A fresh application of a top-quality sealcoat can often make an asphalt pavement look new again. However, asphalt paving and asphalt sealcoating are two very different things. One way to think about the two procedures is to consider a wooden table. The table provides a structure to which varnish can be applied to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Following this analogy, asphalt paving is the structure, and sealcoating is the varnish that delivers both protective and aesthetic benefits. In addition, paving and sealcoating have differences in longevity, cost, and technique.
What Are the Differences in Longevity Between Asphalt Sealcoating and Asphalt Paving?
The useful life of an asphalt pavement will depend on the quality of its construction, the amount and type of traffic it supports, and the care it receives. To give you a rough idea, a typical asphalt parking lot that receives timely repairs and professional maintenance should have a life ranging from 20 to 25 years. Without repairs and maintenance, the pavement will likely fail in 10 to 12 years. Asphalt sealcoating in Birmingham AL typically lasts between two and three years before it needs a fresh application. Sealcoating parking lots can impact whether they reach their maximum life expectancy or in half that time.
What Are the Differences in Cost Between Sealcoating and Asphalt Paving?
Most contractors include new pavements, overlays, and patches in the asphalt paving category. Therefore, the actual cost can vary significantly. However, per square foot, a paving contractor will charge six to eight times as much as a local Birmingham sealcoating contractor.
What Are the Differences in Technique Between Sealcoating and Asphalt Paving?
Paving contractors need heavy equipment to transport, place, and compact the subgrade and asphalt courses. Sealcoating contractors do not need to worry about those tasks, so their needs are more basic. Ideally, a Birmingham asphalt sealcoating company should have a sealcoating tank with an agitator to keep the mix in suspension, an assortment of squeegees for accessing tight areas, and at least one high-quality sprayer. Typically, when sealcoating parking lots, contractors use sprayers because they are the most efficient way to cover large, open expanses. Most local Birmingham asphalt sealcoating jobs require the application of a second coat of sealant after the first coat is dry. Depending on the weather and the size of the job, a sealcoating company can often apply both coats of sealant and the parking lot striping in a single workday. Although patching and some other asphalt paving projects can be completed quickly, most of them require much more time than asphalt sealcoating.
Whom Should I Call for Asphalt Sealcoating in Birmingham AL?
The Surface Masters provides an extensive range of pavement-related services, including asphalt sealcoating, asphalt paving, milling and reclamation, asphalt repair, pavement markings, crack sealing, and concrete work. We have an exemplary reputation that is based on our superior workmanship, courteous and professional service, and dependability. We would be delighted to provide you with a free quote. You can complete our online form, call 470-557-8985, or email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com to send us your information.
