Most people think of asphalt as pretty low maintenance. This is true, for the most part. However, that doesn't mean that you can just ignore it. In fact, your asphalt installation and maintenance contractor probably suggested that you have the whole surface treated with sealcoating every couple of years to help take care of it. Here's a look at some of the key facts you should understand about sealcoating if you're trying to decide whether or not it's worth the money.

Sealcoating Preserves Your Asphalt's Appearance

One of the most common issues that can occur with asphalt is fading. Exposure to the elements will cause asphalt to fade in color, which leaves it looking weathered and worn. If you're hoping to keep your asphalt parking lot looking like new for many years to come, you should talk with your asphalt contractor about scheduling routine sealcoating. That way, you have a protective layer over the top of the asphalt, preserving it and keeping your parking lot looking new.

Sealcoating Forms A Protective Barrier Against Damage

Many people underestimate the actual benefit of sealcoating and wrongfully assume that it's just about appearances. The truth is that it is far more than just a cosmetic improvement. In fact, you'll find that sealcoating actually forms a barrier against all sorts of threats to your asphalt. It will cover pores that can leave your asphalt vulnerable to water penetration, frost heaves, and chemical damage. Maintaining your asphalt parking lot's sealcoating protects against a lot of these hazards.

Sealcoating Minimizes Snow And Ice Build-Up

Asphalt retains heat drawn from the sun's rays. When your asphalt is sealcoated, that sealcoating will trap the heat of the asphalt between the asphalt layer and the sealcoating. The trapped heat will radiate enough to encourage snow and ice to melt away faster than it would otherwise. This is far more effective than waiting for the direct sunlight to melt snow and ice, and it reduces the risk of slippery conditions in your parking lot.

Sealcoating Performs Best On Solid Surfaces

One thing that many business owners don't realize before sealcoating their asphalt parking lots is that sealcoating depends upon a solid, quality asphalt surface. If you haven't properly maintained your asphalt parking lot, you may find that the surface has cracked. Even shallow alligator cracks can prove problematic for a sealcoating application. As a result, you should make sure that all cracks in your parking lot's asphalt have been properly filled and patched before you schedule your sealcoating application.

These are a few of the things that many business owners don't realize when it comes to protecting their asphalt parking lots with sealcoating. Now that you understand the fundamentals, reach out to an asphalt sealcoating contractor near you for more assistance.