Damage from the sun can cause your asphalt parking lot to crack.
Did you know that surface of the sun is 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit? Fortunately, the sun’s rays have cooled considerably by the time they reach the surface of the earth. Still, it’s important to protect ourselves from damaging effects of the sun. Too long on the beach without sunscreen and you’ll be red all over. The same is true, in a way, for the asphalt in your parking lot.
Asphalt and the Sun
Your parking lot is taking a beating from the sun the moment you lay down the asphalt. Asphalt can reach temperatures of up to 172 degrees, and that kind of heat can damage the surface. Ultraviolet rays fuse with oxygen in your asphalt, causing the chemical bonds that give the pavement its strength to break. Your asphalt needs its own form sunblock, called sealcoating. Sealcoating pavement helps slow the deterioration process and protects the pavement’s integrity and appearance. Without protection, your asphalt parking lot is susceptible to cracks and eventually breaks.
Sealcoating Options
A sealcoat contains anti-oxidizing additives that provide a shield against the elements, particularly the sun. A sealcoat works like anti-aging sunblock, preserving your asphalt parking lot from wear and tear.
A slurry seal is similar to a sealcoat, but also adds aggregate to the mix. Aggregate replaces the fines that have raveled out in the pavement over time. Slurry seals are relatively inexpensive and offer a lot of benefit.
Microsurfacing is another technique which adds even greater quality and durability. Microsurfacing involves adding a higher polymer and asphalt residual content to a slurry seal, resulting in a stronger asphalt surface.
Tire Rubber Modified Surface Sealer, or TRMSS, further extends your pavement’s life by replacing surface oils and securing loose aggregated. This is an ideal solution for preventing sun and oxidation damage to asphalt.
Testa Paving Can Help with Your Asphalt Parking Lot!
Don’t let your asphalt get burned. If you are in the need of a new sealcoating for your asphalt parking lot, Testa Paving Inc. is here to help! For over 35 years, Testa Paving Inc. has been a driving force within the industry and has been serving the areas of Maryland and northern Virginia.
Interested in one of the services offered by Testa Paving Inc.? Call us today at 301-663-5861 or visit our contact page. Be sure to click “Like” or “Follow” on our official Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, and Twitter pages today!