How Are Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating Different?

If you have purchased a new car recently, you are probably familiar with the purpose of the sealcoat that the manufacturer applied over the car’s paint. The sealcoat enhances the car’s appearance, but it also protects its paint job, which protects the underlying metal that comprises the structure of the car. However, sealcoat cannot repair door dings, rust, or scratches. If you think of asphalt paving as being similar to the structure of a car, you can probably deduce the purpose of an asphalt sealcoat.

How Are Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating Different?

When Should I Choose an Asphalt Sealcoat Over Asphalt Paving?

Asphalt sealcoating enhances a pavement’s appearance, restoring its dark color and making the expanse appear more even. The asphalt paving company that built your pavement likely recommended that you sealcoat your new pavement as soon as the curing process was completed. Depending on the time of year, this could be three or four months, but it could also be 10 or 12 months. Your first application of sealcoat should be applied no later than the end of the pavement’s first year of life; repeated applications will be needed every 18 to 30 months. If you cannot remember the last time that you sealed your pavement, the asphalt has faded to an unattractive gray or brown color, or you are preparing to repaint your pavement markings, an asphalt sealcoat application may be the right choice.

When Should I Choose Asphalt Paving Over Asphalt Sealcoating?

Many people mistakenly assume that an asphalt paving company only constructs new pavements. In fact, your paving contractor may perform more jobs related to asphalt resurfacing or patching. Resurfacing is the process of installing a layer of fresh asphalt on top of an existing pavement. If the pavement’s base is in good condition, resurfacing can often serve as a way to get the serviceability and appearance of a reconstructed pavement at a fraction of the cost. Asphalt patching is normally a repair method that is used to fix potholes, alligator cracking, and some types of pavement distress. Because breaks in the pavement, including alligator cracks and potholes, allow water to inflict damage on the foundation, you should call your asphalt company to make repairs as quickly as possible. Conduct an inspection in the spring and autumn to identify problems promptly, then ask your paving contractor to repair any cracks, potholes, or patches of alligator cracking.