Busting The Top Myths About Seal Coating

Key Takeaways:

• Sealing your asphalt surfaces can prolong their lifespan and prevent cracking, potholes, and other damage from weathering and UV exposure.
• Sealing your asphalt surfaces can help to prevent staining from gas, oil spills, dirt, and debris.
•  Sealing your asphalt surfaces can make them easier to clean and maintain, improving their appearance.
• Sealed asphalt surfaces can help to reduce noise pollution.
• American Paving offers seal coating services to customers in Locust, NC, and the surrounding areas.

Seal coating is an essential part of asphalt maintenance, but it’s also a misunderstood topic. We will bust myths about seal coating in this blog post! American Paving will discuss seal coating, how it should be done correctly, and why it’s crucial. By the end of this post, you’ll better understand what seal coating is and why you should consider doing it on your asphalt surfaces.

The Top Myths about Seal Coating

1. Sealcoating is Only Necessary for New Asphalt

It is one of the most common sealcoating myths. While it’s true that newly installed asphalt should be sealed, it’s also essential to sealcoat existing asphalt to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. Sealcoating provides a barrier against water, oil, and other chemicals that can break down asphalt. It also helps to fill in small cracks and pores on the surface of the asphalt, which can prevent larger cracks from forming.

2. Sealcoating is Only Necessary for Hot Climates

Sealcoating is beneficial in both hot and cold climates. In hot climates, a seal coat helps to protect the asphalt from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can cause it to dry out and become brittle. In cold temperatures, a seal coat prevents water from penetrating cracks in the asphalt and causing damage.

3. Sealcoating is Only Necessary on Blacktop

While blacktop is the most common type of asphalt, there are two types: blacktop and whitetop. Blacktop is made with a mixture of aggregate (crushed stone, sand, and gravel) and bitumen (a sticky black substance that binds the aggregate together), while the white top is made with a mixture of aggregate and Portland cement. Both types of asphalt should be sealed to protect them from damage.

Also, read our blog on the differences between blacktop and asphalt surfaces.

4. All Sealcoats Are Created Equal

There are two types of seal coat: coal tar-based seal coat and asphalt-based seal coat. Coal tar-based seal coat is made with a byproduct of the steel industry, while asphalt-based seal coat is made with refined petroleum products. Asphalt-based seal coat is more durable and provides better protection against UV rays, but it is also more expensive than coal tar-based seal coat.

5. Sealcoating Only Needs to Be Done Once Every Few Years

Your asphalt will depend on how often you need to seal coat, including climate, traffic volume, and how well the previous coatings have held up. In general, however, it’s best to plan on sealcoating your asphalt every two to three years.

6. Sealcoating Will Make My Asphalt Surface Look Shiny and New

Sealcoating does not change the color of asphalt, but it can make the surface appear darker due to the added layer of protection.

7. Sealcoating is a Temporary Solution

Sealcoating can prolong the life of your asphalt surface by protecting it from damage. It is not a temporary solution but a long-term investment in your property.

8. Sealcoating is Expensive

Sealcoating may cost more upfront than other methods of asphalt maintenance, but it is more cost-effective in the long run as it can help to extend the life of your pavement. Additionally, sealcoated surfaces are easier to clean and require less frequent repairs than non-sealcoated surfaces.

Why Should You Sealcoat Your Asphalt Surfaces?

1. Protection from the Elements

One of the primary reasons to sealcoat your asphalt surfaces is to protect them from the elements. Sealcoating provides a barrier between your asphalt and the sun, wind, rain, and snow. This barrier helps to prevent damage from these elements, including cracking, fading, and pitting.

2. Improved Aesthetics

Sealcoating can also improve the aesthetics of your asphalt surfaces. Asphalt that is sealed will have a dark, rich color that enhances the curb appeal of your home or business. Sealcoating can also fill in small cracks and holes, making your asphalt look smoother and more even.

3. Enhanced Safety

Another benefit of sealcoating is enhanced safety. When your asphalt is sealed, it becomes more slip-resistant, which can help to prevent accidents and injuries. It is imperative in areas that are prone to ice and snow.

4. Increased Durability

Sealcoating can also help to increase the durability of your asphalt surfaces. By protecting them from the elements and filling in small cracks, sealcoating can extend the lifespan of your asphalt by 2-3 years. It can save you significant money in repair and replacement costs over time.

5. Cost-Effective Solution

Sealcoating is a cost-effective solution for protecting and improving your asphalt surfaces. Compared to other methods, such as resurfacing or replacement, sealcoating is much less expensive. Additionally, a professional can perform sealcoating quickly and easily without disrupting your daily routine.

Essential Tips for Sealcoating

1. Sealcoating can be done by spraying or brushing the seal coat material onto the pavement.
2. The best time to seal the coat is when the weather is warm and dry.
3.  It is crucial to choose a seal coat that is compatible with your climate.
4. It is essential to ensure that the pavement is clean and free of debris before sealcoating.
5. Once the seal coat material has been applied, it is crucial to allow it to dry completely before walking or driving on it.
6. Sealcoating should be reapplied every one to three years, depending on the amount of traffic and weathering the pavement experiences.
7. When sealcoating a driveway, it is vital to avoid over-sealing, which can lead to cracking and flaking.
8. It is also important to avoid applying the seal coat too thinly, as this can also cause problems with the finish.
9. Sealcoating is an integral part of maintaining asphalt pavement and can help to extend its lifespan.
10. Sealed asphalt surfaces can be safer to walk on, as they are less likely to be slippery when wet.

Related: Learn about coal tar-based pavement seal coats and environmental health.

Need Sealcoating Services in Locust, NC?

Pave the way to success with our help! American Paving has provided premium-quality asphalt pavement installation, repair, and maintenance services for over 60 years. That’s why we know a thing or two about creating a smooth, sturdy surface that can withstand high traffic volume and extreme weather conditions. Contact us today to get a free estimate for your next project. After all, there’s no one more qualified than us when it comes to asphalt paving!