Protect Your Investment With Asphalt Sealcoating

Offering both aesthetic and protective advantages, asphalt sealcoating is a smart investment, one that provides both immediate and long-term benefits. Whether you are looking to extend the life of your newly paved surface, or seeking to refresh and protect older pavement, sealcoating is your solution. You can trust DC Paving & Sealcoating for quality asphalt services.

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Asphalt Sealcoating

Extend the Life of Your Asphalt With Sealcoating

Sealcoating involves applying a top protective layer to the surface of the asphalt pavement. Asphalt is made up of rock and gravel and a binding agent. The binding agent must stay intact to protect the integrity of the surface. Sealcoating provides protection for the binding agent by shielding it from elements that contribute to erosion. These elements include UV rays, water, oil, gasoline and other chemicals. Sealcoating is the most cost-effective way to avoid expensive repairs due to pavement failures.

In addition to the protection it provides, sealcoating results in a deep black appearance that upgrades the look of the pavement.

  • Fresh sealcoating and restriping can transform a dated parking lot.
  • Regular asphalt maintenance boosts the curb appeal of residences with paved driveways.
  • Enhancing the overall appearance of a storefront or business, seal coating can bolster customer confidence.

What Is the Seal Coating Process?

Before the sealcoat is applied, the surface will be thoroughly cleaned to make sure that all particles are removed. For older paved surfaces, we will also assess and make recommendations regarding any necessary crack repairs. The sealcoat can be applied in a few different ways; we will confirm application after analyzing your specific situation (size, access, surrounding structures, etc.). After application, the surface will need 24-48 hours to cure.

DC Paving performs residential and commercial asphalt coating. We work with business owners to limit the impact of our work on their customer traffic. Similarly, for our residential clients, we ensure everyone understands the process and knows what to expect before we begin.

sealcoating asphalt driveway

Why Sealcoat an Asphalt driveway or parking lot?

Sealcoating is a crucial maintenance step for asphalt. The main benefits include:

  • Protection from UV Rays and Oxidation: Sunlight causes asphalt to oxidize, making it brittle and prone to cracking. Sealcoat acts like sunscreen, blocking harmful UV rays and slowing down the aging process.
  • Water Repellence: Sealcoat creates a protective barrier that prevents water from penetrating the asphalt and its sub-base. Water is a major cause of damage, especially during freeze-thaw cycles which lead to potholes and cracks.
  • Enhanced Appearance: A fresh sealcoat restores the rich black color of asphalt, giving your property a clean, well-maintained, and appealing look. This can significantly boost curb appeal for homes and professionalism for businesses.
  • Extended Pavement Life: By protecting against the elements and wear, sealcoating can significantly extend the lifespan of your asphalt pavement, delaying the need for costly repairs or complete repaving.
  • Resistance to Spills: Sealcoat helps resist damage from oil, gasoline, and other chemicals that can soften and degrade asphalt.
  • Easier Cleaning: A smooth, sealed surface is easier to sweep and clean than unsealed, porous asphalt.

Asphalt Sealcoating FAQs

A newly paved surface is ready for coating about 90 days after it has been laid. DC Paving & Sealcoating will confirm when the timing is right. For existing asphalt services, sealcoating every two to three years can double the expected life of your pavement, depending on a number of factors, including traffic, use, and environmental exposures.

Generally, asphalt driveways and parking lots should be sealcoated every 2 to 3 years. However, several factors can influence this frequency:

  • Traffic Volume: Heavily trafficked areas (like commercial parking lots) will need sealcoating more frequently than a low-traffic residential driveway.
  • Climate: Areas with harsh winters (freeze-thaw cycles) or intense summer heat will require more frequent sealcoating to protect against weathering.
  • Number of Coats: More than 1 coat will provide additional protection for asphalt surfaces, resulting in less frequent re-coating.
  • Original Installation Quality: Well-installed asphalt with a good foundation may not need sealcoating as frequently as a poorly installed surface.
  • Current Condition of Asphalt: If your asphalt is older, unsealed, or showing signs of cracking and fading, it might need sealcoating sooner than newer, well-maintained pavement.
  • Desired Appearance: If you want to maintain a consistently fresh and dark appearance, you might opt for more frequent sealcoating.

The typical cost for asphalt sealcoating can range from $0.20 to $0.50 per square foot, but this can vary. The primary factors influencing the price include:

  • Project Size
  • Condition of the Asphalt: If the asphalt has many cracks or potholes that need repair before sealcoating, the cost will increase. Crack filling and patching are usually charged separately.
  • Number of Coats
  • Type of Sealer

It’s best to consult with a reputable paving contractor like DC Paving & Sealcoating, who can assess your specific situation and recommend an provide expert recommendations for your specific situation. Contact us for a no obligation estimate.

The sealcoating process itself, for a typical residential driveway or small parking lot, usually takes just a few hours to a full day of active work, depending on the size and preparation required. You can typically walk on the sealed surface within 2-4 hours after application, assuming good weather conditions. It’s generally recommended to keep vehicles off the newly sealed surface for at least 24-48 hours. In cooler or humid weather, or if multiple coats were applied, it might take longer (up to 72 hours) for the sealer to fully cure and harden.

No, sealcoating will not fix existing cracks or potholes in your asphalt. In fact, applying sealcoat over unrepaired damage will simply hide it temporarily and may even make the problems worse by trapping moisture underneath.

Before sealcoating, any existing cracks (even hairline ones) and potholes must be repaired separately. DC Paving & Sealcoating can help with that, too.

Experienced Asphalt Sealcoating You Can Trust

From parking lots to driveways, we have experience in all stages of asphalt paving and seal coating. You can trust us for expert advice and quality workmanship. Contact us today to discuss your pavement needs.

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