Sealcoating is not as simple as spraying on a coat of poly. The asphalt needs to be clean and prepared properly for the sealant.
Asphalt pavement consists of rock and stone aggregate held together with a binder. Over time the binder deteriorates, and the asphalt surface turns brittle. Sealcoating slows down this oxidation, and protects the asphalt from chemicals and oil spills. Visit Website to learn more.
When it comes to sealcoating applications, weather conditions can make or break the process. Sealcoating contractors must carefully evaluate the weather forecast and work within an optimal temperature range to ensure that the material flows smoothly, adheres well to the pavement surface, and dries properly. If the temperatures drop below the ideal range, the sealant will freeze, and the finished product will not be as effective as it should be.
Humidity also plays a significant role in how long it takes for the sealant to dry. When humidity levels are high, moisture saturates the air and slows down evaporation. This can double the amount of time it takes for the sealant to fully dry. Ideal humidity levels should be below 50%.
In addition, the ground and air temperatures should be warm and clear. The temperature must be at least 70 degrees and should rise throughout the day to ensure that the material can dry quickly. Additionally, a light wind will help facilitate evaporation, but not too much. A strong wind increases the risk of overspray and may cause the sealant to blow onto nearby structures or vehicles.
Rainfall can also be problematic for sealcoating projects. Excessive moisture dilutes the sealant mixture, causing it to lose its viscosity and performance. In addition, rainfall can wash away the fresh sealant, jeopardizing its adhesion and longevity. Careful evaluation of the weather forecast can help sealcoating contractors schedule their projects when they will be able to reopen the parking lot for traffic promptly after the application is complete.
To protect uncured sealants, a dry period of 24 hours is required before the paving surface can be opened to traffic. A thorough cleaning is then performed to remove any residual sealant, and a final inspection of the pavement is made. If it is not ready for vehicular traffic, temporary protective coverings can be used to shield the sealant from abrasion and water damage.
Preparation
The first step in the sealcoating process is assessing your driveway or parking lot. A professional paving contractor will take note of any cracks, potholes, oil stains or other areas of the pavement that need immediate repair.
The next step is to clear the area that will be sealcoated. This means removing any cars, trucks, trailers, sheds, garbage cans, outdoor furniture or other items that will be in the way when the sealer is being applied. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep children and pets inside during this time.
Once the pavement has been cleared, any linear cracks should be filled with either a hot rubberized crack filler or a cold-applied crack filler that is mixed with an additive such as Zetac. This will allow the material to expand and contract with the pavement during any weather changes and protect it from further damage.
Lastly, the area to be sealcoated should be blocked off with barricades, cones or other traffic control tools to ensure that pedestrians and vehicles do not get into the work zone. This will also help you to communicate to any customers or suppliers that the area will be inaccessible and that they should make alternative arrangements.
While the preparation steps can be done any time of year, it is important to remember that asphalt sealer doesn’t cure properly if it is wet, so it is critical that the project is not scheduled during inclement weather. If you are considering a sealcoating project, consult with your paving contractor to make sure that the weather conditions will be appropriate for success.
It is also a good idea to check the lawn area that borders your parking lot. If your grass is overgrown, it may need to be mowed and trimmed so that the sealer will adhere to the pavement. Finally, if your parking lot has sprinklers that water it, shut them off at least 24 hours before the start of the sealing process and don’t turn them on again for 24 hours after. If you need to make deliveries in your parking lot, reschedule them and let the supplier know that your parking lot will be inaccessible for several hours on the day of the job.
Materials
Asphalt sealcoating consists of a mix of varying amounts of dissolved asphalt, mineral fillers and water. The ingredients are combined to create a thick black material that is then applied to the surface of a paved area. There are also additives that can be used to modify the properties of the sealcoating material. These additives are designed to enhance the performance of the asphalt sealcoat. These additives can be added to the asphalt emulsion before it is mixed with the other ingredients or to the finished sealcoat. These include fungicides, antioxidants and UV stabilizers.
While there are different types of asphalt sealcoat materials, coal tar is the most common. It is designed to protect the paved surface and replenish the asphalt binder that is lost due to weathering. Coal tar sealcoats can be applied to any asphalt surface, and they are typically cheaper than other types of asphalt sealcoats. However, coal tar is considered to be a more hazardous material than other sealcoats. It releases volatiles into the air and emits a strong odor. It is also known to have negative effects on fish and other wildlife when it enters the waters of rivers, lakes and streams.
There are many benefits of having your parking lot or driveway seal coated. It will increase the longevity of your paved surface and save you money in the long run by preventing damage from oil, fuel and chemical substances that soften and degrade the asphalt. Seal coating also helps to keep the paved surface flexible under pressure from vehicular traffic, preventing it from cracking and deteriorating.
Asphalt sealcoating is most often performed from spring through fall. This is because the application process requires temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a period of 24 hours without rain. If your pavement isn’t sealed during this time, it may be damaged and require a costly replacement sooner than necessary.
Application
Sealcoating can provide a significant amount of protection for your commercial parking lot asphalt surface. It prevents oil, fuel, and chemical substances from penetrating the paved area and degrading it. It also protects the asphalt from vehicular pressure. This is important because when a paved area degrades, it becomes less flexible and subject to cracking under the weight of vehicles. Regular sealcoating can extend the life of your paved areas and reduce the need for repairs and replacement.
Thorough preparations are necessary to ensure the proper performance of the sealcoating process. This includes a thorough cleaning of the asphalt area and the repair of existing cracks, potholes, and damage. The surface must be dry, free of vegetation, rocks, debris, and sand, which can interfere with the adhesion of the sealcoat.
Once the area is prepared, it must be closed off to pedestrians and traffic with cones, barricades, and/or caution tape. The pavement must be clean and completely dry, which is why we use sweeping and blowers to ensure it is completely ready for application. The paving contractor must mix the sealer according to manufacturer instructions and specifications, ensuring the ingredients are evenly mixed. Mixing can be done manually, mechanically, or with specialized sealcoating equipment.
The proper mixing of the materials is essential to a long-term, effective result. The mixture must be thick enough to adhere to the paved surface and fill minor cracks and pits, yet still be fluid enough to easily flow across the surface and flow into low spots. There are a number of additives that can be added to the mix, and each serve a different purpose. These additives may help the sealer dry faster, alter sand suspension, improve flexibility, or increase resistance to salts and chemicals.
Once the materials are properly mixed, they can be applied using either a squeegee or spray application. Squeegee application is ideal for smaller areas and intricate surfaces, while spray application offers versatility and speed. Either method requires 24 hours of curing time before vehicles can return to the paved area. During this time, the freshly applied seal coat should be protected from pedestrians and vehicles to avoid damaging or marking the new coating.