Facts and Fun: Pavement Edition

Posted on: 10 September 2021

Your driveway and parking lot are the front doors of your business, so it's essential to keep them looking their best. An asphalt seal coat can protect your asphalt surfaces and extend their life. Here are three main benefits of this protective layer.

Maintains the Color of Asphalt

Asphalt is naturally dark brown or black, but it can fade over time because of weathering and oxidation from the sun. This can make your driveway look old, dirty, and even patchy. A seal coat will prevent this by adding a protective barrier that blocks out the elements. Seal coats don't change or alter the color of asphalt in any way but simply preserve it and keep it free from blemishes. Applying this layer often will also keep your road lines clearly defined throughout their lifetime, making them look sharp and improving their aesthetics. It's an affordable way to upgrade the appearance of your parking lot or driveway. It has color-enhancing pigments that immediately change the look and feel of your pavement, making it more aesthetically appealing than before you applied it.

On top of that, a seal coat will prevent the surface of your asphalt from getting too hot or cold. When exposed to varying temperatures, asphalt surfaces may crack and develop potholes. A seal coat maintains an even temperature throughout and reduces heat transfer through conduction.

Prevents Water Damage

Asphalt surfaces are susceptible to water damage. If they're exposed to water for a long time, they'll develop cracks, chips and ruts, potholes, and other problems that will destroy your driveway or parking lot. A seal coat will protect your asphalt from water penetration. It has a water-resistant additive that inhibits moisture, keeping your asphalt's integrity for several years. You need this protection if you're a business owner because it will prevent potential hazards, reduce your repair costs and increase the safety of your employees and customers.

Inhibits the Penetration of Spills and Pollutants

Spills can result from a variety of sources, such as leaking vehicles and waste spills. If they penetrate through your asphalt, they can damage the soil beneath, as well as local water sources. However, a seal coat system will inhibit them from doing so and prevent further damage to your asphalt or its surroundings. Seal coating also prevents pollutants such as gasoline, oil, heavy metals, antifreeze, and pesticides from penetrating the ground below an asphalt parking lot. By protecting your asphalt from such environmental dangers, you'll also have more protection against stains and discoloration, which could harm its appearance.

Using an asphalt seal coat is the best solution if you're looking to protect your driveway or parking lot. The coating will ensure that there are no cracks or leaks in the surface, provide a clean appearance with its bright coloration and make your property look attractive.