Customers often tell us that they’re looking to repave their entire parking lot. When we inspect the parking lot, yes, some areas may need repaving, but other areas may not. For the areas that do not need repaving, we suggest sealcoating. Here’s why:
It saves you money
One of the first questions any customer asks us is how much will sealcoating cost. Sealcoating is a much more cost-effective option than repaving. Sealcoating will usually cost up to $0.50 per square foot. Paving will cost up to $5.00 per square foot. In terms of simple math, it’s plain to see why sealcoating is preferable to paving. Pier 38 saved over a million dollars by sealcoating instead of repaving.
It protects asphalt
A sealcoat acts as a barrier for your asphalt. It prevents UV rays from breaking down your asphalt binder. If your asphalt binder were to break down, raveling would take place and you’d start to see loose gravel and sand on your pavement. Let that continue, and you’ll eventually have cracks in your asphalt which will lead to water damage. A sealcoat first and foremost protects the asphalt from UV rays, preventing degradation in the first place.
It extends the life of your asphalt
A typical asphalt pavement can last around 15 years. After 15 years you’ve got to repave. By sealcoating, you can extend the life of your asphalt and put off expensive repair/repaving costs. With proper maintenance, your asphalt could last indefinitely.
It keeps your asphalt in good condition
Ever notice how that rich black color of new asphalt doesn’t last very long? It’ll quickly turn to gray and it just doesn’t look as nice. A sealcoat will give your asphalt that rich black color. It’ll also provide a nice smooth surface which makes maintenance tasks and restriping a lot easier.
If your asphalt is in good condition, the best thing you can do for it is to sealcoat. We recommend sealcoating about 6-12 months after it’s been paved. After the initial coat, you’d want to sealcoat every 3-5 years. It’s always best to have a contractor visit your site to take a look and evaluate the condition of your asphalt.