Shouldn’t Do It By Your Own
The asphalt pavement or driveway is probably one of the major investments you’ll make. On average, paving an asphalt driveway will cost around $4,717. Considering this hefty sum, you want to maintain its best possible condition and pristine look for many years.
Asphalt is a preferred paving material for roadways, driveways, parking lots, and other open outdoor areas. Although asphalt is made of highly durable materials, exposure to external elements, extreme temperature changes, water, and corrosive chemicals, and heavy loads can cause it to disintegrate over time.
Repetitive contraction and expansion can lead to cracks, crevices, and potholes. Without proper preventive maintenance, it can shorten the lifespan of the asphalt pavement. One of the proven, most effective methods of maintaining asphalt is sealcoating.
But What Really Is Sealcoating?
Basically, sealcoating is the process of applying an extra, protective layer (sealer) on top of the asphalt material. This protective coating keeps the asphalt intact and shields it from the elements: water, UV light, oils, and other corrosive chemicals.
Benefits of Sealcoating
Sealcoating offers several benefits that include:
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Slowing down oxidization which is a natural process of drying out bitumen due to exposure to UV light.
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Preventing water from seeping into small cracks that can eventually lead to deeper cracks and potholes.
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Forming a protective barrier that prevents the corrosive effects of oil and fuel spillages on asphalt.
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Maintaining the flexibility of asphalt thereby accommodating heavy loads and pressure without cracking.
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Extending the lifespan of your asphalt pavement and keeping its aesthetic appeal for a long time.
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Ensuring that the pavement is comfortable to drive on and safer to walk on because it won’t have holes or cracks.
Sealcoat products come in a variety of compositions. However, there are types of sealers that you can find in the market: the asphalt-based, tar-based, and petroleum-based sealcoat. Each of these varieties has its unique qualities as well as advantages.
For example, the asphalt-based sealers provide poor protection against the elements, and may only last for 1-3 years. Tar-based sealcoats offer optimum protection against chemical resistance and water penetration and can last for 3-5 years. However, some states have banned their use due to environmental concerns. Meanwhile, petroleum-based sealers provide mid-level protection but can be quite costly.
Considering the unique qualities of asphalt sealers, sealcoating contractors at ABC Paving emphasize the importance of using the appropriate product when performing this crucial preventative maintenance procedure. The use of proper sealcoat ensures optimum benefits and avoids costly mistakes. Having said that, it is wise to entrust such a project to experienced professionals.
Why Should You Hire a Professional Sealcoating Contractor?
Many homeowners are torn between DIY sealcoating and hiring professionals. If you look at the process, one might think that it’s simple and doable even with basic skills. But the truth is that it’s a meticulous process that requires knowledge and expertise – not to mention, the proper sealing tools and equipment.
Whether you’re doing-it-yourself or hiring skilled workers, both options would need quite a hefty investment. At the outset, DIY sealcoating might be cheaper. But in the long term, you might find that the initial savings might translate into costly rework or even damages.
Instead of enjoying the full benefits of sealcoat for a long time, poor sealing might require more frequent applications. Thus, you will have to spend more on materials and supplies. But more importantly, consider the amount of time and effort you will waste on such a project.
Before the project is started, reputable sealcoating contractors perform a careful inspection and recommend whether the procedure is warranted. In some cases, sealcoating can be postponed for a later period. Other times, they might require other more appropriate approaches, such as repairing localized damages, crack sealing, asphalt overlaying, or pavement reconstruction.
Based on the actual condition of your asphalt pavement, sealcoating contractors can recommend the best sealcoating products and application methods to ensure long-lasting results. Unlike the commercial sealcoat products available in local hardware, sealcoat contractors use specialized formulas for your specific needs.
Additionally, these companies have been in the industry for a long time and they know the local regulations. They guarantee that they are using products that comply with relevant state and local rules. Sealcoating contractors are fully insured, hence, you are protected from potential liabilities. But most importantly, they practice safety protocols at work thus avoiding injuries and health risks. If you have minimal skills in handling sealing equipment, you might end up harming yourself or others around you and even wasting your sealcoat products.
A useful rule of thumb: If you want quality results, you should entrust this project to a professional – even if the area is small and relatively manageable. Reliable asphalt contractors know what they’re doing, are experienced at it, and use only the best products for their projects.
Here’s a final point worth pondering: You have invested so much in beautifying your pavement, driveway, or façade, why would you attempt to ruin it with meager savings?
