School facilities in Chicago with asphalt paving on parking lots, bus loading areas and more require ongoing asphalt sealcoating. Schools, colleges, education centers and more are like any other commercial or municipal. They rely on asphalt paving to keep people safe. Sealcoating for educational facilities ensures that pavement stays in good shape for as long as possible.
Here’s what you need to know about sealcoating and its importance for educational facilities in Chicago.
What is Sealcoating for Educational Facilities?
Chicago sealcoating is a service that all asphalt pavement needs. Sealcoating is a maintenance task that involves applying a thin coat of asphalt emulsion sealer onto the surface of asphalt paving. Its purpose is to protect from the onslaught of damage pavement can experience.
Over time, continual use, exposure to the elements and chemical leaks from vehicles take a toll. It doesn’t take long for the binders in asphalt to oxidize, making surfaces brittle and prone to cracking. Once cured, asphalt sealcoating forms a protective barrier over pavement, restoring its looks and preventing premature deterioration for years of functionality.
Educational facility sealcoating is crucial for long-term pavement care in schools, college campuses and more.
In addition to providing years of protection, it also makes pavement safer and less prone to damage. Staying on top of sealcoating allows administrators and property managers to prevent costly repair work and early reconstruction.
What Happens During an Asphalt Sealcoating Service Appointment?
Educational institution sealcoating begins with a thorough inspection. School facilities use pavement in everything from parking lots to bus drop-off zones. Contractors will inspect it all to ensure it’s the right time for sealcoating and identify any potential issues that need addressing first.
From there, teams will block off the area to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from venturing onto the pavement. The sealer needs time to cure, and paving will be inaccessible.
Teams will take time to prepare the surface before applying sealcoating for school facilities. Preparation includes cleaning the pavement to eliminate dirt, debris and vegetation. Contractors may also clean up grass edging and pre-treat oil stains.
Once dry and ready, sealcoating experts apply thin coats of the sealer using various tools. Each layer needs time to dry, so it may take multiple days to coat all paving on the property.
After curing, contractors will inspect the surface to ensure optimal bonding and remove blockades to open your pavement up for use.
What Should Administration Consider Before Investing in Sealcoating for Educational Facilities?
It’s important to remember that educational institution sealcoating is not a fix-all solution to major repair problems. The thin coat of sealer will fill hairline cracks. However, it won’t address larger voids, potholes, sunken spots, etc.
Before you hire a team for Chicago sealcoating, invest in repairs. Effective repairs combined with asphalt sealcoating are the ticket to long-lasting paved surfaces!
Another thing administrators should consider is the impact sealcoating for school facilities can have on the property. It can be disruptive, so scheduling service appointments around busy times is worth it. For many schools, that’s during vacation periods. But if it’s necessary, contractors can work in sections to minimize disruptions.
How Often is Sealcoating for School Facilities Necessary?
Fortunately, school facilities don’t need to invest in Chicago sealcoating yearly. Most properties only need it every three to five years.
There are a few ways to tell that it’s time for this maintenance service. Generally, discoloration and crack development are the first indicators. If you’re unsure, you can contact contractors for an inspection.
Blackhawk Paving & Construction is Chicago’s leading provider of educational institution sealcoating. We’ve been in this business for nearly 50 years! Our company has come this far because we prioritize the needs of our clients. We know how to complete projects promptly and effectively while minimizing disruptions to businesses, schools and properties as much as possible.
At Blackhawk Paving & Construction, we’re proud to offer many services to help you get and maintain great paving. These include new asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, repairs, crack sealing, parking lot markings, excavation, site grading, pavement reclamation and more.
Ready for your free quote? Call Blackhawk today at (708) 787-8765. If you prefer, you can also submit your information through our online contact form or email us at info@blackhawkpaving.com.
