Why Seal Coating Is Essential To Keep Asphalt In Good Health?
Most homes in the state of Georgia have driveways paved with asphalt. These driveways not only increase the value of the property, but also enhance the beauty, serenity and aesthetic appeal of the property. Since driveways serve as the approach of every home, they should look good and at the same time be durable. Asphalt serves both the purposes. Asphalt is the most widely used paving material and is preferred by asphalt paving contractors due to certain attributes including water-resistance, flexibility, aesthetic appeal and adhesive qualities. Because of these properties, it tops any other paving material including concrete.
Get Asphalt Paver’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Though asphalt is a durable material, it can be prone to damage, instability and wearing off. The three major elements which wreck havoc on asphalt are the sun and oxidation, water and ice, and oil and gas spills. Asphalt starts deteriorating as soon as it is laid on the surface. The oxygen present in the air makes the tar brittle which eventually cracks. Rainwater penetrates through the cracks and weakens the driveways strength from within. In cold climates, this water freezes and expands from underneath, thus creating huge cracks throughout the asphalt. To keep your driveway in good nick, proper maintenance is required. Asphalt can maintain its appeal and sustain for decades if timely care is attended to it. Asphalt maintenance is easy and you can keep it healthy with some do-it-yourself tasks such as sweeping or cleaning the surface with water from a garden hose. But other critical tasks including pothole repair, periodic line striping and seal coating should be best left in the hands of professional asphalt paving contractors in Georgia.
Seal coating is the most important maintenance job required to keep the asphalt from various harmful elements. Seal coats are cosmetic asphalt treatments that are either brushed or sprayed on the asphalt surface. This coat acts as a protective layer against moisture and harsh elements such as chemicals, salts, oil spills and also from wear and tear from traffic. Seal coatings fill the voids in the surface and reduce exposure to oxygen and water, thus extending the life of the driveway. Asphalt paving contractors in Georgia prefer three types of commercial seal coatings-fog seal, slurry seal and chip seal. Most seal coats are water-based though there are water-less versions as well that use hydrocarbon solvents. However if your driveway is in a poor condition and has encountered noticeable damage, seal coating will not help. You need to consult a good asphalt paving contractor and replace the damaged driveway instead.
