What are some of the key differences between sealing a parking lot and simple asphalt paving? 

A fresh-looking parking lot is important for every commercial property. It enhances curb appeal and creates a great first impression. The flawless black finish can draw in more customers and inspire confidence from potential clients or tenants.

There are many ways that a well-preserved parking lot can benefit business owners and condo associations. To this end, parking lot maintenance is extremely helpful. And when it comes to asphalt parking lot maintenance, there are only two viable options: sealcoating or asphalt paving.

Sealcoating a parking lot offers many advantages and is one of the best methods of asphalt maintenance. Before we get to this, we must discuss the difference between sealcoating parking lots and paving them.

What Happens When You Are Sealing a Parking Lot?

Sealcoating a parking lot involves the application of a specially-formulated pavement sealer. Once the liquid dries, it creates a protective layer that minimizes the effects of water penetration, sun damage, and harsh chemicals from vehicles and the environment.

The sealer can be applied six months after an asphalt parking lot is paved. It is more effective as a pavement maintenance activity than a repair, which is why it is applied in this manner. Parking lot sealcoating can efficiently cover small cracks and minor imperfections, making your parking look fresh and new.

In a place like Florida, where summers can be hot and oppressive, asphalt sealcoating is essential to business establishments and condominium complexes. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of asphalt deterioration, and parking lot sealcoating is one of the best solutions. Sealcoating services are known for being reliable and cost-effective when it comes to parking lot maintenance.

What is Asphalt Paving?

While sealcoating a parking lot is great for preventive maintenance, asphalt paving is ideal for major repairs. It involves the application of freshly mixed asphalt to a parking lot surface to repair major cracks and damages. Depending on the degree of a parking lot’s deterioration, a surface can benefit from a simple overlay or a complete resurfacing.

For business owners, community association managers, and property managers, sealcoating a parking lot is more cost-effective and offers a significant return on investment. Sealcoating can help protect an asphalt surface and prevent major cracks and holes from emerging. It also helps keep the black finish of a new asphalt surface by protecting it from extensive oxidation.

Nevertheless, if an asphalt parking lot already has extensive damages, asphalt paving might be the only viable option. It is also ideal for parking lots that have been operating for many years. If implemented well, asphalt paving can repair pooling water, cracking edges, potholes, graying surfaces, and other signs of aging.

How Much Does Sealing a parking lot Cost?

If used on a surface that is in relatively good shape, one application of sealcoating can last for up to three to four years. This means that sealcoating regularly will save you more money as it only costs about a tenth of the cost of asphalt paving.

For older surfaces, sealcoating once every year is recommended to keep them looking fresh. In this situation, you might want to consider asphalt paving.

Contact ACPLM for Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating Services

If your business or HOA property is looking for a new parking lot or for sealcoating services, ACPLM is your best option. Our team has over 50 years of experience repairing and maintaining parking lots in Florida, including sealcoating services. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation.