Monday, July 9, 2012

The Importance Of Asphalt Sealcoating

By Elinor Tran


Asphalt, also known as blacktop or tarmac, is used for road and public parking areas. To make this material, asphalt cement, sand, and small rocks are mixed and then heated. This causes them to glue together and become liquid, looking like black tar. After it is applied to roads or parking lots, it needs to be coated by companies such as a asphalt sealcoating Newark DE company.

Special preparation must be made prior to pouring blacktop. This requires the work of specialists in the field who are acquainted with the heavy equipment and special machinery involved. In addition, any concrete, vegetation, or other materials must be removed prior to excavating the area, preparing the base, and conducting the final pouring.

Once the material is poured, it takes approximately two days to dry. At this time, it is important to seal coat the entire area. Blacktop seal coating is a mixture of emulsified asphalt, water, mineral fillers, and other products which provide a protective covering for the entire area.

After being poured blacktop appears to be waterproof but in reality is porous and can deteriorate overtime. It is the seepage of water and other materials that cause it to weaken and crack. If there is no seal the cracks will become larger causing more and more deterioration.

When sealant is applied it protects damage from the sun, water, chemicals, oils and other things. In addition to offering this protection, it also provides an attractive finish. The life of the blacktop is greatly extended with this application.

Companies such as asphalt sealcoating Newark DE have skilled and experienced personnel who can expertly apply this necessary protection against damage to these areas. When blacktop is properly cared for, it can last as long as 20 to 30 years. Seal coating is the method to use to insure this long life and is much less expensive than removing and replacing an entire area.




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