3 Signs You Need Asphalt Pavement Sealcoating
Sealcoating is the process of applying a protective, thin liquefied layer of sealant over your asphalt pavement. This can be done either by spraying or using a squeegee. The sealant protects pavement by reducing the impact of ultraviolet rays, snow, rain, and leaked vehicle fluids. Doing so goes a long way in extending the pavement's lifespan. Here are signs you need to contact an asphalt sealcoating company:
1. Stained or Faded Asphalt Pavement
Asphalt pavements are typically black, mainly due to the bitumen used to bind the asphalt aggregates together. If you notice that the black color seems faded, this is a tell-tale sign that it's time for sealcoating. Sealcoating has what it takes to give a dull-looking asphalt pavement a fresh feel, making it look as good as new.
Remember that stains from car grease, coolant, and oil can damage your asphalt pavement. These corrosive chemicals can also leach into the asphalt over time. If you notice these stains on your pavement, scheduling a sealcoating will extend its lifespan.
2. Visible Asphalt Pavement Components
Your asphalt pavement contains components such as gravel and small stones held together by bitumen. Applying sealant ensures that the aggregates beneath your asphalt pavement remain hidden and protected from harsh weather elements. If the underlying components of your asphalt pavement are visible, you need to consult with an asphalt pavement sealcoating expert immediately.
3. Pavement Cracks
As previously mentioned, the sun's ultraviolet rays are among your pavement's worst enemies. When asphalt remains continually exposed to sunlight, the binder that holds it together gradually deteriorates. Oils in the asphalt also start evaporating, making your pavement brittle. The increased brittleness and binder deterioration can lead to cracks, especially for areas of pavement that experience heavy traffic.
Though the cracks might seem a minor problem, they can cause major problems down the line. That's because rainwater might cause further damage after it drains into the pavement's foundation. If this happens during the cold season, the water may freeze and worsen the cracks due to the expansion caused by ice formation.
It's essential to quickly invest in asphalt pavement sealcoating services if you notice minor cracks on the pavement. Doing so will go a long way in keeping your pavement intact.
As you can see, it's easy to tell when to contact an asphalt pavement sealcoating company. All you need to do is keep the above signs in mind.
