Seal coating can help a parking lot or driveway look brand-new and help fill in cracks and small holes. It protects the asphalt from weather damage and makes it more resistant to oil and other chemicals.
Before starting to seal the coat, workers block off the area with cones and barricades to keep pedestrians and vehicles out of the way. They then select the right day to begin the process. Visit Website for more details.
Stage the Barrel
Before you apply your barrel of seal coating, it’s important to take a few steps to prepare the surface. This includes ensuring the surface is free of any debris that could prevent the sealant from bonding with the asphalt, cleaning and priming the area to be sealed, and arranging for any needed materials to help complete the job.
A barrel is a large, bulging cylindrical container that is traditionally made from wooden staves and wood or metal hoops, but which may also be constructed from a composite material such as fiberglass. The barrel is used to store liquids, such as wine or spirits, or to transport solids, such as coal or grain. The craft of making barrels is known as cooperage.
The process of barrel making begins with a wide outdoor wood yard where the stave-woods undergo a period of maturing. This allows the harshest tannins to naturally fade away and helps to refine the aromatic profile of the finished product. After the stave-woods have been seasoned, they are then brought into the barrel-making shop. Once in the shop, workers use digitally controlled machines to process and transform the wood into staves. The staves are then conically assembled within temporary hoops that are later adjusted using a tool and hammer.
Once the barrels are completed, they must be cleaned thoroughly and allowed to air dry before they can be loaded into a truck and shipped to the customer’s site. Whether the customer is a home owner looking to protect their driveway or a commercial business looking to protect their parking lot, the same principles of application apply.
To begin the process of applying your barrel of seal coating, you’ll need to select a spray equipment that best suits your needs. You’ll want to choose a hose that can support the pressure you’re working with, and there are a number of different valves available for the hose that allow you to control the flow of the sealant as you work. You’ll also need a spray tip that can hold up to the pressure you’re working with.
Clean the Surface
Before the seal coat is applied, the surface of the asphalt pavement must be cleaned. This includes sweeping or blowing off debris, dirt, oil and other contaminants that have accumulated over time. The surface must also be free of cracks, potholes and other damage that can affect the quality of the finished product. If the area is not properly cleaned, the seal coat will fail to adhere.
Workers can use pressure spray equipment or hand squeegees to apply the seal coating. Both of these methods require proper training and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to dangerous fumes and particles. This PPE includes masks, respirators and a full face shield. In addition, workers should wear rubber gloves, coveralls and safety glasses when using spray machines or squeegees.
The seal coating is usually comprised of varying amounts of dissolved asphalt, mineral fillers and water. The material is engineered to replenish asphalt binder that degrades due to oxidation, sun exposure and other harmful elements. It also helps to fill in minor cracks and gaps that can cause the asphalt to crumble or break apart.
A well-sealed surface will last longer than untreated asphalt pavement. Ideally, the seal coat should be reapplied annually to maintain its appearance and protect the asphalt from damage. However, it is important to have a professional evaluation done before applying the sealant to ensure it is the best option for your pavement surface.
Asphalt is an expensive material, and keeping it in good condition can save your business a lot of money in repair costs. Moreover, the jet black finish of a professionally-sealed surface makes the property look attractive and inviting. Additionally, it is easier to keep clean than rough, cracked, and worn-looking surfaces.
A regular sealcoating program can significantly increase the lifespan of your asphalt pavement while lowering maintenance costs. It is recommended to hire a pavement expert who will evaluate your pavement, determine the type of sealant required and recommend a schedule for future applications. Contact us for a free onsite assessment and consultation. We have a nationwide network of local asphalt professionals ready to help you.
Prime the Surface
When a property owner hires an asphalt company for seal coating, the first thing the crew needs to do is clean the pavement surface of any oil stains, raised spots or cracks. This is a vital step as these imperfections will prevent the material from adhering and sealing the surface.
Next, the crew will prime the surface of the barrel. This is a critical step, as it increases the longevity of the spray system by preventing clogging and other mechanical issues. It also helps the sprayer deliver a better quality of application, as it ensures that the material is evenly spread across the surface.
Once the primer has been applied, the crew will move on to prepping the area for the main seal coat. This will include removing all of the oil and grease stains from the surface, as well as any raised markers used to delineate parking spaces or areas. This will also involve cleaning the area, ensuring that it is free of dirt, debris and pebbles that can hinder the smooth flow of the material.
The main purpose of the seal coat is to protect the asphalt from harmful elements that deteriorate it over time, like UV rays and water, as well as chemicals from motor oil and gasoline leaks that cause the petroleum binder to oxidize and crack. The process also fills in minor cracks and voids, making the pavement look new again.
A good asphalt contractor will use a high-quality polyurethane sealcoat to keep the paved surface protected from the elements and extend its lifespan. The best choice is one that is engineered specifically for this type of work, and will have a good balance of viscosity and penetration.
A good emulsion will also contain additives and fillers to improve the durability of the asphalt surface as it ages, while improving its resistance to weathering, skidding and rutting. It should also have a low VOC content, which means that it will have lower levels of volatile organic compounds that can damage the environment. A good emulsion will also be suited to the conditions that are typical of the local environment, as this will maximize its performance and longevity.
Apply the Seal Coat
Asphalt pavement that isn’t protected with a seal coat will deteriorate and become unsightly, unsafe, and unusable over time. The petroleum binder in the asphalt dries out from exposure to sunlight, heat and water and can eventually oxidize. When this happens, the pavement becomes brittle and cracks. These cracks eventually lead to potholes. Seal coating protects the asphalt and keeps it looking new for longer.
Before applying the actual seal coat, workers need to ensure that the surface is free of dirt and debris. This will require sweeping, blowing or power washing. The area must also be free of any loose materials that could potentially clog the spray equipment. The climate conditions need to be right as well. It can’t be too hot or too cold and there shouldn’t be any rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours.
Depending on the type of seal coat, there are several ingredients that need to be mixed together to get the job done. The main ingredient is refined coal tar. Other ingredients include water, emulsifying agents and additives that provide toughness, tensile strength, elasticity and resistance to oil and chemicals.
Coal tar emulsions contain carcinogenic substances and can cause respiratory issues for workers handling them. This is why it’s important to offer the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and training. This should include face masks, work gloves, safety glasses and a full set of coveralls that are suitable for the job.
Some less reputable paving contractors will try to cut corners by skimping on the seal coat. This is a bad idea and will ultimately cost you more money in the long run. A thick layer of the sealant will provide excellent protection, but it’s important that it gets applied evenly and not slapped on in a “more is better” approach.
While seal coating won’t repair existing damage like cracked or crumbling areas, it will prevent future asphalt repairs. This is why it’s considered one of the most beneficial preventative maintenance treatments for parking lots and driveways. It may take a little time to apply, but it’s worth it in the long run.