How Do You Get A Seal Coat To Stick?

Every year as the temperatures start to rise, property owners across the state head outdoors to begin seal coating their asphalt driveways and parking lots. And often, make mistakes that result in an inferior finished product – or worse, a complete failure of the seal coat itself. To help you avoid these potential pitfalls, this blog post will outline some of the most common mistakes made during seal coating and provide tips on how to do it right.

1) Sealcoating a Newly Installed Asphalt Surface

One of the most common seal coating mistakes is trying to apply a sealer to a newly installed asphalt surface. While it’s tempting to want to protect your investment as soon as possible, it’s essential to wait at least 90 days before seal coating an asphalt driveway or parking lot. This allows the surface time to “cure” and harden properly, which will help the seal coat adhere better and last longer.

2) Not Cleaning the Surface First

Dust and debris can prevent the sealer from bonding correctly to the asphalt surface. Sweep and clean the surface with a power washer for best results before applying the sealer.

3) Applying the Sealer in Inclement Weather

Sunny and dry weather conditions suit seal coating. If it’s too hot, the sealer will dry too quickly and won’t adhere properly. If it’s too cold, the sealer won’t cure properly. Also, avoid applying sealer if rain is in the forecast within 24 hours, as this can cause the sealer to wash away prematurely.

4) Using an improper Sealer

There are two types of sealers commonly used on asphalt pavement: coal tar and asphalt-based. Asphalt-based sealers are more expensive but better protect against weather, wear, and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Coal tar sealers are less costly but don’t offer the same level of protection. In general, it’s best to use an asphalt-based sealer on newer pavements and a coal tar sealer on older ones.

5) Seal Coating with Improper Tools

Most seal coating jobs are best completed with a squeegee or a brush. A squeegee will give you nice, even coverage, while a brush can help you get into tight spaces and corners. Avoid using a sprayer to apply sealer, as this can result in an uneven coat that’s more likely to fail.

6) Not Calling the Professionals

Seal coating is a job best left to the professionals. A professional seal coating company will have the right equipment and experience to complete the job. They’ll also spot any problem areas in your pavement and address them before they cause further damage.

Seal coating is an integral part of asphalt maintenance, and it’s crucial to do it right to get the most out of your investment. If you’re looking for a seal coat that will stick and last, heed these tips from 309 Paving Services (AAA Parking Lot Maintenance) in Pekin. As experienced seal coating professionals, we know what it takes to maintain the natural shine of your asphalt driveway. Get a free estimate from our team today.

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