When it comes to maintaining driveways and parking lots, many property owners overlook one critical step—applying an asphalt sealer. This often underappreciated process plays a crucial role in extending the life of your asphalt surfaces. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to preserve your driveway or a business owner wanting to keep your parking lot in top condition, asphalt sealer is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore why asphalt sealer is important and how it helps maintain durable, long-lasting surfaces.
What is Asphalt Sealer?
Asphalt sealer protects against disintegration and damage from regular wear-and-tear or natural element interference. The sealing process includes a liquid based sealant applied over the surface of asphalt in such a manner as to provide a protective barrier and avoid moisture, chemicals, or any other harmful elements from entering the smooth surface.
Key Benefits of Asphalt Sealer
1. Protection Against Water Damage
Water is one of the asphalt surfaces worst enemies If water gets down into nooks and crannies in untreated asphalt, when it freezes (as winter returns), the ice will expand putting pressure on those cracks from all sides causing larger structural problems to develop with time. This is due to the fact that it happens in those areas where temperatures vary drastically called as “freeze-thaw” damage. In warmer climates, standing water will erode the base material under the asphalt over time as well, causing it to weaken which leads can lead to potholes.
An Asphalt sealer provides a waterproof barrier that stops the water from being absorbed into the surface. This surface barrier protects the asphalt from water infiltration damage by sealing up these tiny holes, increasing your pavement lifespan and reducing repairs.
2. Prevents Oxidation from UV Rays
Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays (UV) will oxidize the asphalt on your roof over time. These rays eventually eat away at the binder that keeps all of your asphalt together, making it dry out and turn hard over time, which then leads to cracking. This oxidation causes the asphalt to lose its flexibility, making it increasingly difficult for the pavement to expand and contract in compliance with temperature changes, resulting in stiffness and cracking.
An organic asphalt sealer behaves a bit like sunscreen (or at least more than conventional) on your pavement reflecting UV rays and thereby hindering the oxidation of light-induced ingredients. Sealing prevents the loss of laminate, ensuring that Asphalt remains naturally flexible and bond-like to prevent premature aging while also providing greater strength throughout its service life.
3. Enhances Durability
Heavy vehicles, footsteps, and environmental changes like rain or snow put stress on asphalt surfaces constantly. The surface will start to deteriorate from this wear and tear, potholes can form in addition with cracks, crumbling.
Applying an asphalt sealer fortifies the surface against these factors. Sealing provides a uniform, watertight coat of protection that will help to distribute weight more evenly and keep the damaging effects of weather and vehicle traffic at bay. The end result of this improved durability is that the asphalt will last longer without deterioration and wear, allowing for less costly repairs over time and significantly extending the life-span of your pavement.
4. Improves Appearance
A newly sealed asphalt surface is aesthetically pleasing, with its rich black color that makes it appear to be new and properly maintained. Unsealed asphalt that has aged can take on a grayish, flat form through oxidation and exposure to the elements. Finally, there is the unsightly appearance issue, meaning your driveway or parking lot does not look as good.
Cornelius Holford By doing this, your asphalt surface instantly appears smooth, clean, and professional because the sealer acts as a barrier of protection from elements that wear down on the integrity of your surfaces. Not only does this boost your property’s curb appeal, but it makes the enclosure more welcoming to guests and customers. Businesses — A clean and well-maintained parking lot can help make a good first impression, signaling that you take pride in your business property and the experience of customers.
5. Cost-Effective Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is always more cost-effective than performing repairs or replacing damaged assets. If your asphalt is not given a good thick coat of sealcoat at regular intervals, it will break down prematurely from cracks, potholes, and other damage that can cost thousands to repair. Applying an asphalt sealer on a periodic basis, however, is much less expensive.
This maintenance helps protect your asphalt from wear and tear, reduces the need for more frequent repairs, and prolongs the need for expensive resurfacing or replacement. The cost of sealing every 2 to 4 years has proven best return over the life cycle of your asphalt by shielding it from getting too much damage due to factors such as UV rays, water, and oil spillages. As a result, sealing your pavement is a future investment.
6. Resistant to Oil and Chemical Spills
Asphalt driveways and asphalt parking lots are targets of grease, oil, gasoline and other harmful chemicals because they often come under attack in high traffic areas. These can be absorbed into unsealed asphalt and will tend to soften the materials as they break them down over time. This can eventually cause surface degradation, staining and even structural failure.
An asphalt sealer forms a protective barrier that prevents oil, gasoline, and other spills from penetrating. A base layer to stop these substances from seeping into the material and ultimately creating destruction. This not only helps to preserve the good state of your surface, but also ensures stains don’t get a chance to form which could be hard for you remove. For commercial properties on the other hand, this is vital because a neat and well-kept parking lot may also contribute to your business professional image.
How Often Should You Seal Your Asphalt?
Here are the right time intervals to seal your asphalt sealer, and ensure optimal benefits. In most cases, it is suggested to seal asphalt surfaces every 2–3 years depending on the climate conditions in your area and how often the surface gets worn down. Although it can be sealed anytime side note: New asphalt should generally cure for a minimum of 6 months before sealing.
Professional vs. DIY Sealing: What’s Best?
Although you can apply a driveway or parking lot sealer yourself, it is usually best to hire them as the size of area increases. Working with professionals ensures you benefit from the right tools, knowledge, and experience, in addition to quality sealers. It means your shadow goes on nicely and lasts longer.
Conclusion
It is inevitable that driveways and parking lots will undergo wear over time, but asphalt sealer can protect your investment. Protecting your asphalt from water, UV damage while improving appearance and increasing durability will see it serve you longer into the future. Regularly seal your asphalt to save you time and money while preserving the life of your commercial blacktop. Whether you are trying to avoid expensive repairs or maintain your asphalt investment, choosing a quality sealant is a must.
