Although asphalt pavements are surprisingly durable, they are not invulnerable. Automotive fluids, harsh weather, and heavy traffic can cause or exacerbate pavement damage. Fortunately, a highly economical procedure known as asphalt sealcoating can help protect against the premature deterioration of asphalt pavements in Austin.

What Is Asphalt Sealcoating?

Asphalt sealcoating companies purchase concentrated sealants from manufacturers, then they prepare a liquid mixture of sealant, water, and sand. The liquid mix is what your Austin sealcoating contractor will apply to your pavement. As your Austin asphalt sealcoating dries and cures, the particles it contains knit together to create a tough barrier that bonds with the pavement. This barrier is highly effective at blocking the sun’s damaging rays as well as other destructive forces, including automotive fluids.

Is Sealcoating Effective When Applied in Areas With Heavy Traffic?

Sealcoating is especially beneficial for pavements or areas that receive a high volume of vehicles. Parking lot exits and entrances, drive thru lanes, and passenger loading and unloading zones are a few examples of common high-traffic areas. However,  sealcoating in Austin TX is not as straightforward as you might think. Therefore, you want to make sure that you hire an experienced, trustworthy Austin asphalt sealcoating company to handle your job.

How Should Contractors Apply Asphalt Sealcoating?

There are certain things that a sealcoating company should and should not do when sealing a pavement. If your asphalt sealcoating contractor adheres to the industry’s best practices, heavily trafficked areas should not present any problems.

1. Sealcoating companies should prepare the pavement properly. Preparation includes a thorough cleaning, the repair of any substantial cracks or other breaks, and the removal of grass or weeds that are encroaching on the pavement.
2. Austin asphalt sealcoating needs to be applied when the weather conditions are acceptable. Your sealcoating contractor should not start your job if rain is likely to fall within 24 hours of the application. The temperature should not be less than 50 degrees, and it may need to be warmer if the humidity is unusually high or the wind speed is exceptionally low. It is also better for asphalt sealcoating companies to avoid applications on heavily overcast days.
3. Your Austin sealcoating contractor should apply multiple thin coats of sealant rather than one thick coat. Thick coats will take longer to dry, and they may never cure properly. The standard for parking lot asphalt sealcoating in Austin TX calls for two thin coats over the entire pavement. Asphalt sealcoating companies typically apply a third coat in the spots that will receive the heaviest wear. Your sealcoating contractor must allow each coat to dry before applying another.
4. Your Austin sealcoating company will let you know how long you will need to keep your pavement closed after an application. In most cases, pedestrians can begin using a pavement four to six hours after an Austin sealcoating application. However, vehicle access may not be possible until at least 24 hours have passed.

RDC Paving is one of the leading asphalt sealcoating companies in Central Texas. We also install asphalt overlays, asphalt paving, asphalt and concrete driveways, ADA-compliant concrete features, concrete ramps, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs, and concrete parking lots. In addition, we offer asphalt crack repairs, parking lot striping, asphalt repairs, asphalt milling, parking lot maintenance, and concrete repairs. We have an impeccable reputation for workmanship, service, and integrity. To request a free job quote, fill out our online form, call 512-920-9155, or email Ryan@RDCPaving.com.