Rochester NY Sealcoating protects a driveway or parking lot from elements that can damage the surface, including oil and chemical spills. It also fills in small cracks and makes the surface look brand new.
The ideal time to sealcoat is in late spring and fall. This is because the process requires temperatures above 50 degrees and no rain for 24 hours afterward.
Asphalt emulsion sealcoat is an environmentally friendly and low-cost option. This type of sealcoat has a long lifespan and can improve the appearance of your parking lot or commercial property. However, there are several factors to consider before choosing this type of asphalt sealcoat for your business.
Asphalt sealcoat is comprised of two primary ingredients: asphalt and water. The water in the asphalt emulsion helps to keep the other ingredients together and bind them to each other. It also allows the emulsion to spread more easily. In addition to the asphalt and water, asphalt emulsion also contains additives. These include polymers, fillers, anti-stripping agents, and others. These additives serve a variety of functions, such as drying the asphalt emulsion fast, altering sand suspension, increasing flexibility, and providing salt and petrochemical resistance.
There are a number of different types of asphalt emulsions available on the market, and each has its own unique characteristics. The setting time and aggregate size that can be used with each type of emulsion are key variables to consider when selecting an asphalt sealcoat for your commercial property. The first letter of an emulsion’s name designates its setting time, while the following letters indicate its aggregate size range. For example, SS-1h indicates a slow setting emulsion that can be used with coarse aggregates while a SS-2h indicates a faster setting emulsion that can be used for finer aggregates.
Coal tar emulsions are another type of asphalt sealer that can be used on your property. Coal tar has a longer lifespan than asphalt-based products, but it is more expensive and less environmentally friendly. In addition, it has a strong odor that can be unpleasant for those who work or live nearby.
Many producers have begun to offer alternative asphalt sealers that use different types of materials, including ceramics. According to Joe Conwell, vice president of sales for Neyra Industries, these materials allow contractors to continue their normal business operations while adjusting to coal tar shortages. He says these alternatives also provide options for the future if the industry’s supply of coal tar becomes too limited to continue production.
Oil-Based
Oil-based sealers are a traditional choice for asphalt surface protection. They are made up of emulsions containing coal and tar or asphalt suspended within a water-based solution. The result is a more robust bond with the asphalt surface, providing enhanced durability and longevity for your driveway. They also excel in their ability to penetrate the asphalt surface, strengthening the bond and reducing the vulnerability of your driveway to weathering and damage. The disadvantage of oil-based sealers is their high Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content, which can be a drawback for those who prioritize eco-conscious practices.
They are also known to emit a strong, unpleasant odour during application, which can last up to a week. Additionally, oil-based sealants are more likely to stain surfaces that come into contact with them, such as concrete and masonry.
As a result, they are not ideal for use on sidewalks, driveways and other areas where people will be walking or driving over them. Additionally, if applied incorrectly, oil-based sealants can leave behind a slick finish that poses slip and fall risks, especially in wet conditions.
Lastly, oil-based sealers require more time to dry and cure than their water-based counterparts. Therefore, they must be applied during the spring and summer when temperatures are warmer. This helps to ensure the asphalt is dry enough to accept the new sealant, as well as allow for a smoother, more even application process.
For these reasons, we do not recommend using oil-based sealants on commercial properties. While they are a great option for residential driveways, they’re not appropriate for the high traffic and rigorous wear-and-tear that is often seen on commercial properties.
Whether you’re looking to improve your residential driveway or enhance the appearance of your commercial parking lot, Hallman Asphalt is here to help. Our professional team is highly experienced in all types of sealcoating, including both oil-based and water-based options. We can help you determine which type of sealcoat is best for your property and then guide you through the entire process, from preparation to completion. Contact us today to get started!
Fast Dry
If you need to get your asphalt sealed and cured quickly, a fast-drying product might be the best option for you. These sealers contain textile fibers that speed up the drying and curing process, which means your surface will be able to handle traffic much sooner than it would with a regular asphalt sealant mix. This type of sealant is also designed to be more waterproof, which will help prevent water damage and other problems down the line.
The key to a successful sealcoating project is proper application. A professional paving company will make sure that the coating is applied evenly and thick enough. In addition, they will monitor the weather conditions during the sealing process and take measures to adjust the schedule if necessary. This includes assessing if a surface needs additional coverage, depending on the amount of rainfall, sun exposure and other factors.
In general, it takes about seven days for a new asphalt surface to dry completely after sealcoating. The asphalt may feel dry to the touch after a few hours, but it’s important to wait until the curing process is complete before using the surface. If you drive on a wet sealcoat, it can ruin the appearance and lead to premature failure of the surface.
Whether you choose an oil-based or asphalt emulsion sealer, it’s best to apply the first coat when temperatures are above 70 degrees with low humidity and bright sunlight. This will produce the quickest results.
If you are looking for a way to speed up the drying process, you can use an additive called STAR MACRO-FAST. This is a polymer-based, latex-based additive that works well with both refined tar and asphalt emulsion products. It does not affect the viscosity of the sealer, but it will cut dry times by up to 50%. It is especially useful for situations where you must return to a parking lot after it has been sealed and the ambient conditions are unfavorable for a normal cure time.
Another way to reduce the amount of time it takes for a newly-sealed surface to dry is to use a special additive called A-625 FAST DRY. This is a highly-recommended additive that works well with both tire rubber modified surfaces and asphalt emulsion sealers. It speeds up the dry time of the surface, and it also helps to improve tensile strength, flexibility and resistance to oil, gasoline and chemicals.
Acrylic
Acrylic sealcoating is a type of seal coat that is typically used for specialized applications like sports courts, jogging paths and bike lanes. Its biggest pro is that it offers superior longevity and resistance to fading from the sun’s UV rays. It is also a more environmentally friendly option than the petroleum-based tars.
The main drawback of this type of seal coating is that it requires specific environmental conditions to dry. It cannot be too hot or too cold and the humidity level needs to be low. Additionally, rain can’t fall within 24 hours after application or it will wash away the new layer. Additionally, vehicles should not be on the newly sealed surface for up to 24 hours after application as well.
Depending on the type of sealcoat that is used, there may be a need to add various additives. However, the use of these additives must be done carefully and with a thorough understanding of their properties and overall contribution to the sealcoat’s longevity. The addition of too much water or sand/aggregate will negatively impact the thickness, durability and skid resistance of the dry film.
All sealcoating jobs require the proper PPE (personal protective equipment). Workers should wear rubber gloves, safety glasses and a mask to avoid contact with the carcinogenic materials that are often present in these types of materials. These toxins can be ingested or inhaled, which can cause cancer and other long-term health issues.
It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for spraying and drying times as well as applying multiple layers. Properly layering the asphalt can help extend the lifespan of a sealcoat. As with all coatings, regular maintenance is required to keep the asphalt looking its best and performing at its optimal level. The best way to maintain an asphalt driveway or parking lot is to perform routine sealcoating every 5-10 years. With the right products and proper installation, the lifespan of an asphalt driveway or parking lot can be extended significantly. This will save money in the long run and help keep the property looking its best.
