Technological Advances in the Sealcoating Process

If you aren't aware of the process for sealcoating, it involves the application of a liquid-based sealant to an asphalt surface to protect it from UV rays, heavy road traffic, and brutal weather conditions. As a result, parking lots, driveways, and roads protected with sealcoating look better and last longer than unsealed paved surfaces. In addition, recent technological advances in the sealcoating process make it more cost-effective than you would expect for long-lasting benefits and make it much simpler to apply. Experts explain these five technological advances in sealcoating in Park Falls, WI:

Textured Surfaces

Medical facilities, nursing homes, and other establishments that cater to people with limited mobility often request non-slip surfaces. In addition, parking garage managers also make this request because constant vehicle traffic eventually causes asphalt to become slick. Fortunately, today’s sealcoating options only require a minor adjustment to generate a non-slip surface. Contractors simply add sand to the sealcoating material and spray it on, spawning an anti-slip surface that causes fewer mishaps and injuries, helping businesses maintain better reputations.

Durability

In the past, sealcoating could be expected to add up to 5 years of increased life to parking lots or roads. Today, contingent on the materials used, the life span can grow to as many as 15 years. Even better, most sealcoats don't need as many layers or complicated applications to provide better results. This fantastic evolution makes sealcoating much more affordable to do and far easier to schedule, resulting in many surprised customers finding that the cost of sealcoating is far less expensive than expected.

Safety improvements

Traditional sealcoating materials are made of coal tar requiring additional protective gear for installers during application. Coal tar is carcinogenic and can risk an installer's health significantly. However, recent improved methods of application are being developed. Asphalt emulsion is gaining popularity as an excellent alternative because it causes decreased health risks for installers. Many modern acrylic sealants provide improved safety too.

Varied options for varied environments

The most widely used sealant is refined coal tar. It offers high-level water protection and is environmentally resilient, but its poisonous properties are concerning. A less toxic option is asphalt emulsion that resists chemical and oil spills. This sealer may prove to be a preference for automobile-based businesses like garages or car lots. A petroleum-based sealant provides the same advantages as tar and asphalt emulsion but lacks efficacy. Consider quick dry for high traffic areas. After quick-dry application, it can withstand foot traffic within an hour and cars in a day. Standard drying and curing times for sealer are typically 48 hours.

Repairing smaller cracks

Noticing small asphalt cracks early will reduce the likelihood of incurring expensive repairs in addition to sealcoating. The newest sealcoating products on the market can quickly fill cracks smaller than 1/8 of an inch. So if you notice small cracks in your pavement and already have a sealcoating appointment set, let it do its thing. Don't worry about needing a repair appointment if the gaps you find are more extensive than 1/8 of an inch. Instead, you can easily fill them with a rubberized crack sealer. Sealcoating in Park Falls, WI, will cover the filled-in cracks as if they never existed.