How to Prepare Your Parking Lot For Sealcoating
If you are thinking of hiring a sealcoating service for your parking lot, you may be wondering what you need to prepare it for the coating process. A parking lot is the most visible asset on your property, and it can make or break your business. Cracks and potholes are both a liability and an eye sore. Sealcoating services can help extend the life of these high-traffic areas, while also increasing the property value.
Sealcoating is best performed on a good quality asphalt surface. The resulting coating is a dark, almost black, slightly shiny surface that protects the asphalt from the elements. Sealcoat is generally meant to last between two to three years, depending on the amount of traffic and the wear and tear. Sealcoats are difficult to apply, and need to be reapplied every two years or so. It should also be applied to new surfaces, such as parking lots.
Sealcoating requires natural heat for proper application. The air temperature must be 55 degrees or higher to cure the sealer. Asphalt must have a temperature between 50 and 70 degrees to be cured properly. It is best applied in the morning, when temperatures are higher, as nighttime temperatures should not drop too low for proper sealant application. For best results, schedule your sealcoating service for fall to avoid the worst damage from winter. When you choose to hire a sealcoating service for your property, remember that a qualified professional will perform a post-winter inspection.
In addition to preventing damage, sealcoating services can extend the life of your pavement. A new sealcoat will help your asphalt last longer and save you money in the long run. By taking the time to protect your investment and prevent further damage, sealcoating will protect your asphalt. There are two main reasons to hire a sealcoating service for your parking lot:
When you hire a professional sealcoating service, you’ll be ensuring the durability and smoothness of your asphalt surface. A sealcoating service will also prevent runoff irrigation damage and prepare the area for better line striping. Furthermore, sealcoating will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property. A newly resurfaced pavement is a better investment than repaving the entire area. It also prevents further damage due to potholes by blocking moisture.
Before sealing asphalt, you must first repair any underlying structural problems. Cracks, oil spots, and potholes must be repaired before the process can begin. Clean-up of debris will be performed and the mixture of the Black Diamond Federal Specification material and three to five percent Boost latex additive will be applied to the surface. Then, coat one will be applied using a high-pressure hand wand. The spray bar used depends on the size of the job.
Generally, sealing asphalt driveways benefits from a sealcoat after six months to a year. New asphalt surfaces should not be sealed before six months. However, this treatment can enhance the look of asphalt surfaces and will last up to three years. While sealcoating can restore the original appearance of your asphalt driveway, it cannot restore the same look as a new one. Nevertheless, asphalt overlays and resurfacing can help you restore your old driveway.
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