An asphalt pavement is made with stone or rock and gravel along with a binder. The aggregate is held together with a substance known as asphalt cement. This binder is produced during the distillation process of crude oils. Maintaining the binder is important in reducing the deterioration of asphalt surfaces.
Lengthening the Life of Your Driveway or Parking Lot
That is why paving contractors in Bellingham, WA, provide seal coating services. Seal coating offers a layer of protection that blocks elements such as UV rays, rain, and chemicals. If these elements continue to affect the asphalt surface, it starts to crumble and degrade. To lessen the impact, it is essential for Bellingham paving contractors to facilitate a maintenance program that uses seal coating to lengthen the life of a driveway or parking lot.
When applied by paving contractors, seal coating supplies a slip-resistant surface with a deep ebony finish. Seal coats are usually bituminous-based acrylics or products. Therefore, a seal coat is made in a liquid formulation that uses emulsions mixed with polymer additives, sand, silica, and water. The products are applied by spray, squeegee, or brush.
Why Seal Coating Is Cost-Efficient
A regularly scheduled seal coating program by paving contractors more than doubles the life of an asphalt surface, saving a property owner substantial money over the long run. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for a new pavement, you only need to spend pennies on the dollar for each square foot.
When applications are made, a minimum of two coats are normally applied. Also, the temperature should be a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A seal coating should never be applied when temperatures are forecast at below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the application is not made if rain is imminent within a 24-hour period. Once the asphalt is seal-coated, the pavement is allowed to cure 24 hours before cars are permitted back on the surface.
