A sealcoat is a protective coating applied over the surface of asphalt paving. Made of asphalt combined with polymer sealers, the sealcoat can even out the color of the pavement as well as protect it—particularly from winter damage. Re-application is necessary every few years when the sealcoat loses its effectiveness and moisture begins to soak into the asphalt again.
1. Ice Melt Damage
Ice melt products are typically made of some sort of salt. Although these products aren't as damaging to asphalt as they are to concrete, they can leave behind salt stains or make their way into small chips in the paving and cause minor damage. A sealcoat in good condition acts as a barrier so the ice melt product can't affect the asphalt at all. This allows you to safely melt ice on the driveway without any worry about damage.
2. Water Penetration
Water can seep into small pores or cracks in your driveway during warmer weather, and then the water freezes and expands as winter chill arrives. It's this expansion that causes major damage that can lead to potholes and cracks. Sealing the asphalt prevents moisture from getting into the paving, thus preventing freeze expansion and the resulting damage.
3. Mildew Stains
The combination of debris, like fallen leaves, on the driveway with winter dampness can lead to mildew and algae growth. This isn't usually a problem on fresh asphalt that is still dark in color, but the unsightly stains can be quite visible on older faded asphalt. Applying a sealcoat covers the stains and evens out the driveway. It also prevents the stains from penetrating into the pavement in the future.
4. Slow Snow Melt
It can be frustrating when that last thin layer of ice won't melt off your driveway, even when the weather is sunny. Sealcoating darkens old asphalt to near-black again, which means it absorbs heat from the sun even on a freezing day. This speeds up snow melt so that your driveway is much safer to walk and drive upon.
5. Grit Erosion
It's not uncommon for sand and other gritty materials to be applied to roads for winter traction. Your car's tires will track that grit onto your driveway, where repeatedly driving over it can begin to erode the surface of the asphalt. If you sealcoat regularly, your drive will have a protective coat that will take the brunt of the grit damage so that the paving beneath doesn't erode.
Contact a local service to learn more about asphalt sealcoating.
Share6 July 2023
Spring is my absolute favorite season of the year. During spring, I adore taking brisk walks in my neighborhood, watering hanging baskets of flowers on my porch, and spending time outdoors with my dog. Do you want to make wonderful memories outside with your friends and family members this spring? Consider hiring an experienced paving contractor to create a backyard patio on your property. An expert paving contractor can accurately install your desired size and style of patio at your residence. On this blog, I hope you will discover the most popular outdoor projects paving contractors complete on individuals’ properties. Enjoy!
