Sealcoating Parking Lot

Sealcoating Parking Lot: Why Do They Seal Coat a Parking Lot?

Sealcoating a parking lot offers several benefits, including protection from the elements, prevention of water intrusion, slowing down deterioration, easier cleaning, and improved aesthetics. It extends the lifespan of the asphalt, enhances curb appeal, and reduces the need for costly repairs.

Maintaining your parking lot requires an important step called sealcoating. Sealcoating involves applying a protective layer to the asphalt surface.

This layer helps protect your parking lot from damage caused by UV rays, water, and everyday use. By doing this, you not only increase the lifespan of your parking lot but also improve its appearance and reduce the need for expensive repairs in the future.

Without sealcoating, your parking lot may develop serious damages in just a few years. With proper care, it can last as long as 20 years.

In this article, we will learn in detail about seal coating, its benefits, when do to it, how to do and the cost. 

What is sealcoating?

Sealcoating is a protective layer that is applied to asphalt parking lots. It involves applying a mixture of sealcoating materials, like asphalt emulsion or coal tar, onto the pavement’s surface.

Sealcoating Parking Lot Why Do They Seal Coat a Parking Lot
Sealcoating Parking Lot: Why Do They Seal Coat a Parking Lot?

Benefits of Sealcoating Parking Lots

Let’s know the benefits of  sealcoating parking lots  in details: 

Protection against weather elements

Rain and snow can damage a parking lot, but sealcoating provides protection against these weather conditions. When you sealcoat your parking lot, you are essentially making it weatherproof. This prevents water from seeping into the pavement, which can cause cracks and potholes.

By doing this simple maintenance task, you can avoid costly repairs in the future. The sealcoating process involves applying a protective layer over the surface of the parking lot. This layer acts as a barrier, shielding the pavement from rain, snow, and harmful UV rays.

Prevents oxidation and erosion

When you sealcoat, it’s like putting a protective shield on the pavement to prevent oxidation and erosion. This helps to keep your parking lot in good condition and make it last longer. Regular sealcoating also helps to keep the asphalt strong, which means less maintenance in the future.

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It acts as a barrier against things that can harm the pavement, like UV rays, oil spills, and water damage. It’s best to hire a professional to apply the sealcoat correctly and evenly for the best results. While there are DIY options available, it’s recommended to get a professional for better outcomes.

It might seem more expensive at first, but in the long run, sealcoating saves you money by reducing the need for costly repairs and resurfacing.

Enhances the appearance of the parking lot

Sealcoating your pavement professionally will make your parking lot look much better. It also has other advantages.

First, it makes your parking area more durable by protecting it from bad weather and stopping cracks and potholes from appearing. This makes it safer for people and cars because the surface is smooth and even.

Second, sealcoating increases the value of your property because it gives your parking lot a fresh and well-maintained appearance, which impresses potential customers or tenants. It also saves you money on maintenance because it helps prevent expensive repairs and makes your pavement last longer.

Increases the lifespan of the parking lot

Investing in professional sealcoating can greatly extend the lifespan of your parking lot, ensuring it stays in good condition for many years. Sealcoating offers several advantages, such as longer durability, decreased maintenance requirements, improved strength, and better protection against harsh weather and daily wear and tear.

By applying a layer of sealant, you create a protective barrier that shields your pavement from harmful UV rays, moisture, and chemicals. This barrier prevents cracks, potholes, and fading, which could lead to expensive repairs and replacements. Regular sealcoating also reduces the need for frequent maintenance, saving you both time and money in the long term.

When to Sealcoat a Parking Lot

It is generally recommended to sealcoat every three years to maintain the pavement’s condition and prevent further damage. However, asphalt parking lots should be seal coated within 12-18 months after installation, and the sealer can be applied six months after the asphalt parking lot is paved. 

Sealcoating is best performed in warm, dry weather with a temperature of at least 60°F and rising. Two coats of sealer should be applied, with the first coat allowed to dry thoroughly before applying the second coat. The final coat of sealer should dry and cure for at least 24 hours before opening to traffic. 

The amount of sealer applied per coat and the coverage rates should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

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High traffic volumes may require a third coat of sealer, and regions with harsh winter weather may experience faster sealcoat wear. Sealcoating provides a protective waterproof barrier for the asphalt, protecting it from water seepage and micro-cracks.

Signs that a parking lot needs sealcoating

One of the signs that a parking lot needs sealcoating is when you start to see cracks and potholes forming. These signs happen because of wear and tear over time from heavy traffic and exposure to the weather.

Doing regular maintenance and sealcoating can help stop further damage and make your parking lot last longer. If you want to do it yourself, you can find DIY sealcoating kits with step-by-step instructions. But it’s better to hire professionals for a more thorough and lasting result. Professionals have the knowledge and tools to apply the sealcoating correctly.

It’s important to think about the long-term benefits of sealcoating, as it can protect against UV rays, water damage, and save you money on future repairs.

Frequency of sealcoating

To keep your pavement in good condition, it’s important to know how often you should apply sealcoating. The frequency of sealcoating your parking lot depends on a few factors. Generally, it’s recommended to have your parking lot sealcoated every two to three years. 

