Asphalt isn’t something you can put down and then simply ignore. It has to be maintained, and it actually needs work done fairly frequently. Whether you’re a commercial parking lot owner or a residential homeowner with an asphalt driveway, you’ll be getting your asphalt fixed up at least once every 2 years unless you’re neglecting it.
However, there are two ways to fix up asphalt. There’s asphalt patching, and there’s seal coating the asphalt.
Today, we’re going to go over sealcoating and asphalt patching methods and compare the benefits.
What is Sealcoating?
Sealcoating involves spreading a chemical sealant over the top of the asphalt. The sealant is kind of like paint on a door. It prevents the elements from damaging the core material beneath that protective layer.
This is a relatively quick fix, and it provides numerous benefits we’ll be talking about shortly.
What is Asphalt Patching?
Asphalt patching involves repairing the asphalt itself in small areas. If an area in a driveway or parking lot starts to sink or crack, new asphalt can be professionally applied in a way that patches everything up and prevents further damage from occurring.
This can only be done so many times before you need to lay down new asphalt, but it does stretch the life of your asphalt surface considerably.
Benefits of Sealcoating:
Sealcoating and asphalt patching are two completely different approaches to asphalt maintenance. Here are the ways that seal-coating asphalt surfaces can help.
1: Protection from Water Damage
Water is one of the biggest problems asphalt faces. If there are any cracks present, water seeps in and makes those cracks bigger. It can either wash away more asphalt, or it can get into the ground layer below and cause a ground shift that splits the crack more. Eventually, potholes, large cracks, and other noticeable problems occur.
However, seal coating prevents that. It’s waterproof, and as long as the seal is in place, there’s no way for water to get in.
2: Chemical Protection
Cars constantly leak oil and other harsh chemicals onto asphalt. Especially commercial parking lots where thousands of cars travel on the asphalt every day. That breaks down the asphalt quickly, and it can end up being a very costly problem.
Sealing your asphalt prevents that as long as the seal is intact.
3: UV Light Protection
Finally, sealcoating asphalt protects it from UV rays. These rays cause it to break down a lot faster than it should, and you can’t really avoid them since they’re in sunlight.
What Sealcoating is Best for?
While sealcoating asphalt is absolutely essential, it does have some drawbacks. Namely, it doesn’t fix any existing problems. If there are cracks, simply seal coating the asphalt will just provide a protective layer from further damage. That’s if the sealant is applied properly and seals up the cracks. However, the underlying damage will still be there, and the asphalt will be weaker.
This is why it’s important to get your asphalt sealed as soon as it’s installed and then keep up with its resealing requirements every 2 years.
Benefits of Asphalt Patching
Asphalt patching resolves different problems than seal coating. Whereas seal coating is a preventative measure, asphalt patching is a direct solution to damage.
Here are some of the things asphalt patching can fix.
1: Isolated Cracks
If there are isolated spots that have been damaged and cracked, asphalt patching can be used to fill in those cracks and prevent them from getting bigger.
Unlike simply seal coating over cracks, actually adding more asphalt helps bond the asphalt back together and makes it more resistant to damage.
2: Minor Potholes
Potholes tend to form from water seeping in through cracks or working its way under the asphalt from surrounding exposed ground.
That water starts to either erode the ground beneath the asphalt over time or shift it entirely. Either way, the asphalt no longer supports itself, and it creates a divot in the asphalt that can damage cars, trip customers, etc.
This is what asphalt patching is mostly used for. The asphalt divot is filled in with fresh asphalt and smoothed to make a seamless patch, and since the ground beneath it is settled again, the patch holds.
What is Asphalt Patching Good for?
Asphalt patching is best used for relatively isolated bits of damage. It’s not an optimal solution when the asphalt has been allowed to fall into such disrepair that you’d be “patching” a huge portion of it.
It also doesn’t do as much to prevent further damage. If there’s a drainage issue, a lack of seal coating, or anything like that, the same thing that caused the issue will cause it to happen again in time.
Also, patching isn’t something you can do indefinitely. Eventually, you’ll have to get your parking lot or driveway remade. This is usually required every 15 to 30 years because the asphalt simply gets too old and in too much disrepair to warrant lesser repairs.
Is Sealcoating or Asphalt Patching Better?
Sealcoating and asphalt patching aren’t really at odds. They’re two solutions that complement each other.
First, if there is any noticeable damage to the asphalt, asphalt patching can help you bring your driveway or parking lot back up to par and stop the problem. Then, if you seal the asphalt, you get a protective layer that will keep that problem from returning a couple of years down the line. When you use both of these methods to repair your asphalt, you get a more reliable result that stands a better chance of lasting the entirety of the asphalt’s expected lifespan.
Get Professional Sealcoating and Patching Asphalt Services
One thing both these solutions have in common is that they need to be implemented by trained professionals. If not done properly, they simply won’t do their jobs as intended.
You need an asphalt maintenance and repair service you can trust to get the job done right the first time, and Barnes Asphalt is here to help.
Barnes Asphalt is the premier choice for asphalt maintenance and repair services in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas. With over 30 years of experience, we have established ourselves as industry leaders in providing high-quality sealcoating, parking lot striping, asphalt paving, asphalt milling, and other asphalt solutions. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to delivering exceptional results, ensuring that your asphalt surfaces remain in top condition for years to come. Whether you need routine maintenance or extensive repairs, you can rely on Barnes Asphalt to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive range of services and how we can help you maintain your asphalt surfaces.