Preparing Your Parking Lot For Sealcoating

Sealcoating is a cost-effective preventive measure that protects a paved surface from damage. It saves money in the long run by extending its life and by delaying the need for costly full pavement replacement.

Rochester NY Sealcoating is typically done every three years. But to do it properly requires proper preparation and timing.

Before sealcoating can begin, the asphalt surface must be clean. This means removing loose pebbles, leaves and garbage cans from the area along with washing off the driveway or parking lot to remove any fertilizers, chalk or oils that have stained it. This should be done prior to the start of the sealcoating process as these materials will interfere with the effectiveness of the coating. If any repairs are needed, such as patching or filling cracks, this should be done before the sealcoat is applied.

It’s important to schedule the process in spring, summer or fall when temperatures are warm enough for it to set properly. Also, it’s best to avoid rain, as the seal coat can be damaged by it and won’t adhere properly to the asphalt surface.

In addition, it’s a good idea to inform employees and customers of the parking lot or driveway being inaccessible for several hours while the sealcoating is drying. This will help to ensure that nothing interrupts the process or causes damage, and it gives them a chance to make alternative arrangements. For commercial parking lots, this could mean rescheduling deliveries or asking drivers to park in a different area.

Whether it’s a residential driveway or a large, heavily traveled commercial parking lot, the benefits of regular seal coating are considerable. It reduces the need for costly repair work and helps to preserve the structural integrity of asphalt surfaces. By forming an effective barrier against oxidation, weather, car pollutants and corrosive salts, the seal coat protects pavement from becoming brittle or prone to cracking, dry rot and crumbling.

Besides protecting the integrity of asphalt, regular seal coating also restores its appearance. Over time, sun and weather can wash away the black hue of a pavement’s aggregate, leaving it looking washed out or grey. A sealcoat can give faded asphalt a fresh, new look and can smooth out the texture by filling in small holes and cracks. This will add to a property’s curb appeal, and the added protection can improve its resale value.

Spraying

Whether using a hand squeegee or a machine, the crew must work quickly to get the sealant down before it dries. If the surface is too smooth to be effective a two-step process may be required where squeegeeing is done first forcing material into the voids and then spraying the second application over the entire area. Regardless of the method used, a skilled operator is crucial to the success of the project. Inexperienced workers will leave noticeable lines while disreputable contractors will order the sealant to be thinned excessively or use a low spray rate.

Coal tar emulsions are toxic chemicals that require special care when handling. They can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled into the lungs, which can lead to various illnesses including cancer and even death. For this reason, the entire staff should be trained in proper safety procedures before starting any job.

There are many different types of sprayers available to the professional sealcoat contractor. A popular choice is the tin can style, which has a welded leak proof tank that holds up to 130 gallons of liquid and allows for precision control of spray pattern. It also features a four stroke engine, oil sensor alert and commercial grade plumbing and hoses. This system is ideal for the small to medium sized business owner or the new home sealcoating contractor on a budget.

If the surface to be sealed is a road or other high traffic areas, a large walk-behind power sprayer will provide the best results. This type of sprayer has a wide spread pattern that covers a larger area and allows for the application of up to 23,000 square feet per fill up. It also has a high-quality industrial pump that’s durable enough to hold up to frequent use.

All asphalt surfaces are susceptible to damage, and consistent sealing provides a vital preventive measure that extends the lifespan of the structure. Compared to the substantial costs of thorough renovations or full replacements, judicious maintenance represents a wiser investment that pays off in years to come.

Spreading

Sealcoating is a process where workers cover the asphalt surface with a thin layer of new material that makes it look brand-new and helps fill in cracks. It’s an important procedure that can extend the lifespan of your parking lot by a significant amount, so it pays to do it right. The first thing workers need to do is get the surface ready. This involves removing any dirt, debris, oil spots or other marks from the paved area, using blowers and rotary brooms to ensure that the surface is clean. It also needs to be dry; any moisture can prevent the seal coat from adhering properly, so it must be completely dry before you begin the sealing process.

After sweeping and scrubbing the area, workers will set up the seal coating equipment. This may include spray or squeegee machines for large areas, and a thick nap roller for the edges of the pavement where it meets curbs, sidewalks or buildings. A hose is often used to control the flow of the liquid sealcoat, and it’s important to follow manufacturer instructions for setting up and operating this machinery. Some of these hoses can be hot and will burn the skin if not properly protected, so workers should wear rubber gloves.

Workers will then pour or spray a layer of the seal coat over the entire paved area. Ideally, two coats of the material will be applied, as the first coat will dry to a black color but will not have the same level of durability and resistance as the second coat. It’s a good idea to wait at least a couple of days between applying the two coats.

Once the first coat has been spread and squeegeed, workers will use brushes to make sure that the material is distributed evenly across the paved area. They’ll also brush the surface with water to remove any air bubbles or other defects. Then the squeegee will be used again to make sure that the surface is completely smooth and free of any bumps or uneven areas.

The process of sealcoating can be messy, so it’s important to choose a day where the weather conditions are perfect for the task at hand. It shouldn’t be too hot or too cold, and there should be no rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours. This will give the seal coat time to adhere to the asphalt without being damaged by rain or other factors.

Curing

A properly applied seal coat can add years of life to asphalt pavement and enhance its beauty. Unfortunately, the process is not foolproof. It requires careful attention to detail and adequate time for the sealer to fully dry. The proper curing of the coating ensures it bonds with and fully protects the asphalt beneath it.

The curing of a sealcoat takes a few days, depending on weather conditions and humidity levels. Humidity significantly extends drying times because it lingers on the surface of the sealcoat material. Lower humidity levels hasten drying times because the moisture will quickly evaporate.

To speed up the curing process, workers should apply an even layer of sealer. It is also important to avoid any areas that are wet or have puddles after application. To keep vehicles and pedestrians safe, workers should block off the area with cones or barricades until it is completely dry.

If the asphalt surface is not dry, it can cause scuffing, tracking, and shorten the lifespan of the sealcoat. For this reason, it is best to wait 24 hours before driving on the surface of the newly-sealed road. The scuff marks will eventually wear off, but they may leave light scuffs on the tires.

It is also necessary to let the sealcoat dry for several weeks. It takes time for the sealer to bond with the asphalt and reach its optimum strength and water resistance. When the sealcoat is properly cured, it will not only be resistant to oil and other automotive fluids, but it will also be able to resist salt and petrochemicals.

The sealcoat can be tested for a full cure by using the thumb test. If the sealcoat is cured enough, the surface will have an even matte finish without shiny spots and will not pick up when twisted by the thumb.

While it is possible to perform the sealing job yourself, hiring a professional is often a smarter choice. Experienced professionals have access to top-quality materials and can offer a guarantee on their work. In addition, they know how to read the weather conditions to determine whether it is safe to start working on a road. Working with toxins like coal tar emulsions and other hazardous chemicals can be dangerous to the health of employees, so it is important for employers to train their staff on safety procedures.