Seal coating is a process used to shield asphalt pavement from the elements. It helps to keep the surface looking new and prevents it from cracking in the winter months.
Sealcoating also makes the pavement easier to clean and can add years of life to your asphalt driveway or parking lot. However, people often make some big mistakes when sealcoating their asphalt.
Some of these may cause the sealcoating to fail and thus require repairs. Others are just cosmetic and avoidable.
The qualities and properties that make asphalt sealer effective can be its downfall. Applying too much sealer is one mistake that people often make.
A sealer is designed to fill in the asphalt pores and create a barrier on the surface. However, applying too much sealer will cause it to build up on the surface.
Premature cracking and flaking can occur when there is too much sealer. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only apply the recommended amount. Don’t try and thin the sealer by mixing water; it’ll only reduce its effectiveness.
Temperature and weather conditions can immensely affect the quality of your sealcoating job. One mistake people make is applying sealer in direct sunlight.
We agree that sealer is best applied in warm and dry conditions; however, direct sunlight may prevent the sealer from penetrating and adhering to the pavement as well as it should.
The sealer applied in direct sunlight can also dry too quickly and give a patchy appearance. If you must apply sealer in direct sunlight, make sure to do small sections at a time to ensure even coverage.
Hasty jobs often result in bad outcomes. To get the best results, you need to take the time to properly prep the surface that will be seal coated.
You must ensure the asphalt surface is clear of leaves, debris, and dirt so that the sealer can be applied evenly. If brooming doesn’t help, you may have to break out the power washer. However, make it a point to dry the surface before beginning the process.
If there are any cracks or potholes on the surface, you must repair them before applying the sealer. It is essential because otherwise, the sealer will settle into the cracks and fail to protect the surface adequately.
Giving the sealer too little time to cure is one of the frequent blunders people make. Depending on the weather conditions, it can take 24 to 48 hours for the sealer to cure completely.
Walking and driving on the newly seal-coated and wet surface can damage it and cause the sealer to come off.
Avoid opting for sealcoating services during busy business hours if your commercial property sees a lot of foot traffic. The best time to get sealcoating done is usually on a Sunday night or early Monday morning before the business day begins.
Commercial asphalt surfaces experience more beating and traffic than residential driveways.
Sealcoating is an imperative part of asphalt maintenance that helps protect the surface from weathering, UV rays, and chemicals.
If you’re under pressure to maintain your commercial driveway or parking lot, don’t hesitate to contact Doctor Asphalt LLC, serving Madison, WI.
Our team is always ready to help you out and make sure your asphalt looks primo all year round!