Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an Asphalt Seal Coating so Important?
Seal-coating protects your asphalt surfaces. Because they are consistently exposed to UV rays, water, and chemicals like oil and gasoline, asphalt surfaces need protection. Without an expertly applied seal coating, the surface will age and deteriorate faster than you should expect. You frequently see such unprotected surfaces with cracks, potholes, and brittle edges.
Conversely, asphalt with sealcoating applied lasts significantly longer. When applied in a driveway or on the road, it also contributes to a property’s curb appeal. Experts agree that asphalt sealcoating is a preventative maintenance step that could save you a lot of money on expensive repairs and patch replacements.
What is the Best Time for Sealcoating Asphalt in Maryland?
Temperature plays a significant role in the application of sealcoating. As a general rule of thumb, temperatures need to be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. For Maryland customers, this typically means the late spring or early summer. However, even then, experts will listen intently to the weather forecast. The sealcoating needs to dry for at least 24 hours before it can handle rainfall. When the weather cooperates, the sealant will cure properly and protect the asphalt surface.
When Should I Get My Asphalt Pavement Sealed?
We have already discussed the time of year that it is best to do so. Now, we are talking about the length of time that should elapse between asphalt pavement installation and sealcoating. Experts agree that the asphalt takes at least six months to cure. Therefore, sealcoating should not take place before the six months are up.
Yet even there, some exceptions apply. For example, if the six-month period ends when temperatures consistently fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it might be a better option to move up the sealcoating a month or so. It is best to discuss the schedule with your trusted technician to ensure complete surface protection.
Should Potholes be Repaired Before Sealcoating?
Yes, they should. Experts consider potholes signs of significant pavement damage and surface deterioration. Concurrently, they adversely affect the pavement’s structural integrity. There is no point in sealcoating a surface that is so severely damaged without first addressing the problems. By repairing the surface and then sealing it, you succeed in extending its useful life.
How Often is Parking Lot Striping Recommended?
Fading parking lot stripes are hazardous. They easily contribute to pedestrian and motorist accidents at your location. You can prevent these dangers with parking lot striping. But is there a hard and fast rule?
Because several factors affect paint deterioration, it is not possible to give you a definitive number. For example, parking lots with heavy traffic will see their striping deteriorate faster than those with fewer cars. If your lot surface is deteriorating, it will affect the striping. Most importantly, using discount paints quickly leads to fading stripes.
If your parking lot has a good bit of traffic, and you worked with experts in the field of protecting the asphalt surface, a good-quality paint will allow for a biennial application schedule. However, we recommend more frequent restriping when you notice that the markings are fading. Experts agree that an annual parking lot inspection is a good time to determine whether to repeat the striping more frequently.
Is it Necessary to Fill Asphalt Cracks?
The short answer is yes. Remember that cracks in the asphalt’s surface allow water and chemicals to enter. Left unchecked, small cracks become bigger, rut formation may occur, and potholes eventually form. Besides these obvious signs of deterioration, there is also an increased brittleness of the asphalt surface and likely structural integrity failure. These all call for expensive repairs.
Asphalt crack filling, particularly when the cracks are small, puts a stop to the damage that could occur. Therefore, it limits future repairs and extends the pavement’s lifespan. Besides, a well-maintained asphalt surface looks good and shows you care about the quality of your parking lot or road pavement.
What Is the Asphalt Repair Process?
Repairing asphalt is frequently a multistep task. Its extent largely depends on the surface’s current condition and the damage involved. However, there are some general steps experts will take.
- Damage assessment. Before any work can start, specialists will assess and document the damage. They then create a work plan.
- Surface cleaning. Technicians will clean the areas that will be treated. This means removing dust, dirt, oil, and other chemicals. A pressure washer works well.
- Patch and filling applications. It is now time to replace damaged areas, patch holes, and fill cracks as necessary. Technicians will follow the best practices to prevent further damage.
- Sealant application. Applying an appropriate sealant protects the fresh patches of asphalt from damage and is the final step in restoring the surface’s integrity.
In some cases, it may be necessary to add striping to repaired areas. It is not unusual for customers to request a complete restriping after a larger repair.
Do I Need to Clean Oil Stains on my Asphalt Pavement?
Oil penetrates the asphalt’s surface and contributes to the destabilization of the pavement. Left unchecked, it contributes to crack and pothole formation. Besides that, oil stains on the pavement just do not look good. So, yes, clean oil stains as soon as possible. Experts typically recommend absorbent materials like cat litter and degreased when needed.
