Key Takeaways:
- Seal coating protects the pavement from UV damage, grease spills and gasoline drips, general wear-and-tear, and the effects of harsh weather conditions.
- Coal tar emulsion sealant is the traditional choice for many pavement projects. It has long-lasting properties combined with good resistance to gasoline and oil spills.
- Polymer sealers provide a more durable coating and can even be used in higher-traffic areas such as commercial parking lots.
- Made of a combination of asphalt, water, and emulsifying agents, emulsion sealants provide good protection while being relatively inexpensive compared with other seal coat types.
Have you ever walked past a freshly sealed asphalt driveway and thought, “How do they make that look so shiny?” If so, then you’ve come to the right place! Seal coats protect and preserve existing asphalt driveways, parking lots & other pavement surfaces. In addition to extending the life of your pavement, seal coating also adds a beautiful finish, increasing curb appeal.
In this blog post, Action Construction Asphalt & Concrete experts will help you explore different types of seal coats and the best time to apply them so that your driveway stays in excellent condition for years to come!
Why Does Your Driveway Need Seal Coating?
Seal coats are applied regularly every few years. They can significantly extend the life of your driveway or other paved surfaces! Other than that, seal coats offer the following:
1. Protection: Seal coating protects the pavement from UV damage, grease spills and gasoline drips, general wear-and-tear, and the effects of harsh weather conditions. Without seal coating, these surfaces are left vulnerable to damage and require far more frequent repairs to keep them in good condition.
2. Enhance Appearance: Seal coating adds a nice glossy sheen to your driveway’s surface, making it look newer and fresher for years! The sealant also helps hide any minor imperfections that may be present on the blacktop surface, as well as minimizes fading due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
3. Fill Cracks & Gouges: Using sealants will fill in small cracks, seal gaps between the asphalt and concrete, seal joints and seal any gouges or depressions that have been created over time. It helps maintain a level surface essential for safety purposes and improves the overall appearance of your driveway.
Types of Seal Coats
1. Coal Tar Emulsion
Coal tar emulsion sealant is the traditional choice for many pavement projects. It has long-lasting properties combined with good resistance to gasoline and oil spills.
When to apply it?
Seal coating should be applied to asphalt surfaces every three to four years. It will help protect your pavement from the elements and extend its life. It is best applied when temperatures are between 50°F and 90°F.
2. Polymer Series
Polymer sealers provide a more durable coating and can even be used in higher-traffic areas such as commercial parking lots. They tend to be pricier than other seal coatings but have better durability. They are generally applied every four years or so, depending on conditions.
When to apply it?
If you live in areas with colder climates, seal coating should be done in the spring or fall when temperatures are relatively mild. It ensures that sealant has enough time to dry before winter and won’t be affected by extreme heat or cold. In areas with more temperate weather, sealants can be applied year-round as long as no precipitation is expected within 24 hours of application.
3. Oil-based Seal Coating
Oil-based seal coats are petroleum-based and provide extra protection for your asphalt. These sealants are affordable but break down faster, usually needing to be reapplied every two years, depending on climate conditions. Oil-based seal coats can take up to four days to fully dry and should not be applied if there is any chance of rainfall within the first 48 hours after application.
When to apply it?
Using an oil-based seal coat in warmer weather is ideal when the sealant can be more easily distributed across the surface. A seal coat can still be applied in colder climates if necessary; it will take longer to dry due to lower temperatures and higher humidity.
4. Acrylic Seal Coating
Unlike oil-based seal coats, acrylic sealants are water-borne and contain polymers such as acrylic resins and latex blends. Acrylic sealants provide better protection than oil-based sealers but also tend to cost more. These sealants can last up to three years, depending on the sealant’s quality and exposure to elements like heat, rain, and snow.
When to apply it?
Acrylic sealants should be applied to an asphalt surface that is clean, dry, and free of contaminants. The sealant should also be applied after the asphalt has been allowed to cure for at least a few months. It ensures that the sealant adheres properly and bonds with the asphalt.
Also Read: 5 Ways to Use Asphalt Paving Colors in Your Business
5. Emulsion Seal Coating
Emulsion seal coating has been around for many years and is still popular among seal coating services today. Made of a combination of asphalt, water, and emulsifying agents, these sealants provide good protection while being relatively inexpensive compared with other seal coat types. The sealant is applied to the asphalt surface, forming a thin layer that helps protect the pavement from weather damage and everyday wear and tear.
When to apply it?
The best time to apply an emulsion seal coat is in the spring or summer when weather conditions are warm and dry. It allows the sealant to dry correctly and adhere to the asphalt surface, providing maximum protection. It is not recommended that seal coats be applied during cold or wet weather as this can cause them to become ineffective.
Action Construction Asphalt & Concrete Can Help You Pick the Right Seal Coating Services
Understanding the different types of seal coats available and when to apply them ensures your asphalt surfaces are well-protected. At Action Construction Asphalt & Concrete, seal coating is one of our specialties. We’ve been in the business for years in Arlington and nearby areas and know what sealants are best for specific environments and surfaces. Request a quote today
