March 13 2020 0Comment
sealcoat-a-parking-lot

7 Reasons to Sealcoat a Parking Lot

7 main reasons to sealcoat your parking lot.

Asphalt is the most preferred parking lot and driveway paving material due to its durability and strength. Just like any other material, it experiences wear and tear, especially after constant usage and exposure to harsh elements. However, you can prolong its lifespan through proper care and maintenance. Asphalt seal coating is one of the most useful things you can do to prevent premature repairs and replacements.

As a property owner, it’s advisable to work with professional parking lot services in Tampa for regular parking lot repair and maintenance. Asphalt sealcoating is one of the most effective exercises that help in slowing cracks and potholes formation. You also realize the following benefits when you sealcoat the parking lot.

1.     Minimizes Asphalt Patching and Repair

Sealcoat provides an extra protective layer on your asphalt paving, protecting it from water penetration, oil and chemical spills, and oxidation. With this protection, your parking lot is safe from cracking, pothole formation, and depressions.

Sealcoating also eliminates the risk of UV rays, which make the surface brittle and inflexible. Such asphalt paving lasts for only 10-12 years, whereas a seal coated driveway lasts for 15-20 years.

2.     Increases the Lifespan of Your Asphalt

Asphalt creates an attractive and uniform coat over the pavement, and that’s why many property owners prefer it over concrete. However, it has a shorter lifespan than the latter since it’s prone to heavy traffic and harsh weather. When you sealcoat parking lot, you prevent damages that occur over time, hence significantly prolonging asphalt lifespan.

3.     Improves the Overall Beauty of Your Parking Lot

The parking lot is like a private driveway, and it’s the first part that visitors access when they come to your business. Therefore, you should always ensure that it’s in good condition by practicing regular parking lot maintenance. Towards that end, asphalt sealcoating is needed in maintaining your parking lot, hence improving its overall professional and aesthetic appeal.

4.     Cost-Effective Way of Repairing Existing Surface

Asphalt sealcoating protects your pavement from direct exposure to harsh elements. When performed as recommended, it prevents potholes, cracks, and other forms of deterioration. These parking lot repair exercises are expensive and sometimes consume a lot of time, not to mention the unsightly view they give your paving.

5.     Prevents Oxidation

Asphalt oxidation is problematic in that it triggers molecular processes on asphalt, which in turn creates polar sites. Molecules on these sites move around freely and, with time, start bonding with asphalt aggregate. When this happens, your asphalt paving becomes stiff and brittle, hence prone to cracking.

Since asphalt oxidation starts as soon as you lay the paving, it’s essential to work with a professional asphalt patching and repair contractor from the start. This ensures you take proactive oxidation preventive measures such as having a regular schedule to sealcoat parking lot.

6.     Improves Overall Traction of Your Parking Lot

A professional Tampa paving contractor knows how much water and silica need to be added to different types of sealants. Using correct ratios for each material ensures that when you sealcoat parking lot, the sealant lasts longer and prevents slipperiness. If your pavement is on an incline, the contractor broadcasts sand on it after asphalt sealcoating.

In addition to improving traction, the sand used when making the sealant helps in:

  • Extending the lifespan of the sealant
  • Concealing minor scratches on the pavement
  • Reducing glare

When your parking lot has better traction, you minimize the risks of accidents to both pedestrians and vehicular users.

7.     Prevents Water Penetration

Moisture presence on asphalt pavement reduces the strength and stability of the asphalt, making water the most damaging element in parking lots. Water makes the bond between aggregate, and asphalt cement weaken, resulting in bleeding, cracking, rutting, and stripping. You can minimize the effect by practicing regular parking lot repair exercising such as patching, sealcoating, and crack filling.

Feeling Convinced? Contact Us Today

It’s hard to ignore the benefits you get when you choose to sealcoat parking lot.

Whether it’s on your private property or business premises, hire professional asphalt repair in Tampa. At Parking Lot Services, we understand the unique needs of asphalt and bring expertise with us. All our parking lots and driveways are ADA compliance to prevent you from getting in trouble with the authorities.

If you’re ready to get started, contact us today and we’ll be glad to help!