Asphalt Sealing

Asphalt Sealing

Sealing your asphalt is an essential step in preserving its life and beauty.

Not sealing your asphalt can lead to various problems, including cracks, potholes, and a general decline in the appearance of your driveway or parking lot.

West Palm Beach Asphalt Paving Co offers high-quality asphalt sealing services that will protect your driveway or parking lot for years to come. We use only the highest-quality sealants and equipment to ensure the best results for our customers.

What Is Asphalt Sealing?

Asphalt is a popular material for driveways and parking lots because it is durable and easy to maintain. However, over time, asphalt can become cracked and faded.

Asphalt sealing refers to applying a protective sealant on the asphalt pavement. The sealant creates a barrier that prevents water, oil stains, and other substances from penetrating the surface. We typically do asphalt sealing every few years as part of regular pavement maintenance. It helps to extend the life of the pavement by protecting it from the elements. Asphalt sealing also gives the pavement a neater appearance by filling in cracks and gaps. Ultimately, asphalt sealing helps preserve the pavement's integrity and keeps it looking its best. While do-it-yourself asphalt sealers are available for those who want to save money, we recommend hiring an expert to ensure your project is done right.

Why Is Sealing Your Asphalt Surface Necessary?

Asphalt is a pavement material comprised of asphalt binder (a coal tar-like substance) and aggregate (rock, gravel, sand). We use it in road construction because it is easy to install and maintain, durable, and provides a smooth surface for vehicles.

However, asphalt pavements are susceptible to sunlight, water, snow, and ice damage. To protect the surface from these elements, it is necessary to seal them with an asphalt sealer. Asphalt sealers form a protective barrier on the pavement surface that helps to prevent sunlight, water, snow, and ice from causing damage. They also help to improve the appearance of your asphalt driveway or parking space by acting as an asphalt crack filler and preventing potholes from forming. We usually do this on our asphalt repair projects. For these reasons, it is essential to have your asphalt pavement sealed regularly.

How Often Do You Apply Asphalt Driveway Sealer?

Just like any other surface in your home, you will need to properly maintain your asphalt surfaces to keep them looking their best. One crucial aspect of asphalt surface maintenance is sealing. Asphalt sealcoating helps to protect the surface from weather damage and makes it easier to clean. But how often should you apply a sealer to your asphalt driveway or parking space?

Generally, experts recommend that you seal any asphalt surface every one to three years. The frequency with which you need to seal will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• the type of sealer you use
• the climate you live in, and
• the amount of traffic your driveway receives.

If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may need to seal more frequently to prevent cracking and other damage from ice and snow. Conversely, if your driveway or parking space does not see a lot of traffic, you may have to wait longer between sealing.

Asphalt Sealcoating Equipment

Asphalt sealcoating equipment is critical for anyone who wants to maintain an asphalt driveway or parking area. Without the right tools, it would not be easy to properly sealcoat a surface. There are a few different asphalt sealcoating equipment available on the market, so it is vital to know what each type of equipment is used for.

Some of the common yet essential sealcoating equipment you will find are:

Brush Roller

Asphalt brush rollers remove debris and leaves from asphalt surfaces while also providing a light cleaning. This makes them perfect for regular maintenance and touch-ups. Asphalt brush rollers typically have different settings for different levels of debris and dirt. For light cleaning, a setting with fewer bristles will do the trick. For more challenging jobs, a setting with more bristles will be necessary.

Asphalt Sprayer

Asphalt sprayers are an essential part of any paving project. They provide a consistent, even coating of asphalt that helps bind the various pavement layers. Without an asphalt sprayer, achieving the desired level of quality in the pavement would not be easy. Asphalt sprayers come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Thus, it is vital to choose the right one for your needs. Smaller projects may only require a hand-held unit, while larger projects will need a trailer-mounted unit. There are also self-propelled asphalt sprayers we can use for larger projects.

