Sealcoating

Sealcoating is the process of applying a protective coating to an asphalt parking lot or roadway.  The protective coating is called sealcoat, and is a liquid consisting of emulsions, water, polymer additives, and other fillers and solids.  It can be applied by brush, squeegee or spray method.  Prior to application, the surface must be clean, dry, and above 50 degrees.  Additionally, the product should be applied during daylight hours (above 50 degrees), as sunlight is required for proper curing.

Sealcoating is recommended due to asphalt surfaces going through a natural process called oxidation.  During the process, the asphalt binder (adhesive) breaks down, causing the pavement’s flexible surface to lose its elasticity.  Over time, a loss of flexibility coupled with the sun’s ultraviolet rays, vehicle traffic, oils, rain, and other elements can cause the surface to become brittle and susceptible to failure.  To prevent this deterioration, sealcoating the surface is recommended 6-12 months after new installation and every 2-4 years thereafter.  Sealcoating acts as a protective barrier between the elements and the asphalt surface.

To begin the sealcoating process, our crews will coordinate blocking off the lot or road where sealcoating is to take place.  If an entire lot cannot be closed at once, it can be sealcoated in phases or sections.  Next the surface is cleaned.  Cleaning the surface may involve a combination of sweeping, scraping, liquid weed and grass killer, trimming of weeds and grass, forced air blowing, or power washing.  Once the surface has been properly cleaned and is dry, crack sealing should be performed prior to the sealcoat material being applied.

Once cleaning and crack sealing is completed, the sealcoat material can be applied.  St. Louis Paving is proud to utilize SealMaster (www.sealmaster.net) brand sealcoating products, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pavement sealer and sealcoat.  Unless requested otherwise, we use SealMaster’s highest quality Ultra product, which includes a premixed silica sand additive to assist with pedestrian and vehicle traction.  We also utilize constant mix distribution tanks to prevent material settling and to ensure product consistency during application.

To apply sealcoat material, first the area’s perimeter, islands, and wheel stops are outlined with sealer utilizing a brush or squeegee.  Next, the interior surface area is started.  Depending on the customer’s requirements, sealer can be applied via a squeegee or spray method.  Many factors are considered when determining whether to squeegee or spray an asphalt surface, including but not limited to: Budget, longevity desired, porosity/degradation of the surface, and whether extreme cracking exists throughout.

Once the first coat of sealer has sufficiently dried, often a second coat is applied to provide for a more durable and longer lasting finished product.  Following application of the final coat, we recommend a waiting 24-36 hours for proper curing before reopening the area to traffic.  (Actual cure times will vary, depending on temperature, humidity, and sunlight.)  Although some situations require immediate restriping of the area before reopening to traffic, we find it best to wait 5-7 days before striping if possible.  This is due to vehicle tires often picking up a slight residue from the new sealcoat, which can carry over onto the fresh line striping giving it a dingy appearance.

From its founding as a sealcoating company in 1967, St. Louis Paving has grown to become the area’s preferred contractor for sealcoating, crack sealing, asphalt paving, and concrete flatwork.  Contact us today for a no-charge evaluation and estimate.

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(314) 727-8280

St. Louis Paving, LLC

1415 Ashby Road

St. Louis, MO 63132

Fax: (314) 727-8284

sales@stlouispaving.com