Learn more about the benefits of parking lot sealing.
Your parking lot represents a considerable investment. Ideally, you would like it to continue performing well and looking its best for as long as possible. The way to do this is actually quite easy — professional parking lot sealing can extend the service life of your lot.
What is Parking Lot Sealing?
More commonly known simply as “sealcoating,” parking lot sealing is a process that aims to protect asphalt surfaces. This is most commonly accomplished using a low viscosity asphalt emulsion applied in a thin layer across the entirety of the parking lot. Two or more coats may be needed, depending on the overall age and condition of the lot.
Sealants used in parking lot sealing are dark black, either mirroring the look of brand new asphalt pavement or deepening the color of faded pavement. This keeps your lot looking its best for as long as the sealer remains adhered to.
Important Facts About Parking Lot Sealing
The value of any given service should, of course, be determined by the cost of the service weighed against the value it provides. So, what benefits can sealcoating provide for your property’s parking lot?
1. Sealing Protects Against Sun and Weather
Asphalt sealing materials act as a strong protectant by filling in porous areas and void spaces. This reduces the rate at which UV radiation permeates your asphalt, protecting against penetration that leads to oxidation. This means less drying, cracking, and also less color fading.
Sealers also provide a barrier against moisture intrusion, slowing the process of water intrusion that leads to expansion and eventual cracking and expensive pavement repair. During our occasional colder months, this also helps to reduce the risks of cracking and damage associated with the freeze and thaw cycle.
2. Sealing Defends From Harmful Chemicals
It’s nearly impossible to keep motor vehicles from leaking some measure of oils, gasoline, and other chemicals onto your lot. Road salts and other more common pollutants also present problems, as all of these materials lead to asphalt degradation and accelerated wear in addition to isolated damaged areas.
Sealing protects your asphalt parking lot from these hazards by creating a barrier where the chemicals will stand rather than seep into the pores of the asphalt. This also makes chemical spills much easier to clean, and sealing, in general, simplifies parking lot maintenance and upkeep.
3. Sealed Lots Are More Resistant to Cracking
A fresh coat of sealcoating darkens your parking lot. It increases the asphalt’s ability to absorb heat from the sun. This leads to increased pliability, which is something you absolutely want for your asphalt lot. Appropriate amounts of pliability keep the lot from becoming brittle, which is a common cause of asphalt cracking.
How Often Does my Parking Lot Need Sealcoating?
Applying a sealer to parking lots can be completed when the lot is newly installed as an added protective layer. However, you’ll see the greatest benefits of applying parking lot sealer a few years into the pavement’s lifespan. After the initial coat, parking lot sealer should be reapplied every two to three years depending on the traffic level, the age of the lot, and overall signs of wear.
Schedule Sealing and Asphalt Repair in Tampa with ACPLM
Whether you’re ready to enjoy the advantages of parking lot sealing or your lot is ready for its next coat, you can rely on ACPLM. We also proudly offer new Asphalt Paving, asphalt parking lot repair, and routine maintenance services.
If you need a Paving contractor, call ACPLM to find out more about asphalt sealcoating!