Squeegee

Asphalt is one of the most versatile paving materials available. It is easy to work with and relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses. However, asphalt can be difficult to clean. Traditional cleaning methods, such as pressure washing, can damage the asphalt and shorten its lifespan. The best way to clean asphalt is with an asphalt squeegee. Asphalt squeegees are designed to safely remove dirt, debris, and stains from asphalt without damaging the surface. In addition, an asphalt squeegee is much less expensive than a pressure washer, making them a more cost-effective option for business owners and homeowners alike.

Our Asphalt Sealing Process

Asphalt sealing is essential to keeping your asphalt driveway or parking lot in good condition. The process involves applying a sealant to the surface of the asphalt to protect it from weather damage and wear and tear. Sealing also helps to fill in any cracks or holes that may have formed, preventing further damage.

Asphalt sealing is typically done every one to three years, depending on the condition of the asphalt and the amount of traffic it receives. The process is relatively simple and can generally be completed daily.

At West Palm Beach Asphalt Paving Co, we ensure to strictly follow our asphalt sealing process, which includes these steps:

Step 1: Preparation of the Site

The first step in the asphalt sealing process is to prepare the site. This involves ensuring the surface is clean and free of debris. Using a garden hose, you can get rid of dirt and dust on the surface. The sealant will not adhere properly to a dirty surface. Thus, it is crucial to take the time to sweep or blow away any leaves, twigs, or other materials.

Step 2: Primer Application

Asphalt is a complex material of various ingredients, including stone, sand, gravel, and bitumen. Over time, sunlight and moisture can cause the asphalt to deteriorate, leading to cracks and potholes. Applying a sealant helps to protect the asphalt from the elements and extends its lifespan. Once the surface is clean and debris-free, we apply a primer. The primer helps to fill any cracks or voids in the surface of the asphalt so that the sealant will adhere properly.

Step 3: Pouring of Fresh Asphalt

After prepping the surface and applying the primer, it is finally time to pour fresh asphalt. This process begins by heating asphalt in a drum before it is fed into a spreader. The spreader then evenly applies the hot asphalt across the surface, following the predetermined paving pattern. A roller is then used to compact the fresh asphalt, creating a smooth and even finish.

Step 4: Sealcoat Asphalt Application

The next step in the asphalt sealing process is to apply a sealcoat to your asphalt driveway or parking lot. We usually do this process using a hand-held or truck-mounted sprayer. The key is to apply an even layer of sealcoat material, taking care not to overdo it. We ensure to apply just enough material to cover the surface of the asphalt without creating puddles or excessively thick areas.

Step 5: Top Coat Application

Applying a topcoat of asphalt sealer is the final step in the asphalt sealing process. This coat provides a protective barrier against weather and wear. It also gives the asphalt a fresh, new look. We apply the topcoat with a specialized applicator. Once done, we allow it to dry for several hours before we let anyone use it. Once the topcoat has dried, the asphalt will be ready for traffic. It is essential to know that how much traffic an asphalt can carry is determined by its thickness and the amount of support from the underlying materials. The strength and stability of an asphalt pavement also depend on its ability to resist repetitive loading caused by vehicles repeatedly driving over the same area.

Step 6: Drying Time

Depending on the temperature and humidity, it will take only a few hours for your newly sealed asphalt to dry. You should avoid driving or walking on it during this time as it can mar the finish. Once dry, your asphalt will have a nice, deep black color and a glossy finish.

Step 7: Restriping of Pavement Markings

After your asphalt sealcoat has dried, it is time to restripe the pavement markings. This will ensure that your parking lot or driveway is clear and easy to navigate. The best way to restripe is to use a stencil. We use a variety of different stencils depending on the project. Our team paint over the old pavement markings with new paint. Then, we remove the stencil and let the paint dry. This process is relatively simple and only takes a few minutes to complete. However, it will make a big difference in the appearance of your asphalt surface.

Step 8: Cleanup

Once the asphalt sealing process is complete, cleaning up any excess sealer and tools is vital. Otherwise, the sealer can harden and damage the asphalt. We do this by rinsing off any sealer that has gotten on nearby surfaces, such as sidewalks or driveways. Then, using a power washer, we remove any sealer still on the asphalt surface. Finally, we collect the used sealers and dispose of them properly.