Asphalt sealcoating extends the life of your asphalt surface and enhances the aesthetics of your pavement or driveway. During this process, a paving contractor applies a coal tar emulsion to protect your asphalt surface against damaging elements such as vehicle fluids or temperature fluctuations.

To further understand the importance of asphalt sealing, check out the three frequently asked questions about the sealcoating process. 

Why Should You Sealcoat an Asphalt Pavement? 

If you have asphalt pavement, sealcoating is a maintenance technique that you need to perform every 2-3 years. Otherwise, you will have to contend with high asphalt restoration costs down the line.

A new sealcoat application protects your driveway against harsh weather. Other protection benefits an asphalt sealcoat can offer include: 

• Blocks UV rays that accelerate asphalt fading
• Retains proper moisture content in asphalt to prevent deterioration
• Forms a hard barrier that prevents surface degradation because of exposure to landscaping chemicals and vehicle fluids. 

Furthermore, cleaning a sealed pavement is a breeze because the broom easily slides over the asphalt surface. A freshly coated asphalt surface also enhances your home's curb appeal. As a result, you will fetch a good price if you decide to sell your home in the future. 

When Is the Best Time for Asphalt Sealcoating?

Generally, the asphalt sealcoat cures best in hot temperatures and low humidity. The best temperatures for sealcoating are 50° F or more. The summer sunshine hastens the drying time of the asphalt sealer. Fast curing and drying time are crucial when you don't want to wait for days before you can use your asphalt pavement. 

Furthermore, summer brings extended daylight hours, so the workers can complete more work within a day or so. With no inclement weather in summer, the workers have the perfect conditions for outdoor work, so sealcoat application is a lot easier and quicker.

Depending on your asphalt surface's size, your asphalt contractor is likely to take fewer days to complete the sealcoating process. Therefore, you can save more on labor costs. 

What Are the Cost Factors for Sealcoating?

Firstly, paving contractors consider the square footage of your asphalt pavement. So, the bigger and more extensive your pavement, the more time and materials it takes to complete the job. Also, if you have more complex surface designs, the more time, equipment, workforce, and materials, it takes to do the job. 

The asphalt sealcoat needs a clean and dry surface to adhere properly. So, you should remove all live vegetation and debris before you fill the cracks. Generally, the more preparation your asphalt needs before application, the costlier the sealcoating services.

Additionally, a residential surface will cost less since it needs fewer sealcoating layers than a busy parking lot. As such, the more sealant layers needed, the higher the cost of asphalt sealcoating.

If you want to seal coat your asphalt surface, enlist a reputable contractor to do the job. In most cases, a contractor will make a site visit to assess the condition of your asphalt surface and determine the type of sealcoating you need. 

To learn more, contact a company like J & B Asphalt/ Paved LLC.