Asphalt Sealcoating Thickness: When More Isn’t Better
Asphalt Sealcoating Thickness: When More Isn’t Better
Asphalt sealcoating can do wonders for your driveway, parking lot, loading dock, and other paved surfaces. It’s a transformative service that restores your asphalt’s glossy black finish while providing much-needed protection against the elements and wear. There are plenty of great benefits to enjoy after working with a trusted sealcoating contractor. Many assume that, when it comes to asphalt sealcoating, thickness is better. However, that’s not always the case. Read on to learn more about asphalt sealcoat thickness and its impact on your pavement.
Is More Sealcoat Thickness Better?
More coverage for sealcoating in Dallas Texas is better, but that doesn’t mean contractors should apply a single, thick layer. The correct approach is to apply thin layers.
Many assume that thicker is better because it produces a richer, more opaque finish. However, that approach can lead to issues with curing. Dallas asphalt sealcoating companies use specially formulated sealers that cure via evaporation. The process can take up to 48 hours after application, but applying a thicker layer will extend that timeline and create numerous issues that compromise beauty and protection.
What Happens When a Seal coating Company Applies Too Much Sealer?
A trusted sealcoating contractor works hard to produce results that are aesthetically pleasing, highly protective, and long-lasting. However, thicker applications can produce unsightly, inferior results.
•Slow Cure Times: As mentioned earlier, sealcoating takes up to 48 hours to cure. Asphalt sealcoating companies prepare sealers before application, creating a formula that’s 40 percent water by volume or more. After application, the water content evaporates. When applied thickly, the sealer will take much longer to cure. That means more downtime for your property or business.
•Uneven Curing: Another problem a sealcoating company will encounter with thick applications is uneven curing. The sealer cures from the top down. With a thick application, the upper layer may cure and trap the wet sealer beneath.
•Trapped Moisture: Uneven curing traps moisture between your pavement and the cured sealer. That water can damage your asphalt and create tracks when vehicles drive on it.
•Cracking and Peeling: Thicker sealcoating in Dallas Texas is notorious for quickly peeling and flaking. The sealer doesn’t cure and bond correctly. As a result, it can’t hold up to everyday traffic.
•Lackluster Protection: With peeling, flaking, and uneven curing comes poor protection. Sealcoating in Dallas Texas is all about damage prevention, but improper application can leave your pavement exposed.
How Do the Best Asphalt Sealcoating Companies Ensure Appropriate Application Thickness?
Dallas asphalt sealcoating companies can apply sealer in various ways, including using squeegees and sprayers. There’s no right or wrong way to apply the product. A skilled sealcoating company knows how to use a squeegee to push the product into the pavement while carefully controlling thickness.
Those who aren’t as comfortable with squeegee work may rely on sprayers. Asphalt sealcoating sprayers can control the amount of product applied. Either way, asphalt sealcoating companies need experience to manage sealer thickness carefully, ensuring it’s not too thick to cause curing issues.
How Can a Seacoating Company Optimize Protection Without Overdoing Asphalt Sealcoating Thickness?
During sealcoating projects, thicker applications aren’t ideal. However, more coverage is better. What’s important is that Dallas asphalt sealcoating companies build up coverage with multiple coats rather than a single thick one.
The best sealcoating contractor will apply at least two thin coats, allowing the first layer to dry before proceeding with the next. In high-traffic areas, your sealcoating company may apply additional coats to ensure optimal protection and longevity.
Legacy Paving has more than a decade of experience caring for asphalt surfaces throughout the Dallas area. We know what works and what doesn’t, always doing things by the book and applying our skills to produce the amazing results you deserve. Our priority is to ensure that your pavement lasts as long as possible, and we go the extra mile to make that happen.
In addition to sealcoating, we offer new asphalt paving, repairs, milling, reclamation, concrete sidewalks, parking lot striping, maintenance, and more. We’re also eager to provide free quotes. You can get yours by calling Legacy Paving at (214) 771-5726, emailing info@legacypavingtx.com, or submitting our online contact form.
