Asphalt Sealcoating: FAQs For Prospective Customers
Posted on: 13 November 2019
Protecting the life of the parking area of your business is all about protecting the asphalt. Proper sealcoating should be done periodically to deter issues and breakdown of the materials. Here are some of the questions you may have about asphalt sealcoating:
What types of asphalt sealcoating are available?
There are a lot of different types of sealcoating that professionals prefer to use when they do work, but most of them will have a couple of options available if you ask. The primary type of sealcoating is a coal tar-based emulsion that contains many of the same compounds that actual asphalt contains, but it is a thinner consistency. Asphalt can be sealed with products that contain aggregate or small bits of sand to add texture to the surface, which can be a good option if you live in an area where you get a lot of snow or ice.
Are there sealcoat products that make the asphalt a different color?
With some asphalt sealcoating contractors, you do get the chance to choose coloring agents that can be used to give the asphalt a different color hue to some degree. For example, white sealcoating has been used in some areas to help deter heat levels that result from the UV rays that can collect on dark surfaces of asphalt. Not all contractors offer this kind of sealing product, and you should know that some of these coatings are not as resilient.
What kind of asphalt sealcoating is going to last the longest?
By far, coal tar-based emulsion blends usually last the longest. Even though many customers love the newer types of available coatings that have been laced with aggregate or even coloring agents to change the hue of the asphalt, these can wear away faster and leave you having to replace the sealcoating faster than usual. Coal tar sealcoating creates a thin, almost rubbery layer over the asphalt. It breaks down slowly, deters permeation, and is resilient to the three big threats: water, air, and sunlight.
Do you have to have the asphalt sealed annually?
Not necessarily. The rate at which the sealcoating breaks down will depend on several factors, such as the condition of the underlying asphalt, the weather, and even if there is shade in the area. It is best to discuss the signs of wear with your chosen contractor so you learn to recognize when the area needs to be sealcoated again.
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