Any effort to extend the life of your asphalt paving must include regular maintenance, with sealcoating at the center of any maintenance strategy. Applying a liquid coating that solidifies and offers a barrier against most common damage to asphalt surfaces is known as sealcoating. Asphaltic emulsion combined with water, emulsifying agents, additives, and inert fillers makes up the sealcoat itself.
The condition of your community’s pavement says a lot about how well the neighborhood is maintained. Residents and prospective buyers pay close attention to shared spaces, whether walkways are clean, parking lots are well-marked, or driveways are free of cracks and deterioration. Much like faded exterior paint or a worn roof, degraded pavement throughout the community can give the entire property an unkempt appearance, affecting property values and resident pride.
This is where sealcoating comes in. It offers structural benefits that aid in increasing the lifespan of your pavement or driveway. Think of it as a protective layer for your pavement much like sunscreen is for your skin. It acts as a barrier against water, sunlight, harsh chemicals and fluctuations in temperature.
The Top Benefits of Sealcoating
Protection against UV rays
Asphalt and sunlight are not compatible. Prolonged direct exposure to sunlight drains the moisture from asphalt and makes it more prone to becoming weak and brittle. Sealcoating helps circumvent this issue by adding a protective layer that prevents the sun from extracting essential binding oils from the asphalt.
Weather fluctuations
When it’s cold, asphalt contracts, when it’s hot, it expands. Sealcoating blocks moisture from trickling into the base and making the asphalt capable of withstanding thermal expansion. This thermal expansion is one of the main reasons cracks appear.
Costly repairs
Regular sealcoating also reduces long-term costs by catching surface deterioration before it requires more expensive intervention. A small crack left unaddressed will worsen over time, turning a minor repair into a significantly larger expense.
Parking lot stripes
A freshly sealcoated surface also provides a clean base for re-striping. Lines applied over sealcoating bond more effectively and last longer than those applied directly to worn asphalt. Want to prevent accidents? Invest in sealcoating.
Why GPM?
GPM has created and produced an exclusive sealcoat blend based on years of experience managing projects. The tensile strength of our sealcoating is strong enough to resist cracking. This means it acts as the perfect sacrificial layer above your asphalt to significantly increase its lifespan by blocking rain, hail, snow, harsh chemicals, and oils from cars from penetrating and reaching the asphalt layer.
California is very prone to temperatures that can cause severe degradation to asphalt over time. It is a wise financial decision to add a layer of sealcoat to your pavement even before seeing signs of cracks. If there has already been damage, it is always better to prevent further damage than suffer the burden of fixing a pothole or a deep crack.
When Is The Best Time To Sealcoat?
The optimal time to apply sealcoating is in the warmer months when the pavement is dry and temperatures are regularly over 50°F. The best time to apply and cure is usually in the spring or early autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What advantages does sealcoating offer?
Sealcoating enhances attractiveness and prolongs pavement life while shielding asphalt from UV rays, water, oil spills, and normal wear.
How frequently should sealcoating be applied to asphalt?
Depending on traffic and weather, most surfaces should be sealcoated every two to three years.
Is the cost of sealcoating justified?
Yes, through proactive management, sealcoating helps avoid expensive repairs, potholes, and early pavement replacement.
You can learn more about the importance of sealcoating in our blog post: Does Sealcoating Work in California?
What Distinguishes GPM?
Since 1989, GPM Pavement Management has provided dependable pavement care services for commercial, industrial, and HOA properties across California.Years of experience with multiple projects have given GPM an edge when it comes to bringing in proven techniques and top-notch products that can really help extend the life of your pavement.
Unlike fly-by-night contractors who are usually looking to cut corners, GPM takes pride in making sure every job is done the right way from start to finish, whether it’s a small parking lot or a massive commercial property. When you go with GPM you’re not just hiring a contractor, you’re partnering with someone who takes your pavement as seriously as they would their own, delivering the kind of value and peace of mind that comes from knowing the job is done right the first time around.
GPM helps property owners safeguard their asphalt investment by concentrating on long-term pavement performance through skilled personnel, excellent workmanship, transparent communication, and personalised maintenance plans.