Asphalt sealcoating is an important maintenance task that can help your pavement stay in good condition for many decades. It’s not a service you need every year, but Tampa asphalt sealcoating can be disruptive to your business. As a result, many property owners and inexperienced contractors may attempt to speed up the sealcoating process by applying a thick coat.
But is a thicker layer better? Or will applying a thick coat of sealer cause more problems than it’s worth?
What is Asphalt Sealcoating?
Asphalt sealcoating in Tampa is a necessary service you can’t do without. Despite how strong asphalt looks and feels, it’s not immune to damage. Exposure to Florida heat and rain can take a toll over time.
UV damage causes oxidation within your asphalt binders. When that happens, your pavement will become brittle, less pliable and more prone to cracking. Eventually, small voids will allow water to seep into your pavement’s foundation, resulting in serious structural integrity issues and costly repairs.
Sealcoating prevents that from happening. When you hire an asphalt sealcoating company, you invest in your pavement’s long-term protection. During your sealcoating appointment, teams will apply at least two thin coats of product to every inch of your pavement.
After curing, the sealer will form a protective barrier that shields the asphalt from UV rays, water penetration, vehicle leaks and more.
How Should Contractors Apply Sealer?
Tampa asphalt sealcoating is a straightforward process, but there is a right and a wrong way to do things. Understanding what the process should look like will give you the know-how to ensure your asphalt sealcoating company is providing the top-quality results you need.
A seasoned asphalt sealcoating contractor will begin by preparing the surface. That includes cleaning the pavement, blasting dirt away from cracks and prepping oil stains. Once the asphalt is dry, teams will use sprayers, brushes and squeegees to apply a thin coat of sealer.
After that dries, they can apply another once and allow the product to cure for up to 48 hours before your pavement is ready for use.
Why is Thicker Asphalt Sealcoating a Bad Idea?
Contrary to popular belief, thicker is not better for asphalt sealcoating in Tampa! A single thick coat is not better than multiple thin coats. Attempting to save time with thick applications will only lead to more issues.
The problem that your sealcoating company will encounter is improper curing. Thick coats don’t cure evenly. That results in cracking and peeling. Instead of offering protection, you’ll have a mess of sealcoating product everywhere, creating a huge eyesore.
Thick coats are also prone to tracking. Vehicles will leave marks when they drive over your pavement.
All these issues combined result in less pavement protection. Furthermore, thick coats wear down much faster. Therefore, you’d have to get new sealcoating sooner than the three to five-year standard.
How Can I Minimize Disruptions During My Tampa Sealcoating Service?
If downtime and disruptions are a concern, discuss your options with your asphalt sealcoating contractor. Most companies are more than willing to develop a plan that helps keep part of your parking lot open. For example, teams can sealcoat one section of your pavement at a time, ensuring that part of your lot is operational.
Let Line Striping of Tampa Bay cover all your asphalt maintenance needs. We’re experts in asphalt sealcoating in Tampa, proudly serving property owners throughout the area for many years. We know how important your parking lot is to your business, so we work hard to work quickly and efficiently while giving your pavement all the protection it needs. You can turn to us for sealcoating, bollard installation, concrete stops, striping, stencils and more.
Ready to discuss your project and get a free quote? Contact Line Striping of Tampa Bay by phone at (727)800-5987, via email at contact@paintmyparkinglot.com or through our online contact form.
