Your commercial property’s asphalt driveways and parking lots get plenty of use year-round. While asphalt is an excellent surface for our Northeast temperature fluctuations, it isn’t immune to damage and deterioration. Proper maintenance and timely repairs can extend the life of your asphalt. One of the most effective ways to do this is with periodic seal coating.
Sealcoat is typically a bituminous-based liquid membrane mixed with water, silica sand, and polymer additives. It is applied by brushing, spraying, or using a squeegee, depending on the area to be sealed. There are several benefits of the driveway and parking lot sealcoating maintenance in Montgomery County, PA. Here are seven advantages.
1. Enhances the Appearance of Asphalt
The curb appeal of your commercial property is the first impression on your clients, employees, and visitors. A well-maintained drive and lot can project a more inviting and professional image of your business. Sealcoating evens the color of the asphalt and brings new life to the surface.
2. Extends the Life of the Pavement
Applying commercial sealcoating in Bucks County, PA, will prolong the life of your asphalt surfaces. A properly installed asphalt parking lot will last well beyond the projected 15 years when it is well-maintained. Repairs are necessary from time to time, and sealcoating is an essential step in the overall maintenance process.
3. Prevents Water Infiltration
Even the finest installation of asphalt pavement will eventually form hairline cracks. These cracks will enable water to seep into and beneath the asphalt surface. Water infiltration will cause your pavement to deteriorate more quickly. It can also cause buckling or heaving during freeze-thaw cycles. Sealcoating fills in the hairline cracks, preventing water intrusion.
4. Reduces Deterioration from Oxidation
Oxidation from exposure to air and the sun’s ultraviolet rays is inevitable and affects most horizontal and vertical surfaces. However, you can slow the progression with a seal coat membrane. The coating protects the asphalt binder layer from becoming brittle, causing it to crack, scale, and erode.
5. Protects Asphalt from Oil Spills
Motor oil that drips onto asphalt will naturally mix with the binder because this layer of pavement has similar properties. When this occurs, the surface will soften, and damage to the pavement will be noticeable. The soft spots must be repaired, and then a sealcoat can be applied to protect the surface from further damage caused by oil spills.
6. Maintains Flexibility
Asphalt is naturally flexible, making it a forgiving road surface when vehicles drive over it. Unlike concrete, which is rigid, asphalt bounces back to retain its shape. Unsealed asphalt will become dry and brittle, causing it to break apart or develop potholes. A protective layer of seal coat helps maintain the asphalt material’s inherent flexibility.
7. An Excellent Return on Investment
If you neglect to maintain the asphalt surfaces of your commercial property regularly, they will deteriorate more quickly and need complete replacement. Removing and replacing a parking lot is a large expense for any business. By including sealcoating in your maintenance routine, the pavement will last a minimum of 15 years and well beyond. This simply makes good economic sense.
Allow the Professionals to Maintain Your Pavement
Your commercial property deserves to look fabulous and be protected from the elements. Love Asphalt Paving is a full-service paving and maintenance company serving the Bucks and Montgomery County Areas. Whether you need a new parking lot or sealcoating of your existing drives and lots, our professional team has the skills and equipment to do the job correctly with minimal downtime for your property and its users. Contact us today for a free quote.
