Asphalt has a lifespan of about twenty years or more, making it a very strong paving medium. Asphalt has inherent stability and strength, but if it is not properly protected, it can sustain damage. In reality, prolonged contact with water and UV rays can oxidize the surface, increasing the likelihood of structural problems.
Knowing your sealing options and the distinctions between the slurry seal and asphalt seal coat when fixing your commercial parking lot. Slurry and seal coats are preventative maintenance techniques that extend the lifespan of your asphalt, but there are a few important distinctions that you should keep in mind.
This article will highlight some of the key distinctions between a slurry seal and a seal coat, as well as the advantages of asphalt maintenance in Tacoma, to assist you in making the best choice for your home. Go through the article to learn more about it.
What is a Sealcoat?
The asphalt pavement surface is coated with a protective layer of material as part of a preventive maintenance strategy to keep it waterproof and guard against damage brought on by oxidation, the elements, and regular wear and tear.
Additionally, seal coating prevents car fluids from penetrating and harming the internal structure of the pavement and enhances asphalt’s aesthetics by restoring its glossy black appearance. As a result, one of the most popular asphalt installation and repair techniques in Tacoma, Auburn, and Federal Way for business properties wishing to rejuvenate their asphalt surfaces is a seal coat.
Asphalt surface consists of two important ingredients: crushed gravel aggregate and sticky asphalt binder, basically petroleum derivative. During the summer season, asphalt binder that is semi-fluid in nature allows it to spread easily.
Coming to benefits, there are several benefits you will get through Sealcoat. The first one is that the seal coat will renew the neutral water resistance of the asphalt.
Sealcoat protects against oxidation caused by the UV exposure. It also increases asphalt’s protection from oil and other destructive chemicals.
What is a Slurry seal?
Slurry seal is a procedure that resurfaces an existing asphalt pavement that has started to show signs of aging by combining asphalt emulsion, water, aggregate, mineral filler, and other additives. For asphalt crack filling in Federal Way and Tacoma, a slurry seal is a great commercial-grade treatment choice. It is frequently used on city roadways, parking lots, and industrial parks because it fills in and hides cracks.
A specialized slurry truck is used to apply slurry seal coatings, mixing each component before distributing it over the surface of the road or parking lot. Slurry seal is frequently reclaimed from old roads or parking lots and blended with clean water before reapplying to keep expenses down. Take help from a company that deals in asphalt crack filling in Federal Way to keep mistakes and problems at bay.
Difference between Seal Coat and Slurry Coat
Any asphalt surface is made up mostly of a sticky asphalt binder derived from petroleum and a crushed gravel aggregate. The asphalt binder turns semi-fluid when heated, making it simpler to spread. The aggregate chunks are, however, effectively locked into a stable matrix when the pavement dries out because the binder thickens.
Although asphalt binder constantly changes, oxidation from contact with the environment weakens it and increases its susceptibility to harm. As a result, the asphalt starts to develop cracks, potholes, raveling, and shoving because it no longer has as much water resistance.
What are the Advantages of Seal Coats?
For the upkeep and lifespan of pavement, seal coating has many benefits.
- First, it gives asphalt surfaces a layer of protection against the harmful effects of UV rays, oxidation, and water penetration, lowering the likelihood of cracks and potholes.
- The second benefit of seal coating is that it gives the pavement a smooth, black surface, which improves the area’s overall aesthetic appeal.
- Thirdly, it increases the pavement’s longevity, resulting in long-term cost savings on repairs and reconstruction.
- Additionally, seal coating makes driving safer by increasing traction and lowering the chance of skidding. Last but not least, it is a financially viable option because applying a seal coat is relatively cheap compared to significant repairs or resurfacing.
Final Takeaway
We also offer crack filling and seal coating services to keep your asphalt in the top-notch condition possible. At the same time, seal coating shields the pavement from the elements and increases its lifespan; asphalt crack filling in Tacoma, Federal Way aids in halting the future deterioration of the surface. Whatever your asphalt requirements, McLeod Asphalt Maintenance LLC can take care of them. Contact us today to book your appointment with us.
