Sealcoating

Sealcoating is one of the most important elements of a pavement management plan.  A sealcoat consists of either coal tar pitch or asphalt cement mixed with inert fillers, water, emulsifying agents, or additives. Applied in thin coats, pavement sealing is used to protect off-highway pavement surfaces against gasoline, oil, salt, water, and ultraviolet rays.

Sealcoating Benefits

Beautification

When covered with a dark black sealant, pavement looks and wears like new. Parking lot sealcoating helps to project a positive image of the company, facility, or residential complex.

Slows oxidation and water penetration

Sealcoating fills surface voids, which reduces exposure to oxygen and UV rays and reduces the depth to which oil or gas can penetrate the pavement.

Sealcoating acts as a waterproofing agent, minimizing the rate at which water enters pavement. Without it, water can permeate more freely resulting in freeze/thaw expansion and contraction of the pavement.

Sealcoating resists oil and gas spills

Gasoline dripping from a topped-off fuel tank during hot weather can soften and break down unsealed asphalt pavements. Coal tars used in sealcoat are impervious to gas and oil spills.

Asphalt sealcoating is easier to clean and maintain

Sealcoats fill surface voids while coating the pavement surface. The resulting smooth and even texture makes the surface easier to maintain year-round. For example, snow is easier to remove from a smooth surface, and sweeping is far more effective on a smooth surface.

Sealcoating increases pavement flexibility

Sealcoat brings a dark black color to the pavement. The blacker it is, the more heat a pavement draws from the sun.  And, the hotter it gets, the more pliable it becomes, which helps it to withstand traffic without cracking.

Protects asphalt from pressure washing

Restaurant parking lots often extend to areas near dumpsters, where food-processing machines are pressure washed. Food waste near the dumpsters may also need to be washed away if it can't be swept away. Sealcoating protects asphalt cement from the high-volume water pressure and detergents used in pressure washing.

Asphalt sealcoating is cost effective

The price of asphalt will always be affected by crude oil prices, which fluctuate when supplies vary. Sealcoating preserves asphalt for pennies per square foot.