Asphalt sealcoating can extend the life of your parking lot, but how long does asphalt sealcoating last?
Businesses owners throughout the Tampa Bay area and elsewhere have acres of asphalt that breaks down from wear and tear each year. Unfortunately, resurfacing an asphalt parking lot is a big expense. This undertaking should be done at the right time to avoid unnecessary parking lot repair expenses and an even bigger, more costly job. When exactly is the right time, and how long does asphalt sealcoating last?
Why Apply Asphalt Sealer?
When applied at the right time, parking lot sealcoating can extend the life of your parking lot. Traffic, weather conditions, and the type of aggregate and asphalt used, play an integral role in parking lot maintenance. In fact, sealcoating is instrumental in helping asphalt last longer.
By using sealcoating services to fill small cracks and seal your asphalt parking lot on a regular basis, the life of the asphalt can be extended by up to 20 years. A small investment in regular parking lot maintenance can help create considerable savings in the long run. This is especially true in locations like Tampa with hot summers and unpredictable weather conditions.
To prolong the life of asphalt parking lots, asphalt sealcoating also adds aesthetic appeal. A fresh coat of asphalt sealant applied every three to five years will help your asphalt surface maintain its luster and look freshly paved.
When to Apply Asphalt Sealer
“How long does asphalt sealcoating last,” let’s first go over when it should first be applied. Asphalt sealer should first be applied one to two years after the asphalt is laid or repaved. This is important because the sooner the initial sealcoating is applied after a parking lot is paved, the more asphalt cement and binder will be present on or near the asphalt surface, resulting in more asphalt for the sealer to adhere to.
That said, even the best sealcoating job doesn’t last forever. So, how long does asphalt sealcoating last? For most asphalt parking lots, sealcoating lasts three to five years. While many property owners and managers make the mistake of waiting ten years too long before they begin considering parking lot sealing and maintenance, it only takes a few seasons for sealcoating to begin wearing off the top of asphalt and diminishing both curb appeal and the longevity of the asphalt it is protecting.
As far as the seasons go, asphalt sealant is best applied during the warmer months. It also bonds best on sunny, dry days, where it can dry in as little as 24 hours. It can also be as long as 48 hours. The same warm, sunny, and dry weather is ideal when paving or performing parking lot pothole repair.
How Long Does Asphalt Sealcoating Last? Put Your Faith in the Experts
Generally, parking lots should be resealed every three to five years. This is especially true for busier shopping centers and locations. Less busy properties may be able to extend this to five years, depending on the amount of traffic they receive.
Resealing asphalt too frequently, such as every year, can result in flaking and chipping. The only way to determine the best resealing frequency for your parking lot is to have it assessed by a professional paving company, like PLS.
Resurfacing an asphalt parking lot is no small project. It is also one you can put off having to make with regular asphalt sealcoating and maintenance.
The commercial paving experts here at PLS know asphalt like the back of their hands and have the experience to tackle any job. You can trust us to advise you on the right time to seal your pavement and keep it looking and functioning like new.