Asphalt surfaces require consistent upkeep to retain their appearance and structural integrity. Compared to costly renovations or replacements, seal coating serves as a prudent preventive measure to prolong the lifespan of a pavement.
When properly performed, sealcoating acts as sunscreen to protect asphalt from UV rays, water intrusion, and chemicals. Selecting the right product, application method and timing is essential to achieve long-lasting results. For professional help, contact Rochester NY Sealcoating.
The decision to seal your commercial property’s asphalt surfaces is an important one. There are four major types of sealcoat to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. Coal tar emulsion, for example, provides a deep dark color, but can contain high levels of PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are known to be dangerous if ingested or inhaled in large quantities over long periods of time. It is also thicker and harder to spread evenly than other types of sealcoats such as asphalt emulsion.
Despite the fact that coal-tar-based sealers provide an excellent surface with superior durability, they are being phased out due to their negative environmental impacts. They are a source of cancer-causing PAHs, which can be released into the air during application and drying, and that can contaminate surrounding soil or water streams with rain or runoff.
Studies have shown that PAHs from newly-sealed coal tar surfaces are ten times higher than PAHs from un-sealed pavement, and they continue to release at a much faster rate long after the sealcoat has dried. These PAHs can enter the air and be ingested, or they can soak into storm drains where they are deposited in the environment and can leach into water streams, lakes, or surrounding soil.
The good news is that there are alternatives to coal tar emulsions, such as petroleum-based products. These sealers provide a balance between durability and environmental considerations, with the added bonus of offering some protection from UV rays that cause deterioration. In addition, there are odorless, all-weather, asphalt emulsions that are safer for you, your family, and your pets. One such option is Force, manufactured by NEYRA, which contains recycled asphalt fillers and offers a beautiful, master-sealed flat black finish.
Asphalt Emulsion
Asphalt-emulsion sealcoating is a cost-effective solution for protecting your pavement. It helps prevent water infiltration, reduces crack growth and extends the lifespan of your pavement. When used regularly, it can also help reduce the need for more extensive and expensive repairs. In addition, it’s quick and easy to apply and dry, allowing your business to continue operating while the application is underway.
Asphalt emulsions are typically made with recycled asphalt fillers and offer a superior durability. They are also non-toxic, odorless and much safer than coal tar products. Because they are safer, asphalt emulsions are favored by the environmental community.
There are a number of additives that can be added to asphalt emulsions for improved performance. These include wetting agents, flow modifiers and leveling additives. Wetting agents work to wet out the uncured film evenly, while flow modifiers thicken the emulsion and improve its consistency and viscosity. Leveling additives eliminate surface flaws, such as craters, fisheyes and orange peel, by smoothing the appearance of the final coat.
Adding polymers to an asphalt emulsion creates a gel that allows it to be thicker and more durable. The polymer is also able to bond with aggregate, resulting in stronger adhesion and improved strength. Some emulsions also contain organic UV protectants, which can be used to block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
In addition to these additives, the method of applying asphalt emulsion can impact its effectiveness and longevity. Expertise in using spray equipment for uniform distribution and avoiding over-application is essential. Additionally, the ability to use advanced technologies, such as GPS-guided equipment and drones for inspection and planning purposes, further enhances the quality of a finished product.
Oil-Based Tars
Oil-based tars contain natural hydrocarbons and are typically black or brown. They can be used for coating a variety of surfaces, including asphalt. They provide excellent resistance to UV light, water, and petroleum products. However, they take a long time to dry, and they are not suitable for use on pavement that is frequently driven on by cars. Additionally, this type of seal coat cannot repair cracks or holes in the existing asphalt.
Coal tar is also a raw material for manufacturing plastics, synthetic fibers, dyes, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and high-temperature resistant materials. The product is produced by distilling coal or from petroleum. It is found in the form of liquid, semi-solid, or powder. It is usually stored in steel drums, although large quantities are kept in tankers.
The most common use for tar is the production of roofing shingles and tar paper, and as a waterproof sealant on ships and boats. The demand for tar declined after the introduction of iron and steel shipbuilding, but it is still used to seal traditional wooden boats. It is also used to paint exteriors of historic, shingle-roofed churches and for general wood treatment.
The process of converting wood into tar is called pyrolysis, which involves heating the material. The resulting liquid is known as pine tar oil, wood turpentine, or balsamic turpentine. This is commonly used for the surface treatment of wooden shingle roofs, sills, jetties, boats, terrace floors, fence posts, and garden furniture. Pine tar can also be mixed with cold-pressed raw linseed oil to produce a tar paint. The resulting pigmented varnish provides excellent penetration to rough wood, while maintaining the wood texture. This enables it to protect wood from weathering and rotting, while at the same time giving it a decorative finish.
Fast-Dry
A common concern that many property owners have about sealcoating is how long it takes to dry and cure. This process varies greatly based on the temperature and humidity levels in the area. If conditions are not optimal, it can take the pavement a lot longer than expected to dry and become resistant to traffic. Luckily, there are a few additives that can help speed up the drying and curing process.
The addition of STAR MACRO-FAST speeds up Refined Tar Sealcoating (RTS) dry times by up to 50% without changing the mix design or increasing the viscosity. It is particularly useful in situations where the weather will not cooperate and a normal cure time cannot be achieved.
Humidity makes a huge difference in how quickly sealcoat material can evaporate into the air, and lower humidity levels hasten drying times. However, if the humidity is too high, it can lead to skin irritation, especially in those with lighter complexions. It is recommended that workers wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, impervious boots and gloves.
It’s also important to avoid rainy conditions, as water prevents the sealcoat from drying properly and can wash away the new surface material before it has a chance to harden. In addition, the pavement must be completely dry before allowing traffic on it.
If you’re concerned about your pavement’s drying time, a professional asphalt paving contractor can offer helpful advice. They can help you choose the right sealant, ensure that proper weather conditions are in place and make sure you don’t allow vehicles to begin driving on the driveway before it is fully cured. The expert team at Asphalt Icons can help you achieve top-notch results with efficient, effective solutions that last.
Acrylic
Although not the most common sealcoat choice, acrylic-emulsion is one of the best options for commercial properties that want to protect their asphalt pavement. It is durable, UV resistant, weather resistant and can last up to seven years or more. It is also available in a wide variety of colors. This makes it a popular choice for tennis courts, shopping mall parking lots and other specialty surfaces. Its biggest drawback is that it is typically more expensive than coal tar emulsion and oil-based tars.
This type of sealcoat contains a blend of water and a mineral filled asphalt emulsion that is mixed with polymers to provide flexibility, durability and elasticity. The result is a sealcoat that resists damage from chemicals, deicing salts and oil spills, provides a slip-resistant surface and helps prevent cracks from worsening. It is often a better choice for residential driveways, but it is also effective on larger areas of commercial asphalt pavement that need extra protection.
During the application process, it is important that workers follow standard PPE (personal protective equipment) guidelines to avoid breathing in harmful fumes or particles while spraying the material on pavement. This includes a face mask, rubber gloves and safety glasses or goggles. A respirator may be necessary for large areas or when spraying materials that aren’t water based.
No matter which type of sealcoat you choose for your asphalt, it is crucial that it be applied correctly. The right mix of ingredients, proper drying conditions and a well-trained sealcoat professional will ensure that your driveway or parking lot stays safe and attractive for many years to come. To learn more about how to protect your blacktop surfaces, contact an experienced asphalt repair company in Orlando for a consultation.
