Sealcoat or pavement sealer is a coating for asphalt-based pavements. Sealcoating is marketed as a protective coating that extends the life of asphalt pavements.
Sealcoating may also reduce the friction or anti-skid properties associated with the exposed aggregates in asphalt.
Not all pavement sealcoat are created equal.
For example, refined tar-based (cold tar) sealer offers the best protecting against water penetration and chemical resistance.
Asphalt-based sealer typically offers a little less protection against environmental, chemical, and/or harsher climates (salt water).
Petroleum-based sealer offer protection against water and chemicals somewhere between the other two sealers.
Another difference between coatings is in terms of wear.
Again, refined tar-based sealer offers the best wear characteristics (typically 3–5 years) while asphalt-based sealer may last 1–3 years. Petroleum-based sealer falls between refined tar and asphalt. But, these averages depend largely on the amount of traffic and the elements. Less Traffic - Less Wear.
This is Texas, so we have some of the harshest weather changes in the country. We can be in the 80's one day and below freezing the next. These extreme changes have a devastating effect on asphalt pavement (main cause - cracks). This is why it is imperative to keep your lot/road sealed.
Application Methods:
Prior to application the surface must be completely clean and dry using sweeping methods and/or blowers. If the surface is not clean and dry, then poor adhesion will result.
Pavement sealers are applied with either pressurized spray equipment, self-propelled squeegee machines, or by hand with a squeegee.
Once the surface is properly prepared, then properly mixed sealer will be applied at about 60 square feet per gallon per coat. We here at Jones Paving Company apply 50 square feet per gallon for better coverage, and we do not dilute the materials below specifications just to stretch the materials like some do (see below).
Equipment must have continuous agitation to maintain consistency of the sealcoat mix. The process requires 24 to 48 hours of curing before vehicles can be allowed back on the surface.
NOTE:
Some people who are referred to as "out-of-towners"
care nothing about their customers, only the money. And, the seal is usually diluted up to 50% or more with water. Needless to say, it doesn't last very long.
Then when you try to contact them - they cannot be found. The newest trick is using a local phone number
to make people think they are local. Always check them out with the local Better Business Bureau first.
1. What should I look for in a sealcoating contractor?
There are a lot of fly-by-nighters out there today. Here today and gone tomorrow. If you have questions or problems after the job is done, they are nowhere to be found. You know the old saying: You get what you pay for. These people are notorious for cutting materials. Stick with a company who has been around, and will be, if there are questions or problems. Jones Paving is registered with the Tarrant County Courthouse, we are insured, we are local (easy to get in touch with), we are accredited with the BBB with an A+ Rating, and we have been doing this for 4 generations. We will always be accountable for any legitimate problems that may arise. You should ask if they are insured, registered, accredited with the BBB and if they are local (should problems arise) when choosing a sealcoating contractor.
2. Aren’t all sealant the same?
Shouldn’t I just go with the cheapest price?
No, and we do not recommend it! There are completely different kinds of sealants on the market today, and many ways of preparing the sealant. Jones Paving uses only the best products available for quality and longevity. Also, we DO NOT dilute our materials below recommended specs, as many are doing today. Because we are home based and family owned, we can offer lower prices without jeopardizing quality.
3. How long should sealcoating and crack repair last?
Jones Paving uses the best industrial grade sealant and crack sealer available. You will not find longer lasting products. However, the lifetime of any job is unique to the existing condition and level of use of the asphalt. Factors that decrease the lifetime of the sealant include: degrading (crumbling) surface, high vehicle traffic, heavy-duty vehicles, overhead vegetation, harsh winter temperatures, and more. The longevity of the crack sealer is mostly dependent on the amount of shifting of your asphalt surface during freeze/thaw cycles. To get the best estimate of how long the sealant will last, ask the company's professional when they inspect your driveway.
4. What type of crack sealer does Jones Paving use?
Jones Paving uses premium cold pour rubberized crack filler and poured into the structural cracks. The highway grade rubber is very flexible, allowing the asphalt to shift in winter temperatures. There are no viable, do-it-yourself options for good crack filling.
5. I have heard that seal coating is actually bad for asphalt.
Anyone who states that sealcoating is bad for asphalt is very misinformed.
6. Will the sealant make a rough, bumpy, cracked up surface like new again?
No. While our products are extremely strong and durable, it will not be thick to the point of making a bad surface like new again (nor will any other sealant). However, even bad surfaces will be beautified and protected by the sealant. Your Jones Paving professional will provide honest answers to the question of how much sealcoating will benefit your specific job and what you
can expect for results. When asphalt is in very bad condition, we may recommend replacing the asphalt or giving it an overlay.
Saves You Money -
The skyrocketing cost of new asphalt makes sealcoating more cost effective than ever before. For just pennies per square foot you can protect your asphalt against the harmful elements that lead to its deterioration.
Prolongs Pavement Life -
Routine Maintenance (proper crack sealing and sealcoating) can double the life of your asphalt.
Slows Oxidation -
Slows oxidation and damage from the sun’s harmful rays. The sun causes the essential oils and binders to dry out which makes the asphalt brittle and more susceptible to cracking.
Prevents Water Penetration -
Seal Coat repels water – the number one enemy of asphalt. Asphalt is naturally porous; left unsealed, water will penetrate through the pores and cracks and disturb the base – eventually leading to failure of the pavement.
Improves Appearance -
First impressions of your home or place of business are greatly enhanced with a deep, rich, satiny black finish.
NOTE: We use only the finest commercial asphalt pavement sealers specifically designed for the toughest climate conditions and we guarantee our work. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction.
The friendly people at Jones Paving Company are here to serve you.
Please give us a call and get your Free Estimate Today!
Asphalt, also known as bitumen, is a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It may be found in natural deposits or may be a refined product, and is classed as a pitch. The primary use (70%) of asphalt is in road construction, parking lots, etc. - where it is used as the glue or binder mixed with aggregate particles (stones, sand, and gravel) to create asphalt concrete.
Because of its cost-effectiveness and durability, it is sometimes utilized in place of concrete. But, because it does not have the longevity of concrete, eventually it will need occasional repair.
Also again, this is Texas - along with neglecting to maintain the asphalt, the drastic changes in Texas temperatures and weather can hasten the damage (especially causing cracking).
There are a number of ways to maintain your road/parking lot. We here at Jones Paving Company realize that money becomes the number one issue when planning maintenance. This is why roads/parking lots usually become the last item to deal with, but it also becomes one of the most expensive to replace if neglected too long.
Here are some options (according to your budget):
1. If the damage to your asphalt is beyond repair, then it must be taken up (milled), hauled off, the base (the aggregate materials that serve as the foundation of the asphalt) must be reworked, apply the primer/tack, and overlay the area with new asphalt/hot mix. This is the most expensive, but with regular asphalt maintenance - can be avoided.
2. The next option is an overlay. This is were a professional here at Jones Paving Company will determine if the existing asphalt is in good enough condition to simply overlay the old asphalt (something akin to putting another layer of roofing on your house without taking the old one off).
3. Then, there is Asphalt Repair. This is Jones Paving Company's specialty. There is: Pothole/Failure Repair, Crack Sealant, Seal Coat, & Re-striping. You may be in need of one or all of them - our professional will advise you which to choose.
4. If you have concrete, then our man will advise you of your choices to repair or replace the damaged areas.
5. Want to save money?
KEEP YOUR ROAD/PARKING LOT MAINTAINED!