Key Takeaways:
- Before applying a seal coat, it is vital to check that the asphalt surface has been prepared correctly.
- Pressure washing is essential when prepping a parking lot for seal coating.
- Cutting corners when prepping a parking lot for a seal coat can lead to costly repairs.
- Weather can play a part when asphalt seal coating can be successfully applied.
- A professional asphalt paving contractor knows what is equipped with the right tools and machinery to ensure the preparations are done correctly.
If you own a property, undoubtedly, you realize the importance of having a maintained parking lot. After all, it’s essential to your business’s curb appeal and can influence customers’ first impressions.
One way to help protect your asphalt surfaces is by seal coating them — but do you know what steps to take before applying a seal coat?
It’s always best to contact a professional asphalt paving contractor beforehand to understand your options thoroughly. To give you a better idea, let’s discuss best practices for prepping a parking lot for seal coating by discussing some do’s and don’ts and more critical information.
Prepping A Parking Lot For Seal Coating: The Do’s
1. Do Check The Equipment And Asphalt Surface
Before applying a seal coat, it is vital to check that the asphalt surface has been prepared correctly. Any cracks or potholes will need to be filled, and the asphalt should be clean and free of debris or dirt.
2. Do Pressure Wash The Asphalt Surface
Pressure washing is essential when prepping a parking lot for seal coating. It helps remove loose particles from the asphalt’s surface and can help prolong its life. It also makes for a better finish once the seal coat is applied.
3. Do Check For Necessary Repairs
It is essential to check all asphalt surfaces for necessary repairs before applying a seal coat, as this will ensure that they are adequately sealed. Any areas with cracks or holes need to be filled, and the asphalt should be free of dirt or debris.
4. Do Give Yourself Plenty Of Time
When preparing a parking lot for a seal coat, it is essential to give yourself plenty of time. This process can take several days, depending on the size of your asphalt surface and any necessary repairs that need to be done. It is best to allow yourself enough time so everything is done correctly and the asphalt is sealed.
The Don’ts
1. Don’t Cut Corners
Cutting corners when prepping a parking lot for a seal coat can lead to costly repairs. Before applying the seal coat, it is essential to ensure that the asphalt surface is entirely free of dirt and debris.
A professional asphalt paving contractor knows what is necessary to prepare a parking lot for seal coating. They are equipped with the right tools and machinery to ensure everything is done correctly.
2. Don’t Forget About Asphalt Crack Filling
Asphalt crack filling is necessary when prepping a parking lot for a seal coat. Crack filling prolongs asphalt life by preventing water from seeping into it and causing further damage. As such, it should not be skipped over to save time.
3. Don’t Ignore The Weather
Weather can play a part when asphalt seal coating can be successfully applied. It is recommended that asphalt seal coating not be done if temperatures are below 50°F, as the asphalt will not adhere correctly to the surface.
4. Don’t Try To Do It Yourself
Applying a seal coat can be complicated, and it is best left to professionals with years of experience in asphalt paving. In addition, working with an asphalt paving contractor can help you get the utmost out of your parking lot maintenance budget.
Benefits Of Prepping A Parking Lot Before Seal Coating
Saves Time And Money
Prepping asphalt surfaces before seal coating is essential for long-lasting and cost-effective repair. In addition, preparing the asphalt surface can eliminate small cracks and areas of asphalt failure, which could lead to costly asphalt repairs.
Improves Asphalt Appearance
With proper asphalt preparation and seal coating, asphalt surfaces will look new and fresh. Prepping the asphalt surface removes any irregularities that may have occurred before or after installation. It helps to make asphalt surfaces look better and more uniform in color.
Extends Asphalt Life
Seal coating protects asphalt from the elements and extends its lifespan. When a parking lot is prepped, it is protected from water, ultraviolet (UV) rays, vehicle traffic, oil spills, and other potential hazards.
Protects Against Damage
In addition to protecting asphalt from UV rays and moisture damage, prepping an asphalt surface can help reduce damage from vehicle traffic and debris. A professional asphalt paving contractor can quickly repair any asphalt surface with cracks, holes, or other irregularities before the seal coating begins.
Increases Durability
A parking lot that has been adequately prepared before seal coating will last much longer than an asphalt surface that was not prepped. It can save you money since regular parking lot maintenance, and asphalt repair costs can be expensive.
Importance Of Prepping A Parking Lot
When asphalt is prepped correctly, a seal coating can be applied more efficiently. The asphalt contractor will use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure the asphalt surface is clean, level, and free of any irregularities before applying the seal coat. It prevents any premature wear or damage due to poor asphalt preparation.
Here are some myths about seal coating that you want to avoid.
Reasons To Choose An Asphalt Paving Contractor For Parking Lot Maintenance.
Experience
Asphalt repair, seal coating, and resurfacing require different skills and specialized knowledge to be done correctly. An asphalt paving contractor is trained and certified in installation, repair, sanding and edging, joint filling and patching, crack filling and sealing, asphalt striping, painting, and more.
Access To Equipment
An asphalt paving contractor has all the right tools and equipment to do the job. They can access asphalt rollers, spreaders, seal coat tanks, squeegees, saws, and more.
Quality Materials
Contractors use only high-quality materials for asphalt repair and maintenance projects. It ensures that your parking lot is adequately prepared with quality products that will last for years.
Save Money In The Long Run
Many people try to cut corners when it comes to maintenance by taking shortcuts or using substandard materials. Choosing a contractor guarantees you get the highest quality job done correctly, saving you money in the long run.
Prepping a parking lot before seal coating is essential to ensure it is safe and durable. Doing so can save you money and time by adding years to the asphalt’s life span.
Atkins Paving offers a vast range of asphalt paving services in Myrtle Beach, SC. We have served the asphalt industry for over 26 years and ensure quality in all our services. Get a free quote today!
