Different Types of Blacktop Sealcoating
Asphalt is a popular choice for parking lots and driveways. It will be a durable surface that can survive the rigors of being driven over. In fact, asphalt paves over 94% of roadways. One aspect of having an asphalt surface is the maintenance that is required.
Part of that maintenance involves blacktop sealcoating. Asphalt without sealants will not last very long. Damaged asphalt has to be repaired or replaced, which leads to additional costs that will exceed the price of sealing the asphalt.
How Often Does Asphalt Need Sealing?
How often asphalt requires sealing can vary depending on the environment, but it’s safe to say every two to three years. The reasons for this are exposure to the UV radiation of the sun, hot and cold variations in temperature, and traffic. If you use snowmelt or other chemicals, that can also impact the quality of the asphalt.
In some areas, it is possible to go up to five years without sealing the asphalt, but most experts will recommend against this. Sealing asphalt will help to prevent cracks and water damage from undermining the integrity of the asphalt surface.
There are several different blacktop sealers on the market. You can tell if the asphalt has been sealed by how it looks. Sealed asphalt is darker than unsealed asphalt, which can be pale in color. Let’s take a look at the different varieties and see which one will work best for you.
Fast-Dry Sealants
Fast-dry sealants cure in around one hour and are a favorite of road crews. This makes it easy to seal the asphalt and then paint lines on it. Unfortunately, this is not a good option for a homeowner or someone wanting to seal their own asphalt. The reason is that this type of sealant is expensive in small quantities.
That being said, if you have a large space that needs to be sealed, you might consider these types of sealants. If your business has a large parking lot, for instance, this is a great choice. It means you can seal the asphalt and have the lines painted more rapidly than other options.
Oil-Based Asphalt Sealer
There’s a good chance that you’ve come into contact with this type of sealant. It takes up to a week for the sealant to cure, and during that time, it will have a pungent oil smell. The problem with this type of sealer is that it doesn’t do anything to protect the asphalt against UV radiation.
Oil-based sealants are also incapable of protecting asphalt against petroleum-based chemicals. A lot of what stains and damages asphalt is petroleum-based. This means if you have a parking lot or driveway that sees a lot of traffic, oil-based sealants are not advisable.
Acrylic-Based Sealants
Acrylic-based sealants are the most expensive option. This extra cost does come with substantial benefits. Acrylic sealants are the best at protecting asphalt from a variety of sources of damage. UV radiation, petroleum products, and even environmental impacts are lessened.
Another advantage to acrylic-based sealants is that they are better for the environment than other options. Of course, this is only feasible if you have the budget to purchase acrylic-based sealants. Modern varieties are sometimes called acrylic polymer driveway sealers.
Breaking It Down
In the end, you need to make a choice that balances what you want with what you’re willing to spend. The most modern, effective sealant isn’t necessary for every application. If you can, however, it may be a good idea. Acrylic polymer is the superior choice, and oil-based sealants are the least effective.
Your Asphalt
If you’ve got a driveway or a parking lot that you want to have paved with asphalt and sealed, CPEX can help. We have all the tools and equipment necessary to get the job done. We make sure that our work is superior. If you’re ready for a consultation or an appointment, contact us.
