At Cassidy Paving, asphalt repair and sealcoating go hand in hand. Whereas repairs are meant to restore your asphalt’s appearance and integrity, the purpose of sealcoating is to protect your asphalt’s surfaces from a host of environmental threats, including moisture, sunlight, impact, and more. That said, you might wonder whether sealcoating is always necessary – and, if so, how to go about this project. Let’s explore how sealcoating works, how it’s properly applied, and when to sealcoat your asphalt.
What to Know About Sealcoating
Understanding Sealcoating
As its name implies, sealcoating refers to sealing your asphalt’s surfaces with a specialized coating. Sealcoat products can be formulated in a variety of ways, but they’re generally composed of some combination of dissolved asphalt fillers (e.g., grains of sand, limestone dust, etc.) and water. When properly applied by asphalt sealcoating services, a layer of sealcoat gradually hardens and clings to the pavement underneath, creating a strong barrier that resists UV rays, moisture intrusion, and more. Fresh sealcoating also enhances the appearance and texture of asphalt, yielding a dark, even, smooth surface. This process is distinct from paving, and it’s meant as a preventative maintenance measure, not a repair.
The Proper Conditions for Sealcoating
Like any other asphalt-related project, working under optimal conditions is crucial for achieving the best sealcoating outcomes. As a general rule, it’s best to hire an asphalt sealcoating contractor in the spring or summertime, as you don’t want temperatures to dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the course of the project or during the drying process. Simply put, warmer weather facilitates compaction and curing, improving efficiency and results. Of course, while spring and summer are filled with ideal days for asphalt sealcoating, both seasons are filled with their shares of wet and windy days, too (especially in a region like New England). So, always keep your eye on the forecast as you prepare for asphalt sealcoating – your contractors will pay close attention to these environmental factors, too.
Getting the Timing Right
Timing the weather is important, but so is timing your sealcoating services more broadly. Indeed, the asphalt installation and sealing processes are not done simultaneously or back-to-back. For the best results, you must wait at least six months following pavement installation to apply a sealcoat – this is about how long it takes for fresh pavement to fully cure. When sufficient time has passed, your asphalt contractors should still conduct a thorough pavement evaluation to make sure it’s cured all the way. Moreover, asphalt repair projects should be done before sealcoating. After all, you want your sealcoat to cover up and protect your repaired surfaces. Sticking to the proper sequence of events will help you enjoy the strongest, longest-lasting, best-looking pavement possible.
Time to Seal the Deal?
If you think your driveway or parking lot could use asphalt repair and sealcoating services, Cassidy Paving is just a call or click away. Let us provide the services your asphalt needs while sticking to your budget and schedule. Call us today at 866-978-9788 to receive a free estimate on your next asphalt project.