Sealcoating is an exciting part of the whole asphalt maintenance & repair routine. It’s like a layer of fresh ganache over a chocolate log (pardon the analogy, but you’ll see the appeal in a seal coat soon!), and the end result gives off a premium gleam to the asphalt surface. Seal coats are not just for aesthetics; they protect the pavement from oxidation, raveling, and water intrusion.
Now imagine an asphalt surface that is in dire need of a seal coat. But do you apply only the coat and call it quits? Or are there steps involved? Action Construction Asphalt & Concrete will lay it out for you!
First, You Take ‘The Walk’…
Whether you are a municipal, residential, or commercial property manager, you will have to inspect the state of your asphalt driveways & parking lots. At this stage, you will be walking around, documenting the pavement damage. This information will come in handy for getting free quotes on repairs from your trusted contractor.
Second, You Consider The Weather
Folks, if the seal coat is at 100 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit during the application, that does not mean you can apply it during humid or cold weather. You need a minimum of three rain-free days & climate temperatures at 55-60F and above for a seal coat to cure.
Third, You Clean
The next stage in seal coat surface prep is to use blowers, sweepers, brushes & brooms to rid the asphalt of excess dirt & debris. If you had the surface milled, clean it and use a hot lance to burn off any crack inhabiting weeds. If the pavement is fine except for a few oil spots, you will need sand to blot it out before dusting.
Fourth, You Repair
Here comes the heavy part. All cracks are filled in & sealed. The winter potholes are cleaned out & filed with HMA for a permanent fix. Severe pavement failures are addressed with appropriate remedial action such as resurfacing, overlay, semi or full-depth patching, or even a complete teardown to construct anew.
Fifth, You Wait
This is the part you hardly find in a concise overview of seal coating techniques, but it is best to allow for a minimum of three months for a freshly repaired & overlaid asphalt pavement to cure before you seal coat it. The maximum gap is 18-24 months, after which you can also apply the seal coat.
Sixth, You Then Seal…And You’re Done!
At last, you can apply the much-awaited asphalt emulsion to your thoroughly prepared asphalt surfaces. Typically, a seal coat requires several applications & a period of curing; otherwise, tracking occurs. And it’s not something you can achieve with store brought t shortcut materials, so be sure to hire the paving experts in the region.
You may have missed out on the fall maintenance for your asphalt, but no worries now that spring is coming. Sealcoating is the most cathartic event of the asphalt year, so sign up with Action Construction Asphalt & Concrete for free quotations & exemplary services. You’re guaranteed that treacle-dark blacktop!
We are actively serving Austin, TX, so check our free quotes, book us for a thorough seal coating job, or you can call us in for extensive asphalt repairs!
