should I Sealcoat?

As a homeowner, your driveway is one of the very first thing a visitor notices when they come to your home. Sealcoating your driveway is one way you can use and it is cost effective. You want your home to be aesthetically pleasing and looking good. If it is neglected, it will be a bad representation of you. Unfortunately, deterioration is inevitable and it must be maintained regularly by filling cracks and resealing.

For a business owner, your parking lot is an investment into your business that requires regular maintenance. It helps firstly by being aesthetically pleasing to the eye and then if line striped properly, it will give order and provide customers with areas that they can park in with out creating a big fuss. The next plus is for safety reasons. Did you know that if a customer falls on your premises, they are entitled to sue. (In this day and age, you need it to protect yourself and your business from lawsuits)

The government is responsible for maintaining the roads and highways and it is vital that they are properly maintained. If not, it could become disastrous. Accidents would be the norm and lots of people would suffer or possibly die.

When can I sealcoat my driveway?

You may need to ask yourself some questions first:

How old is your parking surface?
If your driveway is brand new, you do not need to immediately sealcoat it. Typically it takes around roughly 4-6 months after paving to be able to get it sealcoated. This is because it takes time to get rid of oils and other substances. Once it it is tested and the water does not bead up, it is now ready for it’s coating.

Have you sealcoated before?

If you have, let your contractor know. The typically recommendation is every 3-5 years. This is enough to preserve it while avoid expensive repairs later on (if left years longer than the recommended time, you may have to remove the asphalt and reseal which is usually costly)

Is there Deterioration?

If you notice any cracks or wear and tear, it may be time to have a routine application of sealant. Regular check ups and applications is a necessity for maintaining a nice driveway.

What time of year can I get sealcoating services?

In order to seal coat properly, it must be done at the perfect temperature rangeAround 60°F -75° F. Additionally, other weather conditions and factors must be met to ensure that the sealant will dry properly. If done at any other temperatures, it could negatively affect the process and it won’t last as long. A good indicator is if the air temperature and the pavement temperature is around 60°F and above.The most ideal temperature is around 70° F that consists of direct sunlight and relative humidity. If it rained, it is not wise to proceed with sealcoating as it will not adhere properly.

How Do I Prepare My Driveway or Parking Lot?

These are some key notes when preparing your Driveway or Parking Lot to be Sealcoated.

• Do not use any pesticides or fertilizer for it an entire week prior
• If it has rained the night before or the day off, you will need to reschedule. Additionally, do not let anyone water touch the surface for example; watering plants or sprinkler systems
• Pick a day that your driveway or parking lot will be clear off any vehicles or tools or equipment that maybe lying around. Also prepare to park your car or store equipment and tools elsewhere as it will need time to adhere properly. If you are unable to close of the entire parking lot (for businesses) ask your contractor if they are able to close of the perimeter and do it in sections.

How To Choose The Right Sealcoating Contractor?

Finding a contractor can be as easy as going onto the Internet and searching. But finding the right contractor requires you to ask a few questions such as:

• Are they certified for the job. Can they provide you with license and insurance showing their qualifications?
• How many years of experience two they have in this industry?
• Do they have a portfolio with pictures of jobs done from previous customers? This will show you their craftsman ship and if their work is professional
• What materials do they use and candy fully explain the process to you?
• Do they provide a warranty?

Benefits of Sealcoating

If your surface is properly maintained then your sealcoating provide you with some advantages. Here are some:

• Aesthetically enhances your homes image.
• Sealcoating provides a protective layer and preserves the asphalt or pavement, protecting your investment. Experts say it can be extended approximately by 300%
• Saves Money! The sealcoating layer above your asphalt paving can help you save money that would have otherwise been spent on re doing or repaving your entire surface. You only have minor costs of repairing small cracks regularly as opposed to re paving every few years
• For business, line striping marks stay longer also saving you money and hassle of closing off your parking lot less often.
• Cleaning becomes less of a chore as dirt and debris are easily washed off.

Now that you have all the necessary information on Sealcoating, we at Sealcoating Austin hope that you are fully equipped to knowledgeably hire the perfect sealcoating contractor to work on your home or business. Check out he following video on how sealcoating is done!