If you have ever been in an old-fashioned diner, you probably heard the staff using special names for the meals. You might not know what two on a raft means, but the servers and cooks do. If a table of asphalt contractors happened to be seated in the diner, you might hear more unfamiliar terms. They might discuss sealcoat additives, crack sealing, or asphalt paving. Again, you might not know what the different terms mean, but they do. Every industry uses special names or terms that most people would find unfamiliar. Therefore, it is understandable if you are uncertain of how asphalt sealcoating differs from an asphalt pavement installation.
What Is Asphalt Paving?
When asphalt paving contractors construct or reconstruct a pavement, it falls under the category of asphalt paving. If a parking lot paving contractor installs a pavement overlay, it is also considered a commercial paving project. Keep in mind that the pavement overlay or a rebuilt pavement does not need to involve the entire area. Asphalt paving companies often overlay or replace a portion of an existing pavement. For example, an asphalt paving contractor might only overlay a high-use traffic lane or rebuild a section with alligator cracking.
What Is Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is the application of a sealant to the top of an asphalt pavement. Sealcoating is an asphalt maintenance procedure that helps prevent pavement damage, but it also has cosmetic benefits. A high-quality sealant makes asphalt pavements more resistant to chemicals, including automotive fluids. It also blocks UV rays that can make your paving brittle and dry.
What Are the Major Differences Between Asphalt Sealcoating and Paving?
In addition to the obvious differences, the following list covers some of the most critical differences between the two procedures.
1. Asphalt sealcoating is a maintenance procedure, but paving is normally either a capital expense or a repair.
2. Per square foot, sealcoating is a fraction of the cost of a pavement overlay, new pavement, or reconstruction.
3. Sealcoating causes the least disruption to traffic or your business operations as it is faster to complete.
4. An asphalt pavement can last for more than 20 years if you are proactive about repairs and preventive maintenance. Sealcoats, however, typically last for two or three years, then you will need to repeat the procedure.
5. Sealcoating cannot repair an asphalt pavement, but it may cover tiny surface imperfections. Your contractor will need to repair any potholes or significant cracks prior to sealcoating. An overlay or a new pavement should have no imperfections or damages that require repairs. However, asphalt paving contractors do not recommend sealing a new pavement or an overlay immediately. You will need to wait for the excess oil in the asphalt to dissipate before sealing. The time of year, the type of asphalt mix, and the thickness of the pavement can all influence the waiting time. It could be anywhere from two months to nine months, but you should never wait more than one year.
Royal Pavement Solutions is the leading asphalt maintenance and paving contractor on Long Island. Our services include asphalt overlays, commercial paving, asphalt milling, parking lot striping, asphalt repairs, building maintenance, asphalt crack sealing, site work, asphalt sealcoating, concrete work, and parking lot sweeping. We have an exemplary reputation, highly experienced employees, and impeccable references. If you would like to request a free, no-obligation quote, call 844-777-7924, submit the online form, or email [email protected].
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