Asphalt is the go-to material for pavement, particularly for large commercial lots that need to withstand heavy traffic. However, asphalt pavement is only as good as the maintenance you put into it, and without the proper seal coating, you can’t expect it to hold up under unpredictable environmental factors. To provide helpful insight into how you can get the most out of your pavement, Rochester Jet-Blak Sealers has provided a guide to asphalt seal coating.

Do:

Protect the Asphalt

Although you can’t control environmental factors and the elements, you can protect your asphalt from them. Seal coating is one of the most effective ways to keep your asphalt free from the damaging effects of gas and oil spillage, sun oxidation, and deoxidation from de-icing chemicals. By properly seal coating your asphalt, you’re effectively waterproofing its surface, which will help melt snow and ice and keep the pavement looking new.

Focus on Preventative Measures

Another way to increase the longevity of your asphalt is to focus on preventative measures. If employed as part of a preventative maintenance regimen, seal coating can go a long way in extending the life of your pavement. This protective outer layer should be reapplied about every two to three years after its initial installation according to manufacturer specifications. Additionally, a yearly pavement inspection will help pinpoint any potential issues so that you can address them before they worsen.

Don’t:

Neglect Maintenance

Unfortunately, all of the asphalt seal coating in the world won’t do anything to bring neglected asphalt back to life. Over time, if left unaddressed, asphalt will erode and become ridden with cracks, revealing exposed stone, which is highly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions. Seal coating applied after years of neglect won’t provide any structural value or restoration to the asphalt, it will simply give uneven pavement a shiny appearance and briefly extend its life. To maintain the structural integrity of your pavement and prevent further damage, it’s important not to neglect critical maintenance.

Expect Resurfacing Effects

When it comes to the evenness of your asphalt, you cannot expect seal coating to provide a resurfacing effect. Although seal coating is effective at providing a protective elemental barrier, it will not level out or repair low spots in the pavement — even if products mention resurfacing in their descriptions.

If you need a reliable supplier for asphalt seal coating and other protective materials, look no further than Rochester Jet-Blak Sealers. With 30 years of experience, this one-stop asphalt repair shop has been providing blacktop sealer and sport court coatings to customers across Greater Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica, NY. To speak with a knowledgeable professional about your seal coating needs today, call (585) 436-5050 or visit their website for more information.