A well-maintained asphalt parking lot can be a great asset to your business, but if you don’t care for it correctly, you may find it deteriorates quickly. To maintain its strength and resilience, asphalt needs regular seal coating to keep the surface flexible and resist corrosion. But how do you know when it’s time for pavement maintenance? Here are a few of the most important signs.

How to Tell You Need Seal Coating

1. Fading Color

When asphalt is freshly laid, the surface is a deep, even black. Over time, you may notice that it fades to grey and the natural colors of the gravel begin to show through. This is a clear sign of wear that can be fixed with seal coating.

2. Thin Cracks

As your asphalt wears out, it will develop hairline cracks that will widen without maintenance. If you catch them early, you can seal coat over the cracks to stop them from deepening. Examine your parking lot carefully, especially the edges and areas that see the most traffic. Also watch for weeds growing on the asphalt, as they indicate cracks that may still be too fine to see.

3. Fluid Stains

If motor oil or gasoline is spilled on asphalt, it’s more than a cosmetic issue. Because they are petroleum products similar to those used to bind asphalt, they can eat into the surface of the pavement and remove its protective coating. Pavement that has undergone this process needs to be cleaned and resealed to prevent it from weakening and cracking.

Generally, you’ll start to see these signs after three to five years of use. If you notice these conditions in your parking lot, call a local paving company. They can reapply seal coating to your asphalt and return it to like-new condition for years of continued use.

Professional Asphalt Service in Minneapolis, MN, has served the Twin Cities area for over 25 years, providing paving services as well as maintenance, repairs, and seal coating. Their unbeatable customer service, experienced crew, and top-quality service make them the perfect choice to lay and maintain pavement for your business. To start your next project, call them at (612) 636-8888 or send a message online.