Asphalt sealcoating is the number one element of an effective asphalt pavement maintenance program. Sealcoating is a protective layer applied to asphalt pavements to protect it from damage from the sun, water, and chemicals like salt, oil, and gasoline. It’s made of either tar pitch or a mixture of asphalt cement, water, inert fillers, and other additives.
The Benefits of Asphalt Sealcoating
A fresh sealcoat applied every few years gives pavement owners a substantial return on their investment. Here are a few of the ways that it benefits your business:
Aesthetics
When a fresh sealcoat is applied, it gives the pavement a dark, like-new look. For commercial properties, owners find that it provides their installation with a well-maintained and professional aesthetic that reflects well on their facility. Just like you wouldn’t let your grass die or grow out of control, you shouldn’t let your pavements deteriorate and become an eyesore to your customers.
UV and Water Protection
Sealcoating provides an extra layer of protection against the sun and rain. Because it gives some waterproofing to the pavement, rainwater won’t penetrate as deeply into the pavement. When water seeps into the deeper layers of your asphalt, the freezing and thawing cycle causes it to expand and contract. This cycle causes costly damage to the underlying layers and surface.
Sealcoating Smoothes Out the Pavement
The layer of sealcoat provides an even and smooth surface. This flush surface benefits business owners because it’s easier to clean, sweep, and maintain overall. It also makes snow removal easier to manage.
Better Surface Traction
Well-maintained pavements with sealcoating provide superior surface traction for vehicle and foot traffic. It’s also more flexible than an untreated surface due to absorbing more heat which allows it to withstand heavier loads.
Sealcoating is incredibly affordable, so all the benefits listed above come at a low cost. When applied every few years, it gives your asphalt a longer overall service life and prevents costly repairs along the way. The return on investment is substantial.
When to Get Asphalt Sealcoating
We recommend applying a sealcoat within one year of a new pavement installation, and every two to four years after that. If you’ve neglected your pavement maintenance for many years or acquired a property with under-maintained surfaces, it’s never too late. We can help make any necessary repairs and apply a sealcoat.
It’s important to note that sealcoat can only be applied when the weather permits. The temperature must be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit for the coat to dry properly and must remain above that temperature for at least eight hours.
You’ll also need to keep the surface free of traffic for the next 18-36 hours to let the sealed surface cure.
Contact NVM Paving For Expert Sealcoating in Fairfax
NVM paving proudly serves the local Fairfax community with professional asphalt sealcoating services. Give us a call for a no-cost, no-obligation quote on any and all pavement maintenance services. Our dedicated asphalt & concrete project managers are standing by to speak with you.
