Regularly sealing your asphalt surface will significantly prolong its life!
MLB Spring Training is officially underway in Florida and Arizona, and we’ll take that as an real-life, honest-to-goodness sign that spring is finally about to come knocking on our door! Before you get too excited about looking forward to spring, it’s time to assess what needs to be taken care of as winter thaws. You guessed it — that thing that needs to be taken care of? — your asphalt. After dealing with a rough winter, you might need to spend a little extra time on asphalt maintenance for your parking lot or driveway in the coming weeks. Here are some common questions we get about seal coating.
1. What is seal coating, anyway?
Seal coating involves spraying a layer of coal tar or asphalt emulsion over top of an existing asphalt surface. Doing so will protect it from harmful effects of UV rays, harsh weather, and heavy traffic.
2. Why is it important to seal coat your asphalt?
Your parking lot is a big investment, and an important piece of your image as a business. And your driveway is the entranceway to your home. To protect that investment, and to get the most out of it, seal coating is a crucial part of asphalt maintenance to prolong the life of your parking lot or driveway. As we mentioned above, regular seal coating (we recommend about once every three years, or after re-paving) will protect your asphalt surface from potential harm that may befall it.
3. What are ideal conditions for seal coating?
Your asphalt sealer will need a period of 24 hours where the temperature stays above at least 50 degrees, and there is no rain in the forecast. It’s also important to keep traffic off of your freshly sealed parking lot for that same 24 hour period.
4. What is the seal coat itself?
Testa uses two different kinds of sealers: asphalt emulsion and coal tar emulsion. Generally, coal tar emulsions will do a better job resisting against water, gas, oil, and UV light, and are therefore most popular. However, there are some situations where asphalt emulsion is more ideal. Ask us during consultation which might be better for your particular lot or driveway.
5. Is a seal coat a repair solution?
No! It isn’t! Asphalt repair should be taken care of before sealing. Seal coats won’t fill in cracks or holes and will leave you in need of even more time and money.
Seal coating should be a part of your regular asphalt maintenance, or at least be kept in mind when it’s time to give your parking lot or driveway some attention. If you have any questions about asphalt sealing, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Seal Coating with Testa Paving
If you are in the need of hardscaping services, 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.
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