We have all probably heard the term sealcoating. Here is a quick primer on sealcoating. Simply put, sealcoat is a mixture of liquids and small particle solids (like grains of sand) that provide a protective and restorative quality to asphalt pavements. It’s usually made up of varying amounts of dissolved asphalt, mineral fillers and water. It is typically applied as a spray or using a squeegee or broom. Sealcoat is specifically engineered using oils and materials that are commonly used in asphalt paving. When it’s applied to the surface of asphalt pavement, oils in the sealcoat seep down and help replenish some of the depleted asphalt oils and binder that has dried up over time. At the same time, the tiny asphalt, sand, and mineral particles fill in small cracks and gaps between the pieces of aggregate, making the pavement surface more even and level.Once the oils in asphalt are replenished, the cracks and gaps are filled in and then the asphalt pavement can look almost like new pavement. The sealcoat also provides a protective barrier between the asphalt pavement and harmful elements like UV rays from the sun, water, chemicals and the usual abrasion from traffic.

Asphalt pavement is made up of 95% aggregate-small gravel and sand particles. The remaining 5% is actually asphalt or bitumen. Bitumen is a black, oily sticky substance that binds the gravel and sand particles together. When pavement is new, the asphalt oils are fresh and pliable. This makes the pavement flexible. Over time, the oil will oxidize, dry up and cause the asphalt to be less flexible and more brittle. The reduced volume of asphalt binder will cause the tiny gravel particles on the surface to be exposed. They will begin to loosen from the pavement. This is called raveling. When sealcoat is applied, the asphalt oils are reintroduced and restores some of the pavement’s original flexibility. Sealcoat will protect the exposed aggregate and prevent raveling.

Sealcoat is one of the most cost effective maintenance projects you can do to preserve your asphalt pavement. New asphalt paving costs an average of $2-4 per square foot, while sealcoating costs a tiny fraction of this. When asphalt pavement is regularly maintained with sealcoat, it lasts about 20-25 years.

Regular application to paving can save property owners thousands of dollars. Typically, we recommend a fresh sealcoating every 2 to 3 years. This depends upon weather and normal wear and tear conditions.

If you’re looking for a quality asphalt sealcoating service, look no further than Provantage Paving. We have years of experience in the industry, and we know how to get the job done right. We’ll work with you to maintain and schedule regular maintenance for your paving project so that it lasts for years to come. If you are considering other options, we also do concrete driveways, access and walkways.

We know what we’re doing and we do it well. If you want quality sealcoating service at a fair price, contact us today to get started. You can reach us by filling out our free estimate form below. No sales calls. No pressure. No hassles. Just a risk-free estimate. We look forward to hearing from you today!