Do you have questions about sealcoating your asphalt surfaces? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The expert team at PALERMO PAVING stands ready to answer all your questions about sealcoating.
What is sealcoating?
Sealcoating is applied as a protective liquid barrier to the top of existing asphalt surface. This coating shields the asphalt from the elements and from damage caused by automotive liquids such as gasoline, diesel, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
Does all asphalt need sealcoating?
It's recommended if you want your asphalt surface to last. When properly maintained (and that maintenance includes regular sealcoating) an asphalt surface, like a driveway, can last 15 years or more. But an asphalt surface that is not sealcoated regularly can be destroyed by water or the effects of freezing and thawing in just a few years. So, all asphalt surfaces need sealcoating to maximize the life of the asphalt.
Why does asphalt need sealcoating?
Moisture, oil, and ultraviolet light are enemies of asphalt. They break down the bonds that hold the asphalt together. Without sealcoating, you end up with crumbling asphalt and potholes. Sealcoating gets into the tiny cracks and creates a new bond. As a bonus, sealcoating also makes asphalt look great, so in addition to protecting the asphalt sealcoating makes asphalt surfaces look fresh and new again.
How often should sealcoating be applied?
PALERMO PAVING recommends that you sealcoat your asphalt surfaces every two to three years. The initial sealcoating should be applied about six months to 1 year after the asphalt surface is first installed. Going forward, unless you see cracks, you should sealcoat bi-annually.
Can I drive/park on sealcoated surfaces right away?
Sealcoating dries quickly. If you are the impatient sort of person, you can drive or park on the asphalt surface 24 hours after the sealcoat application. However, if you are the patient sort, it’s really best to wait 48 hours for the sealcoating to dry.
Which comes first – striping or sealcoating?
This is a common question when it comes to parking lot maintenance. You want to have your sealcoating applied and fully dry before the striping. Wait at least 24 hours after the application of the sealcoating to begin striping.
When is the best time of year for sealcoating?
The best time of year for sealcoating is when temperatures are high, and humidity is low. This combination contributes to speedy drying and curing. On Long Island, we find that summer is the best time to sealcoat.
If my asphalt is cracked, can it still be sealcoated?
If your asphalt has tiny cracks or bumps, our hand-application process can fill these in as part of the sealcoating process using a crack fill product. However, if your asphalt has large cracks or shows signs of serious damage sealcoating isn’t the answer. PALERMO PAVING can evaluate the condition of your asphalt and recommend patching or resurfacing.
Is sealcoating the same as resurfacing?
Sealcoating is not resurfacing. The sealcoating product used by PALERMO PAVING is the consistency of a slurry. It does not contain aggregates. Resurfacing is installing a thin layer of asphalt over existing asphalt and compacting.