Whether you are the owner of an asphalt driveway or an asphalt parking lot in Wisconsin, you understand that this past winter’s severe weather in addition to repeat use has wreaked havoc on surfaces that were poorly installed or maintained. If you allow your driveway or parking lot to deteriorate, it results in expensive repairs, such as complete rebuilding -- a process that involves ripping out the asphalt and beginning repair at the rocky substrate. It's far less expensive to protect asphalt with regular sealcoating and occasional asphalt paving overlays.
Sealcoating versus asphalt paving: which is the most long-lasting and cost effective solution? Most professionals agree that both applications are essential to preventing asphalt cracks, fissures, and the premature need for asphalt repairs.
Sealcoating for Newly Laid Asphalt Paving
Nothing spruces up the look of your home or business quicker than newly laid asphalt, and sealing the finished result is one of the most vital aspects of preserving its beauty and longevity. This process leaves behind a remarkable black surface that hardens and forms a protective coating atop the asphalt surface. Initially, sealcoating of asphalt paving should take place anywhere from 12-24 months post installation for best results. This period gives the surface time to cure and prime itself for the asphalt sealing process, so timing your new installation in accordance with Wisconsin seasons is advised.
Sealcoating to Prevent Premature Asphalt Repairs
While an unsealed asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot may only last 10-12 years, the benefits of sealcoating and regular upkeep can allow for up to 15-20 years of solid use of properly installed surfaces. Sealing your residential driveway or commercial asphalt paved parking lot is the best way to prevent cracking, potholes, and depressions. Sealing protects the pavement from oil and chemical spills, oxidation, water penetration, and actually accelerates the rate of melting snow and ice. The biggest risks one takes when choosing to skip this process are UV rays and seasonal cycles. Unprotected asphalt surfaces become brittle and lose their flexibility as UV rays break down the carbon bonds in the material when not sealed.
Seasonal cycles allow cracks to form that eventually fill with water, and these worsen with each expanding and contracting cycle – leaving you with big problems that may require asphalt repairs.
Renew the Wearing Course of Asphalt Paving with a Professional Overlay
You’ll find yourself in need of asphalt repairs sooner rather than later if you skipped sealing or bought a property that has been neglected. However, the good news is that a basic asphalt overlay process is often an option for minor to medium range cracks, fissures, and potholes in your asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot. Essentially, if the subgrade is in good condition an asphalt overlay can be placed over existing surfaces post making any necessary repairs. Cracks, holes, and depressions are cleaned and filled, and then a fresh layer of asphalt is applied to give the entire area a refreshed look and a longer lifespan. As with any newly lain asphalt paving and repair, sealcoating within 12-24 months is a must.
Asphalt Paving Repair for Premature Wear and Severe Deterioration
Severe deterioration can be due to lack of proper installation, excessive wear and tear, and many other factors; however, water is one of the largest culprits in asphalt breakdown. Between expected ponding and subsurface water draining from other areas – even from underground – the asphalt base deteriorates to the point of no return. This is when a more intensive process beyond a mere patching and overlay is necessary to restore your asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot. Depending on the severity of the deterioration, your professional asphalt repair contractor may recommend a complete excavation in some or all areas of your pavement prior to undergoing the pavement overlay and sealcoating processes.
As the weather warms and ice melts away, what asphalt repair needs have you noticed on driveways, parking lots and sidewalks at your home or place of business? The experts at Wolf Paving can help provide solutions to help extend the life your asphalt and improve curb appeal. Download a FREE brochure on the 8 crucial tactics of asphalt pavement protection.
