NVM Paving & Concrete offers professional sealcoating services and all phases of asphalt paving to Manassas business owners and installation managers. Sealcoating is a preventative maintenance service that helps to protect asphalt pavements from deterioration over time.
By protecting the asphalt from the natural wear of sunlight, water, oil, and other hazards, we can increase its overall service life, maintain its like-new aesthetic, and prevent expensive repairs down the road.
The Benefits of Asphalt Sealcoating
An asphalt sealcoat is a coating made from either tar pitch or a mixture of asphalt cement, water, inert fillers, and other additives.
Regular asphalt sealcoating serves to protect and preserve our pavements. It’s an affordable maintenance service that goes a long way toward getting the most value out of a paved surface.
Here are just of the few benefits it provides.
UV Protection
One of the most common sources of pavement wear and tear is natural sunlight. Over time, the heat from the sun begins to break down the binder cement in the asphalt. With the binder weakened, the pavement will start to appear brittle and develop cracks on the surface.
An asphalt sealcoat provides an extra layer of protection against the sun, delaying this natural process.
Water Protection
Water is the element most likely to damage asphalt structures. When water pools on the surface, it can seep into the deeper layers. Once there, the freezing and thawing cycle will cause it to expand and contract, weakening the pavement’s foundation and eventually causing severe deterioration.
A sealcoat helps to prevent significant amounts of water from penetrating the surface. This also applies to chemicals like oil and gasoline.
Enhanced Aesthetics
When you apply a new sealcoat, it gives the pavement a dark, like-new look. Many business owners enjoy having a parking lot or other structure that looks well-maintained and shows their pride in the property.
Also, the new smoother surface is easier to sweep, wash, and maintain overall.
Improved Traction
A well-maintained pavement enhances surface traction, which is important for both vehicle and foot traffic. With a smooth surface and enhanced traction, visitors both walking and driving on the pavement will have a better overall experience.
When is it Time to Apply an Asphalt Sealcoat?
A new asphalt pavement’s first sealcoat should be applied within the first year of the installation. Following that, most paving experts recommend a new sealcoat every two to four years. If it has been longer than four years since your last application, it is never too late. Having one applied today will still have a significant impact on the pavement’s service life.
A sealcoat can only be applied when weather permits. Temperatures must be at least 55 degrees for the mix to cure properly, and that temperature must be maintained for at least eight hours.
Once the process is finished, traffic should be kept off the surface for at least 18 hours. If you have any questions about the process or follow-on care, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Get in Touch for Professional Asphalt Sealcoating
If your pavement needs a new sealcoat, NVM Paving and Concrete is standing by to assist you. We’ve been serving the area for over 30 years, and we’re more than happy to discuss your project. Just give us a call, or fill out our contact form and we’ll have one of our experts contact you as soon as possible.