However, this can change depending on how much traffic your lot gets, the weather conditions, and the overall condition of your pavement. Regular sealcoating has many benefits, like protecting your pavement from UV rays, preventing water damage, and improving its appearance.

How to Sealcoat a Parking Lot

To properly sealcoat a parking lot, you first need to get the surface ready. This means cleaning up any mess, fixing cracks or holes, and making sure the surface is smooth.

After that, you can apply the sealcoat using a sprayer or squeegee, making sure to cover everything evenly.

Lastly, let the sealcoat dry and cure for the right amount of time before letting any cars on the surface.

Step 1: Preparation of the parking lot

Make sure you clean the parking lot thoroughly before applying the sealcoat. It’s important to do a good job preparing the surface for a successful sealcoating.

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Start by cleaning the entire parking lot, getting rid of any debris, dirt, or oil stains. You can use a power washer or a broom and brush to make sure the surface is clean.

Then, check for any cracks in the parking lot and fill them properly with a crack filler. This step is important because it stops water from getting into the cracks and causing more damage.

Once the surface is clean and the cracks are filled, you can apply the sealcoat. Just follow the instructions from the manufacturer and use a squeegee or sprayer to put on an even coat of sealcoat.

Let the sealcoat dry completely before you open the parking lot to traffic. It’s important to be patient during the drying process to make sure the sealcoat lasts a long time and is durable.

Step 2: Application of sealcoat

Now that you’ve prepared your parking lot for sealcoating, let’s talk about how to apply it.

There are different ways to do this, depending on your preferences and the size of your parking lot. You can hire sealcoating professionals who have the right tools and knowledge to give your parking lot a professional look that will last a long time.

If you want to do it yourself, just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use good-quality sealcoating products. These products are made to protect your asphalt from things like UV rays, oil spills, and water damage. Apply the sealcoat evenly and in thin layers to make sure everything is covered properly.

With the right technique and products, your parking lot will look new and be well-protected for years to come.

Step 3: Drying and curing time

The time it takes for sealcoat to dry and cure can vary depending on the weather and the type of sealcoating product used. Drying time is how long it takes for the sealcoat to become dry to the touch, while curing is when the sealcoat completely hardens.

There are a few factors that can affect drying time, like temperature, humidity, and sunlight. To make sure the sealcoat dries properly, it’s important to pick a dry and sunny day with temperatures above 50°F. It also helps to apply thin coats and let each coat dry completely before adding the next one.

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According to Florida asphalt paving experts from ABC Paving, it takes about 24 to 48 hours for the protective layer to dry.

Some common mistakes during drying include applying the sealcoat too thick or not giving enough time between coats, which can lead to uneven drying and poor adhesion.

Cost of Sealcoating a Parking Lot

The cost of sealcoating a parking lot can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the job, additional preparation needed, and the type of sealer used.The average cost of sealcoating ranges from $0.08 to $0.30 per square foot. 

For a typical 25,000 square foot parking lot, the cost could be approximately $3,200. DIY sealcoating can cost between $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot, but it requires time and effort. Professional sealcoating can cost between $48 to $180 for a 600 square foot parking space. The cost can also depend on the number of coats and repairs needed.

The average cost of paving a parking lot is between $2.50 and $7 per square foot.

The cost of sealcoating a parking lot can vary based on a few factors. These factors include the size of the parking lot, the condition of the asphalt, and the location.

It’s also important to compare the cost of sealcoating with other parking lot maintenance options to find the most affordable solution for your needs.

FAQs

What is the importance of Sealcoating?

Sealcoating your parking lot is really important because it protects the asphalt from things like UV rays, moisture, and chemicals. This helps the asphalt last longer and reduces the need for expensive repairs. When you think about the cost of maintaining your parking lot, sealcoating is a smart investment.

It involves applying a protective coating to the surface of the asphalt, which acts as a barrier against the elements. This not only extends the life of your parking lot but also saves you money in the long run. By preventing damage from UV rays, moisture, and chemicals, you can avoid costly repairs and resurfacing.

On top of the financial benefits, sealcoating is also good for the environment. It reduces the need for new asphalt, which saves resources and energy. There may be other options out there, but sealcoating is still the most effective and cost-efficient way to maintain your parking lot.

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Can I do sealcoating myself or do I need to hire a professional?

You have the option to do sealcoating yourself (DIY) or hire a professional. DIY sealcoating can save on labor costs and may be manageable for small areas. It also gives you control over the process. However, hiring a professional ensures high-quality results, saves time and effort, and utilizes specialized equipment. 

The cost of professional sealcoating can range from $0.08 to $0.30 per square foot, while DIY costs range from $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot. Ultimately, the decision depends on factors like the size of the parking lot and your comfort level with the task. 

Conclusion

Sealcoating your parking lot is important because it helps protect the asphalt from damage by weather and traffic. It also improves the overall appearance of the parking lot.

Regularly sealcoating your parking lot is recommended to make it last longer, save on repair costs, and create a safe and visually attractive space for your customers or employees.