Enlisting paving contractors to apply sealcoating to your company’s parking lot is a necessary part of running a business. Protecting the asphalt makes it easier for customers to get to your building and boosts the overall curb appeal. Despite being so crucial, many business owners aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of this process. Answering the following questions should clear up any confusion.

What You Should Know About Asphalt Lot Sealcoating

Why does my parking lot need sealcoating?

Asphalt is created with stones and fine sands that are held together by asphalt cement. Over time, that binder begins to crack due to exposure to the elements and the repeated weight of vehicles driving over it.

Sealcoating is a liquid form of asphalt with an emulsifying agent. It provides a barrier against moisture exposure, the sun’s UV rays, and harmful chemicals, such as motor oil, that drip onto the lot from parked cars. It reduces cracking and prolongs the parking lot’s life.

How often does it need to be done?

It’s recommended to have paving contractors apply a fresh coat of sealcoating at least once every two years. However, parking lots that get regular or heavy use tend to need a fresh coat sooner.

The easiest way to know it’s time for new sealcoating is when the black asphalt starts turning gray. That’s a sign it’s losing its protection and is now more prone to cracking.

How many coats does my parking lot need?

If you stick to a regular maintenance schedule and apply a new coat once every two years, your parking lot only needs a single coat each time to achieve a like-new appearance. If you put off the process, though, it may be necessary to apply a second coat after assessing the need for crack repair.

Can the lot be used immediately after sealcoating?

To avoid damaging the fresh application, you need to keep vehicular traffic off the surface for 48 to 72 hours. That gives it enough time to properly dry and cool.

However, people are allowed to walk on the parking lot after 24 hours. Many business owners choose to apply sealcoating in sections or over several separate sessions to avoid any major business interruptions.

 

Keep your parking lot looking like new by contacting the experts at AAA Paving Company. Their highly trained paving contractors have been serving the Kernersville, NC, area for more than 30 years. They have the experience and tools needed to ensure your sealcoating project is handled efficiently and quickly so that your parking lot stays protected from the elements. Call (336) 723-1418 to request a free estimate or visit them online to learn more.