Asphalt is not black, despite what you might have seen. Asphalt is typically a grayish color as you’ve likely seen on parking lots that are older or not well maintained. When you see a black parking lot with a smooth surface, you’re looking at the seal coating. Sealcoat is a petroleum based substance that is applied to the surface of asphalt. The seal coat works because it is flexible, durable, and protects the asphalt from rain and other elements. It also helps to reduce the amount of drying and to crack that can occur with asphalt. From time to time, you’ll need asphalt sealcoating maintenance to keep your driveway or parking lot looking great.
Drying and Cracking
Asphalt can dry out over time. As it dries, it tends to contract from the lack of moisture. That contraction makes it more likely that the driveway or parking lot will start to crack. Those problems can be exacerbated by harsh weather or even something as simple as acorns. The tannins in acorns will slowly eat away at the surface of the asphalt. A seal coat makes sure that the driveway does not dry out and the asphalt does not crack. With routine asphalt sealcoating maintenance in Norwich, CT, you can go for decades without your lot cracking.
You can find more information by visiting the website. Sealcoating is a great way to protect against more than drying and cracking as well.
Oil and Gas
Vehicles drip oil and gas from time to time; these are petroleum products. Since they are petroleum products like your asphalt, they will react with your asphalt. They will slowly eat away at the asphalt, undermining the integrity of the surface. Good asphalt sealcoating maintenance prevents that from happening. Your driveway will stay looking great for years to come if you simply resurface it every few years.
