When you have a business, you want to give both your customers and your employees a safe place to park their cars. Because of this, you may have had an asphalt parking lot installed a few months ago. Since the surface has fully cured, you may be faced with the decision to have the contractor apply sealcoating.
You may feel that this step will improve the appearance of the asphalt and are on the fence about having it done. However, sealcoating does more than give the parking lot aesthetic appeal. There are a couple of other reasons why you should seriously consider having it applied.
1. Prevents Asphalt Oxidation of the Parking Lot
One reason you should consider having the contractor apply sealcoating is that doing so helps to prevent asphalt oxidation. When left exposed to the elements, the asphalt's molecules will start to move and condense. At it condenses, it will start to become stiff, which transforms the material, causing it to become brittle and more prone to breakage.
Along with becoming stiff, the molecules will also bond with the aggregate that forms the underlayment which supports the asphalt. As the brittle asphalt starts to break off, the underlayment will also be damaged. This can lead to the rapid formation of potholes. One or more layers of sealcoating can help protect the asphalt so that this does not happen.
2. Protects the Pavement from Stains and Impact Damage
Another reason that you should think about having sealcoating applied to the parking lot's surface is that it adds a layer of protection that helps prevent stain and impact damage. Since asphalt is porous, oils and other chemicals will readily absorb into the material. This not only stains the surface but also causes the breakdown of the material.
Also, without an extra layer of protection on the surface, impact from objects and constant pressure from vehicles can cause cracking and breakage of the asphalt. Sealcoating will help prevent these types of damage.
Along with protecting the parking lot against damage caused by chemical stains and impact as well as preventing oxidation of the asphalt, fresh sealcoating can also improve the appearance of the pavement. This helps to add to the overall aesthetic appeal of your business to give a good impression. For more information about the benefits and process, contact a paving company, such as Super Seal, Inc., who offers asphalt parking lot sealcoating services.
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