SEAL-COAT ASPHALT BEFORE WINTER – Protecting Your Investment and Enhancing Curb Appeal!
8/18/23
As the vibrant colors of autumn fade and the chill of winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare our homes and properties for the harsh weather ahead. One area that often gets overlooked is the asphalt driveway or parking lot. Seal-coating your asphalt before winter sets in can make a significant difference in maintaining its longevity, protecting your investment, and enhancing the overall curb appeal of your property. In this blog, we will explore the importance of seal-coating and how it can safeguard your asphalt from winter’s unforgiving elements.
What is Sealcoating?
Before we dive into the benefits of seal coating, let’s clarify what it is. Seal-coating is the process of applying a protective layer of liquid sealant to an asphalt surface. This sealant forms a protective barrier, shielding the asphalt from damage caused by water, UV rays, chemicals, and other environmental elements.
Benefits of Seal-coating Before Winter:
- Weatherproofing: Winter brings freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and thaw cycles, which can wreak havoc on untreated asphalt. By seal-coating your asphalt before winter arrives, you create a waterproof barrier that prevents moisture penetration and protects the surface from potential cracks and potholes caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
- Prevents Oxidation: Asphalt is susceptible to oxidation from exposure to the sun’s UV rays, leading to the asphalt’s deterioration and fading of its original color. Sealcoating acts as a sunscreen, blocking harmful UV rays and preventing premature aging of the asphalt.
- Resists Chemicals: During winter, deicing chemicals are commonly used to melt snow and ice on roads and driveways. Unfortunately, these chemicals can be harsh on untreated asphalt surfaces. Sealcoating provides a protective layer that resists chemical damage, ensuring your asphalt stays in good condition for longer.
- Minimizes Cracks: Existing small cracks and imperfections in the asphalt can expand during winter due to freeze-thaw cycles. Sealcoating fills these minor cracks and imperfections, preventing them from turning into larger, costlier issues over time.
- Enhances Curb Appeal: A freshly seal-coated driveway or parking lot looks well-maintained, neat, and attractive. It adds a rich, dark color that enhances the overall curb appeal of your property, leaving a positive impression on visitors, potential buyers, or customers.
Seal-coating Process
Seal-coating is best done when the temperature is consistently above 50°F (10°C) and there is no rain in the forecast for at least 24 to 48 hours. Here are the basic steps involved in the seal coating process:
- Cleaning: The asphalt surface must be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt, debris, and vegetation. Any existing cracks or potholes should be filled and repaired.
- Repair: Before sealing coating, it’s essential to address any major cracks or damage to the asphalt. Ignoring these issues will reduce the effectiveness of the seal coating and may require more extensive repairs later on.
- Application: Once the surface is clean and repaired, the seal coat is applied using spray or squeegee methods, ensuring an even and smooth coverage.
- Drying: The seal coat needs adequate time to dry and cure properly. Typically, it takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on weather conditions.
Conclusion
Seal-coating your asphalt before winter is a smart investment that pays off in the long run. By providing a protective barrier against the elements, seal coating preserves the integrity of your asphalt, minimizes damage, and extends its lifespan. Moreover, the enhanced curb appeal will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits your property.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. So, before the first snowflake falls, take the time to seal coat your asphalt, and rest easy knowing that your driveway or parking lot is well-protected and ready to withstand whatever winter throws its way.
