It's a tragedy! You can find it everywhere, black and smelling like a new parking lot with lines so yellow and straight. But wait, upon closer examination the secret reveals itself. This is not a new parking lot, but a newly seal coated parking lot. Upon even closer examination, the new coat is concealing even more. Like a reptile hiding in the shade you can barely see it, but it's there. Alligator cracking, pot holes, and raveling oh my!
This is an issue that comes up with a majority of customers. Many want their parking lot to glisten in the sun and impress their customers, employees, and neighbors. The easiest and least expensive way to do this is seal coat. While this is not necessarily a bad thing to do, it might not be the wisest choice when there are other issues present. In order to continue, I need to dispel a few seal coating myths:
- It will prevent moisture from entering cracks
- It will extend the life of your parking lot
- It will always be the cheapest solution
Myth: It prevents moisture from entering cracks .
Crack filling prevents moisture from entering cracks.
Myth: It will extend the life of your parking lot.
While there are many aesthetic benefits, sealant acts like a layer of paint. It functions more as an "eye pleaser" than improving the overall structure of the asphalt. Some may argue that it protects the asphalt surface against UV rays, chemicals, and oils. This statement does have some truth to it. UV rays will oxidize the surface of asphalt and will show up by the surface changing color. Seal coat's thin layer partially protects against oil spills and chemicals. I say partially because seal coat will wear away in a short period of time depending on damage from the snow plow etc. Oil and chemical spills will not structurally affect the asphalt, but the surface may "pit" and look aesthetically unpleasing.
Myth: It is always the cheapest solution
Some may try to sell seal coating to a customer using the previous two myths as reasons why they should apply seal coat. While this option is cheaper than structural repair, costs can add up over the long-term especially when seal coat only lasts about 2-3 years. The budget process becomes a balancing act of what should be done. A structural repair does not look as nice nor will it be as painless as simply seal coating. If there is a choice between structural repair and seal coating, structural repair most always should be chosen. If repair is too expensive and maintenance is still a priority, choose to crack fill and protect the structure of the asphalt.
Of course, it is all a matter of preference. A newly sealed lot can boost the look of a business, raise the morale of the employees, and impress customers. When deciding; "To seal or not to seal", remember "tis nobler to understand thine options than to purchase blindly."