Asphalt sealcoating and asphalt crack sealing are two substantial commercial property investments that protect and extend the lifespan of a paved parking lot or property. While crack sealing helps to repair minor damage, sealcoating is the first defense for an asphalt surface and the underlying foundation.
Keep reading to learn more about sealcoating and crack sealing.
Asphalt commercial sealcoating is used to protect the underlying asphalt surface from external and interior damage due to various elements, such as the weather, oil spills, and cracking. The refined tar or asphalt emulsion-based sealcoat is applied to encourage the binding of the pavement’s aggregates while shielding the asphalt from weather conditions, spills, and water penetration.
A sealcoating additive is a mixture of a chemical or polymer-based substance to enhance the flexibility, durability, longevity, and appearance of the sealcoat once applied. These additives are formed to improve the performance properties of sealcoat products.
Not all sealer additives are appropriate for every sealcoating project. There are additives that protect better in various climates and others that offer better resistance to liquids and heavy traffic flow.
All additives provide some form of protection to the asphalt surface which defends the composition of the underlying layers of the asphalt. With the right additives, sealcoat can be applied with ease, in a timely manner, and be cured within a short period, all of which saves time and money.
Whether the project involves one or multiple coatings, the reduced time will allow the seal coating to be less of a disruption for the commercial property. Additives are also beneficial in the aesthetics of the property as a smooth black application enhances the look of the surface and gives the appearance of newly paved area.
There are two main sealer additives used in sealcoat products. Sand as an additive provides skid resistance on level ground, improves durability of the surface, protects against sun glare damage, and expands the lifespan of the asphalt.
Latex additives speed up the curing time of the sealcoat product, work as a durable adhesive to bond to the asphalt, and provide a fresh look to the area with a clean, black shade.
A sealcoat mix design refers to the measured combination of water, sand, and additives required for sealcoating to be applied on an asphalt surface. Each type of sealcoat product has distinctive properties and a composition that should be used under specific and individual conditions. As the product itself is in concentrated form, a mix design is added to enhance the sealcoat’s properties.
The sealcoat product requires the approximate combination of water, sand, and additives for optimal performance. Mix design is used to provide an even coating, an aesthetically pleasing appearance of the asphalt surface, traction enhancement, and resistance to the effects of oil, gas, and chemical spills. With the proper mix design, minor defects, flaws, and hairline cracks on the asphalt surface are diminished.
The mix design is only as viable and durable as the key components of the mixture itself. The asphalt emulsion is a combination of water, asphalt cement, and an emulsifying agent. The chemical properties of the emulsifier agent prevent the liquids from separating.
Fillers such as sand and mineral aggregates allow the sealcoating product to enhance the durability of the asphalt and provide traction on the asphalt surface. Additives offer better adhesion while being resistant to ultraviolet rays and chemicals.
The local climate and environmental conditions can play a huge role when selecting a successful additive and mix design. Low and high temperatures can cause a less durable mixture to crack, shift, and weaken over time.
The traffic volume can also affect the condition and lifespan of the sealcoat. The mix design should be selected based on the traffic levels, specifically whether it is a roadway or a parking lot.
Pavement crack sealing and seal coating are two of the specialty services at Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. As a leading commercial pavement maintenance contractor for property managers, owners, and professional contractors throughout the GTA, we have state-of-the-art equipment and top-quality products at our disposal.
To discuss how our sealer additives can enhance the condition and appearance of your property, call us at 416-410-3705 or fill out our contact form.
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