Your parking lot is more than just a place to park vehicles.
As a part of your property’s overall aesthetic, a well-mainted parking lot can say a lot for your business by playing a large part in your businesses overall curb-appeal and customer satisfaction.
Ideally, you would like your asphalt surface to continue performing well and look great for years to come and the way to do this is actually quite simple – asphalt sealing. Better known as, sealcoating.
What is sealcoating?
If you currently have an asphalt parking surface at your commercial property, you’ve probably heard of asphalt sealcoating more than once.
Put simply, sealcoating is an important part of pavement maintenance and considered a preventative measure you can, and should, take to:
- Protect from further parking lot damage and harmful elements
- Extend the service life of your pavement
- Maintain the integrity of your investment
- Enhance the look of your property as a whole
Also referred to as pavement sealing, or asphalt sealing, sealcoating involves applying a thin layer of asphalt-based aggregate to your existing asphalt to form an extra layer or membrane on top of your existing surface.
When should I apply sealcoat?
It usually begins with a simple dent, pit or rut. Often unseen but hardly harmless, it’s the first phase of a progressively destructive – and potentially costly – process.
If you spot these signs in your asphalt, we recommend considering a new layer of sealcoat:
- Cracking
- Pothole
- Discoloration
- Damaged areas
- Puddles
We recommend you consider sealcoating as part of an ongoing and budgeted maintenance program instead of as a remedial process once damage has been discovered.
What are the benefits of sealcoating asphalt?
There are numerous benefits of sealcoating asphalt, whether you desire to extend its lifespan, protect against the elements, or boost curb-appeal.
Here are a few of our favorite benefits of sealcoating asphalt surfaces routinely.
Protects against sun and weather
Beneath the harsh Florida sun and rain — or with the snow and ice of northern climates — water, moisture, salt and air seep into the breach, oxidizing the surrounding material and further deteriorating the asphalt and underlayment. Drainage is reduced. Weather-proofing capabilities are lost.
What does this mean for you? It means less…
- Drying
- Fading
- Cracking
- Damage associated with the freeze and thaw cycle
Cost-effective in the long run
Being subject to constant asphalt repairs quickly adds up and takes its toll on the bottom line. Sealcoating is a great way to extend the life of your asphalt surface and reduce long-term repair costs.
When applied to a surface in relatively good condition, one application of sealcoating can last upwards of 3 years. Environmental damage and extreme weather can erode sealcoat and asphalt surfaces over time. However, consistent sealcoating treatments will extend the life of your asphalt by 30-50 years.
According to Girish C. Dubey, a member of the Pavement Coatings Technology Council, “Cost savings will be a substantial 65% if the pavement is maintained regularly. Estimated savings for a 10,000-sq.-yd. asphalt pavement are $127,000 over 15 years.”
Compared with an un-maintained asphalt parking lot, the savings approach one third the cost, Dubey writes, and can yield a three-fold increase in an asphalt driveway’s lifespan.
To get an accurate price estimate to sealcoat your commercial lot fill out our form for a free estimate.
Improves safety for employees and customers
Safety doesn’t tend to be the first thing many property owners think of when considering the investment to sealcoat their commercial parking lot. But, by sealcoating your lot you are making the surface even and level for pedestrians which reduces trips and falls and also makes it easier to keep your lot clean and free of debris.
Additionally, sealcoating aids driver and pedestrian navigation when done in conjunction with parking lot striping. When done together, you are improving visibility and traffic flow. This also can help your commercial property comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to ADA parking lot compliance: handicapped parking and accessibility.
Schedule Sealcoating and Asphalt Repairs for Your Florida Property With DMI Paving & Sealcoating
Whether you’re ready to enjoy the advantages sealcoating has to offer or your commercial lot is ready for its next coat, we’re ready to help. Contact us today.
Not sure you’re ready to make the commitment? Take the first step and get a FREE estimate for your commercial lot today.
