HOW DOES SEALCOATING HELP?

Sealcoating seals the asphalt pavement, preventing the oxidation and erosion of the top layer of asphalt.

On older pavements sealcoating replaces fine particles lost from the asphalt surface due to oxidation.

Sealcoating seals the small cracks that can turn into large cracks and prevents water from seeping down to the base material.

Sealcoating helps protect the asphalt from the sun as well as the harmful effects of chemical spills such as oil and gasoline.

Sealcoating provides an attractive black surface and leaves a smooth, clean surface ideal for sweeping lowering cleaning costs.

Sealcoating costs pennies a square foot compared to the dollars needed to repair or replace damaged asphalt.

WHAT CAUSES ASPHALT PAVEMENT TO FAIL?

Assuming that the initial asphalt pavement was designed and constructed properly, the primary cause of failure is the penetration of water into the asphalt base.

This process begins with the oxidation of the pavement surface which causes the asphalt to dry and become brittle, this leads to the erosion of the top layer of fine particles and the appearance of larger stones and small cracks on the surface.

If left untreated these cracks grow over time and eventually allow water to penetrate to the base of the pavement.

When water enters the base of the pavement the base material moves and settles leading to further cracking and an "alligator appearance".

When the pavement reaches this stage the only option is removal and replacement of the old asphalt.