Asphalt is a great and durable paving material, but it is constantly exposed to traffic, weather, and chemicals. Without proper maintenance, these elements can cause your pavement to deteriorate faster than expected leading to cracks, potholes, and expensive repairs. One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to protect your asphalt is with sealcoating. This protective treatment adds a durable layer to the surface, helping prevent many common asphalt problems before they start. Today, Andersen Asphalt & Striping would like to share the major issues that sealcoating helps reduce or eliminate.
Cracks
Cracks form when asphalt becomes brittle due to oxidation, water penetration, or heavy traffic. Once cracks appear, they widen over time and allow even more damage to occur. Sealcoating provides a waterproof barrier, it slows down asphalt oxidation and reduces the likelihood of small surface cracks forming.
Potholes
Potholes are usually the result of untreated cracks that allow water to weaken the base underneath the pavement. As the base fails, chunks of asphalt break loose and create hazardous holes. Sealcoating your asphalt can help prevent water from seeping into the surface, it protects the binder from breaking down and reduces the rate at which cracks expand.
Oxidation
UV rays from the sun break down asphalt binders, causing the pavement to turn gray, dry out, and lose flexibility. Oxidized asphalt becomes much more vulnerable to cracking and surface wear. When you sealcoat your asphalt it acts like sunscreen for your asphalt. It can also restore the pavement’s rich black color and preserve the flexibility and durability of the binders.
Water Damage
Water is one of the biggest threats to asphalt. When moisture seeps into the pavement, it weakens the structure and leads to cracking, raveling, and potholes. Freeze-thaw cycles make this even worse. Sealcoating creates a waterproof surface layer that keeps water out of small pores and cracks, Sealcoating can also improve the water’s runoff ability to prevent puddling.
Chemical Spills
Oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and other automotive fluids break down asphalt binders. Driveways and parking lots exposed to frequent vehicle traffic often suffer from surface deterioration caused by chemicals. Sealcoating again acts as a protective coating against chemical penetration. This will also help to prevent accelerated breakdown of asphalt binders and makes cleanup easier and safer.
Raveling
Raveling occurs when small pieces of asphalt aggregate begin loosening from the surface, creating a rough, uneven texture and reducing traction. Sealcoating helps to bind the surface and locks aggregates in place, protects against environmental wear and slows the aging process of the pavement.
Surface Wear From Traffic
Over time, vehicle traffic naturally wears down the asphalt surface, especially in high-traffic commercial areas. When you sealcoat your asphalt it adds a protective layer that absorbs surface wear. It extends the pavement’s life by several years and helps to maintain a smoother, safer driving surface.
Asphalt Parking Lot & Road Pavement Resurfacing, Replacement & More in Reno, Elko, Henderson, North LV, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Las Vegas, NV | State of Nevada
Asphalt sealcoating is an essential part of maintaining any driveway, road, or parking lot. Whether you manage a commercial property or own a residential driveway, sealcoating every 2 to 3 years ensures your asphalt stays durable, safe, and attractive. For quality asphalt sealcoating services, contact Andersen Asphalt & Striping today.
