Sealcoating is not just for cosmetic purposes; it protects asphalt from damage caused by gas, oil, antifreeze and de-icing chemicals. It also restores the original black appearance of your driveway or parking lot.
Before work can begin, workers need to sweep the surface and clear any noticeable materials. The weather must be dry. If rain is forecast within 24 hours, the project should be postponed. Visit https://www.rochesternysealcoating.com/ to learn more.
A seal coat protects asphalt pavement surfaces by coating the top layer, adding a dark color and sealing in oil and water. It also helps improve the surface’s texture and traction, reducing wear and tear. It is a relatively easy way to maintain asphalt, but you should be aware that it won’t repair existing cracks or fill potholes. If you have damaged or deteriorating asphalt, you’ll need to have it repaired before applying a seal coat.
In most cases, the best time to apply a sealcoat is in the fall or spring. This gives the asphalt a chance to heal before winter. However, you should avoid sealing during the summer because it’s too hot and will cause the sealcoat to dry too quickly.
The surface that is being sealed should be clean and free of debris before the sealcoat is applied. This includes removing paint or other markings that have been used to delineate parking spaces or create lines on the pavement. In addition, the edges of the asphalt should be trimmed and cleaned with a broom or rotary brush.
Removing oil stains is also a good idea. If you don’t remove them, they can ruin the appearance of your asphalt and damage the sealcoat. You can use a soap nozzle on a power-washer or garden hose to wash the driveway or parking lot. Then, you can scrub it with a stiff-bristled push broom or hand broom to remove the dirt and oil. After scrubbing, you can rinse the surface with a hose and let it dry.
Before starting the sealcoat application process, you should make sure that all the people and vehicles will be off the area. You should also shut off any sprinkler systems and remove any items that you don’t want to get seal coated. If possible, you should close your parking lot during the application and drying process. If you need to keep it open, you should partition the space into two areas and only use one while the other is being sprayed and dried.
A sealcoat contains a mixture of coal byproducts, similar acrylics, very fine bits of silica, additives and fillers, and water. The water satisfies the “water demand” of the ingredients, keeping them dispersed, and it is responsible for the fluidity of the sealcoat for easy application. There are several additives that serve specific purposes, including altering sand suspension, increasing surface hardness and durability, improving flexibility, and adding resistance to salts and petrochemicals.
Mixing
The first step in the sealcoating process is mixing the material. The asphalt and sand must be mixed to achieve the proper consistency of the sealer. This can be done using either pressurized spray equipment or self-propelled squeegee machines. Regardless of which equipment is used, the mixer must be kept continuously agitated. This is because the sand will absorb some of the sealer, and this can affect the quality of the final product.
It is important that the mixture has a consistent, even color and texture. The proper mix will also help the finished product resist damage from vehicular traffic. The mixture must also contain enough sand to provide good traction and durability. Boiler slag (often marketed as BLACK BEAUTY) and clean, angular silica sand are two of the most commonly used aggregates in the sealer mix. The sand must be free of clay, metals and trash.
The amount of sand that should be added to the sealer is determined by the manufacturer of the product. Generally, the recommended limit is 5-6 lb per square yard. More than this may cause the sealer film to become too tough and less flexible, which can decrease the adhesion of the sealer to the pavement.
Once the sealer is mixed, it can be loaded into the spray or squeegee machine. Then, the workers can begin applying the material to the paved surface. Sealcoating is a relatively inexpensive way to extend the life of an asphalt surface, and it also helps to fill in cracks and chips. It is important to apply a coat of sealcoating every few years.
It is also important to protect the health of your employees during the application process. This is because the chemicals used in sealcoating can be hazardous to the skin and respiratory system. Ensure that your employees are equipped with all of the necessary personal protective equipment before starting the job. This includes safety glasses, a face mask and a full set of coveralls.
Applying
Sealcoating can be applied to asphalt surfaces such as parking lots, roads, driveways and walkways. It is typically made from a blend of liquid asphalt binder, sand and other fillers and contains UV protection and anti-oxidation agents. It helps to repel water from the pavement, thus preventing further damage and allowing for easier maintenance. In addition, it can prevent the oxidation of asphalt and help to keep the blacktop looking new for longer periods of time.
It’s important to hire a professional contractor for your sealcoating project. Not only will they know how to prepare the surface for proper adhesion, but they’ll also be able to spot those small cracks and other minor problems that should be addressed before they get worse. This can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
Before starting any work, workers will need to completely clean the pavement. This can be done by using a power washer or by broom. It’s also important to make sure that the pavement is dry before beginning sealcoating. If rain is in the forecast within 24 hours of the job, then it should be postponed until the weather is clearer.
The application of the sealcoat is also important for a successful project. There are several different methods that can be used, but the spray application is the most common. This method is fast and allows for a more even finish than applying by hand.
Whether the sealcoat is being sprayed or hand-squeeged, it’s important to make sure that the surface is free of any bumps or uneven spots. This will ensure that the pavement is as smooth as possible once it’s cured. It’s also a good idea to block off the area and put up signs telling people not to walk or drive on the newly-sealed pavement until it has had a chance to cure properly.
It’s best to perform seal coating in spring through fall, but it can be done year-round if you live in a warmer climate. Be sure to watch for signs that it’s time for a sealcoat, such as gray and sun-bleached asphalt, fine cracking and the presence of weeds.
Cleaning
If the surface to be seal coated is dirty or oil-stained, a good cleaning process must take place. A thorough cleaning ensures the sealant adheres to the asphalt. This includes blowing and sweeping to remove loose debris and dirt. Power washing may also be needed to reach areas that can’t be swept. In addition, all cracks must be filled with either sand or a rubberized crack filler to prepare them for the new sealer. Oil stains can be cleaned with special cleaners available from sealer companies, or by scrubbing with a brush and squeegee.
After the surface has been cleaned, the area must be blocked off from traffic and pedestrians. This prevents them from getting in the way of the work being done and helps to keep them safe. Sprinkler systems should be turned off, too, as they can react with the chemicals used during the sealing process.
During this time, it’s also a good idea to clean and prep the sealcoat machine. Be sure to clean all hoses and tips, and replace any that are worn. This will help to reduce downtime and keep you on task during the project. Also be sure to have replacement nozzles and pump repair kits on hand to avoid any unexpected break downs during the job.
If you’re considering having your parking lot sanded and sealed, it’s important to schedule it before the winter arrives. If not, the cold weather and snow can damage the new asphalt. Also, a parking lot that’s full of potholes and dents will give your business a bad image and discourage customers from visiting.
In addition to improving the appearance of your business, regular seal coating can save you money in the long run. A well-maintained parking lot can help you attract and retain customers, and it will also increase the value of your property. So even though it may seem like an extravagance, it’s a great investment that will pay for itself in the end. Call NAC Supply to learn more about our sealcoating products and equipment. We carry everything you need to maintain your asphalt surfaces!