Asphalt Services for a Smooth Ride Ahead

Posted by seoexpert131 on October 15th, 2023

Are your asphalt surfaces looking tired and worn? Proactive maintenance and timely sealcoating help extend the life of your pavement surfaces.

Unlike concrete, asphalt is NOT susceptible to freezing and thawing which saves property owners money on repair and resurfacing/overlay costs. It also has porous components to aid in water drainage.
Sealcoating

Asphalt pavement needs to be protected from the elements to extend its life and keep it in good condition. Sealcoating is the process of applying a liquid asphalt mixture to roadways, parking lots, driveways and other paved surfaces. It protects the underlying asphalt from water damage, UV rays from sunlight and various types of vehicular harm. A properly applied seal coat will also add a layer of slip resistance and improve the appearance of the paving material.

When used as part of an overall maintenance plan, including patching, crack filling and striping services, it can help pavement last twice as long as it would without the application of a sealcoat. However, even with this added layer of protection, pavement will eventually need to be repaired or replaced entirely. Proactive maintenance of your paved surfaces can extend their life and save you money in the long run.

A sealcoat is composed of bituminous or acrylic-based emulsions combined with water silica sand and polymer additives and other proprietary fillers and solids. This combination forms a thick, dark layer that can be applied to any type of asphalt pavement. It can be brushed, spray or squeegeed on to a surface and can be used as either a topcoat or undercoat to a chip seal or micro-surfacing project.

Workers will need to prepare the paved surface before applying a seal coat. The area must be free of any dirt or debris and the weather conditions must be appropriate for the procedure. It should not be too hot or cold, and the humidity level must be relatively low. It is also not a good idea to apply a seal coat if rain is forecast within the same 24 hour period as the sealant must be given time to dry before vehicles can drive on it. san antonio demolition

The main benefit of sealcoating is that it prevents oxidation and protects the underlying asphalt from environmental stresses. Once oxidation occurs, small cracks start to form in the brittle pavement. These can then develop into unsightly and dangerous potholes. Sealcoating stops this deterioration by adding a layer of protection to the pavement and reducing oil penetration.
Crack Filling

When asphalt cracks, it allows water to penetrate beneath the surface. This causes the base to become unstable during the freeze thaw cycle, leading to further cracking and eventual pavement failure. Crack filling involves injecting a hot pour rubberized sealant into isolated cracks to prevent further water penetration and protect the base from damage. Crack filling is the most cost effective maintenance for asphalt paving.

Pavement failure is a normal part of the aging process and can happen to any type of pavement. Despite good construction, changing weather conditions, heavy traffic and the passage of time will cause asphalt pavement to crack. Annual inspections and routine maintenance will help to reduce the occurrence of cracking.

While both crack sealing and crack filling address damaged asphalt, there are a few differences between the two processes. Understanding these differences will allow you to make the best choice for your needs and your budget.

Crack sealing is an effective treatment for what are referred to as “working cracks.” These are horizontal and/or vertical movements in asphalt cracks that are wider than 0.1 inches. These cracks are caused by temperature changes, traffic and/or poor drainage.

The hot sealant used in this process will bond with the pavement to help stop further water intrusion, protecting the longevity of your asphalt. This is a low-cost, long-term repair that can be done on an ongoing basis to ensure the health of your parking lot or driveway.

However, crack sealant is not a permanent solution and will eventually need to be replaced. The only way to get the most life out of this repair option is to use it in conjunction with crack filling on an ongoing basis.

Crack filling uses a rubberized asphalt patch to fill non-working cracks in the asphalt. This material is injected into the cracks to prevent water from penetrating into the sub-grade and stone base, causing further damage. This process is much faster and less expensive than removing and replacing the cracks and is most appropriate for non-working cracks in the early stages of development. It is not intended for alligator or fatigue cracks as these are signs of extreme deterioration and require more extensive repairs.
Repairs

Asphalt repairs can tackle small and large faults in pavement, whether from natural wear and tear or pressure or impact damage. Typically, the repair process involves resurfacing the damaged area or patching it with new asphalt, using a binder that binds together and hardens the aggregate materials to form a strong surface. Binders are generally bitumen-based, but companies are starting to use bio-based binders that may reduce the environmental impact of asphalt construction and repair.

Property managers are wise to invest in preventative maintenance services for their pavement surfaces. Crack filling, hot rubber crack sealing, and parking lot striping services keep pavement in good condition and help it maintain its appearance. The City is also testing Cool Pavement, a water-based asphalt treatment that can reduce spikes in temperature, at 10 sites across the City, weather permitting.
Maintenance

Asphalt is also more easily worked with than concrete is and can be laid quickly, saving on installation costs. Plus, asphalt is not susceptible to freezing and expansion like cement is which saves on maintenance expenses as well.

Proactive pavement maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your existing asphalt surfaces. We recommend getting on a sealcoating schedule to protect your investment and get the most out of your asphalt surface.

We are also proud to offer Cool Pavement, a water-based treatment that can reduce pavement temperatures by reflecting sunlight and absorbing less heat. This pilot program will be applied in 10 locations around San Antonio weather-permitting. More information can be found here.