Sealcoating is a great option to prolong the life of your asphalt surface, but there are some things that you should know first. These include the cost, types of sealcoating, and requirements. You should also know the type of asphalt you have and the extent of damage that the sealcoating process will cause.
Cost of sealcoating
The cost of sealcoating asphalt depends on what type of sealant you choose and the size of the area you need sealed. The cost of a coal tar emulsion is $0.06 per square foot while an eco-friendly asphalt sealant costs about $0.38 per square foot. Coal tar is the least expensive sealant option but does have some drawbacks. It releases large amounts of VOCs and is banned in some areas for environmental reasons. However, it does last longer than an asphalt-based sealant and is more affordable for the average homeowner.
Costs of sealcoating asphalt vary significantly depending on the size of the parking area and the area that needs to be sealed. Larger parking lots require more prep work and additional sealcoat materials. Moreover, prices are higher in larger cities than smaller towns. For this reason, you may want to obtain a sealcoating estimate from different contractors.
Before sealing your asphalt driveway, it's important to make sure the surface is clean and free of cracks and potholes. Crack filling costs between $0.30 and $0.60 per square foot, and repairing potholes can cost as much as $4 per square foot. Depending on the surface area and the type of project, two full coats of sealcoating asphalt may be necessary for a driveway.
Sealcoating asphalt will last about 30 years and prevent cracking, which can cause more expensive repairs. This method will maintain asphalt durability and make your driveway last for 30 years at a cost of only a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
Problems with sealcoating
One of the major problems with sealcoating asphalt is premature wear. The sealcoating wears off over time, starting with the areas that receive heavy traffic, then spreading to other areas of asphalt. Fortunately, there are several preventative measures you can take to prevent premature wear. Listed below are some tips to keep your asphalt looking new for a long time.
Before you apply a new coat, cracks need to be repaired first. Cracks and breaks in the asphalt must be filled with a hot rubberized material within one year. Cracks that do not get filled are likely to lead to potholes, "alligatored cracking," and even pavement subbase failure. Depending on the type of asphalt, crack repair can vary widely.
Another problem with sealcoating asphalt is the presence of mold and mildew. This is especially common in damp or shaded areas. It is important to apply the sealcoat evenly. A lack of even coverage can damage the sealcoat and cause it to peel off. This is not a problem if you have access to gas blowers.
If you are looking to sell a property, cracked pavement will deter prospective buyers. In addition, a damaged parking lot can cause a negative impact on sales. Potential buyers won't even consider a property with damaged pavement. A new seal coat can help make a property look better and attract more tenants.
Lastly, it is important to allow the asphalt to dry before sealcoating. Many DIY-sealing enthusiasts fail to allow the finished product to fully cure. According to some resources, a freshly coated surface should be left dry for at least 24 hours before it is used for driving.
Types of sealcoating
Asphalt sealcoating is a cheap and relatively effective way to repair a damaged driveway or extend the life of a freshly paved road. Sealcoating works by preventing the deterioration of asphalt, which begins immediately after it has been poured. Asphalt degrades due to both physical and chemical changes. A coat of sealant will help prolong the life of asphalt and can extend the time between maintenance interventions by several years.
There are various types of asphalt seal coating, each with its own pros and cons. The most common type is hot mix asphalt, which is applied at temperatures between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be applied by roller or trowel, and does not require a heat gun. Another type of asphalt seal coating is hot rolled asphalt, which is applied by rolling hot asphalt ribbon into sheets. These sheets are then cooled until they form a durable material that is suitable for road surfacing.
For homeowners who want a professional sealcoating service, you can look to R.C. Paving & Son LLC, which has been in the business for over 50 years. Its experienced and reliable contractors will complete a wide variety of asphalt sealcoating projects in the Hampton Roads area.
Depending on the size of the driveway and the services required, the cost of sealcoating asphalt can range from $40 to $300 per square foot. Obviously, the larger the driveway, the more expensive it will be. However, the benefits of a professionally completed driveway can make it last 15 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
The main differences between these two types of asphalt sealcoating can be found in their application methods. Those applying coal tar sealers should choose the type of asphalt sealer that is suitable for the project at hand. Although the latter is cheaper, it requires more expertise and professional crews to properly apply it. Coal tar sealers are not the best choice for new constructions, as they emit volatile organic compounds when a sealer is applied. Coal tar is a petroleum-based product that can be difficult to apply and also has a strong odor.
Requirements for sealcoating
The process of applying a protective coating to an asphalt pavement requires the right weather conditions. The temperature and humidity of the surrounding area have an impact on the drying time of the sealcoat. Understanding these weather conditions before starting a project will help you choose the best time for the job. A professional sealcoating contractor will take these factors into consideration when approaching a project. This ensures a quality, long-lasting finish. However, you must remember that applying a protective coating in less than ideal weather conditions could cost you money. Follow these tips to avoid making costly mistakes when applying a sealcoat to your asphalt surface.
First, measure the area to be sealed. Determine how much sealant you need to cover. Measure the size of each individual patch and add the total area to get an accurate estimate of how much you will need. After measuring the area, apply two thin coats of sealant and allow sufficient time for the process to dry.
After applying a seal coat, the surface must be allowed to dry for 24 to 48 hours. This time is necessary for the water to evaporate from the sealer. The weather also plays a role in the drying time. When it is humid or rainy, the drying time can increase.
Seal coating is an effective way to improve the surface friction of an asphalt driveway. It adds additional texture to the pavement. As traffic drives on asphalt pavement, fine particles wear away. This wear makes it slippery and difficult to stop. By adding a sealcoat, you will be able to protect the underlying asphalt from cracking and other damages.
Environmental concerns
Environmental concerns have been raised about the use of coal tar-based asphalt sealants. These sealants are commonly sprayed on driveways and parking lots. They give the pavement its deep black color. However, this sealant poses a greater health risk to humans than previously thought. Researchers from the U.S. government recently conducted studies and a review of the topic. While previous research has focused on the environmental impact of coal tar-based sealants, recent studies suggest that it may have more harmful effects than previously thought.
In order to reduce pollution, some road projects use elaborate drainage systems to remove rainwater. This water can then pollute municipal sewage systems, and ultimately, lakes, rivers, and streams. In addition, the production of asphalt requires considerable amounts of heat and generates significant levels of VOC emissions. In order to reduce the environmental impact of asphalt production, the EPA has classified it as a relatively minor source of industrial pollution.
Coal tar-based sealcoats are also linked to health risks, such as cancer and birth defects. They can also lead to the death of fish and insects. Some municipalities are banning the use of coal tar sealants because of these concerns. Alternative products are available that provide similar performance. It's a good idea to check with your local government to determine whether they are safe for the environment.
Coal tar-based asphalt sealcoats are toxic for humans. Because they contain coal tar, they can end up in homes and schools, which expose people to harmful carcinogens. Furthermore, the asphalt sealants degrade into fine particles, which wash into storm drains. This contaminated runoff can then be harmful to fish, birds, and other wildlife.