21 June 2022
 Categories: , Blog

Asphalt sealcoating will help protect and beautify your business's parking lot, but it's not always a single-step process. Like painting, the success of a sealcoating job will depend in part on the preparation steps taken before you even begin. Depending on your budget and skills, you can elect to take some of these three steps yourself or rely on your paving contractor to handle them for you.

1. Weed Removal and Suppression

A well-maintained parking lot is unlikely to develop a substantial weed problem, but poorly maintained ones often do. Many weeds are incredibly persistent and surprisingly strong, allowing them to take root in areas that would be challenging for other plants. Potholes and even tiny pavement cracks are likely places for weed problems to develop.

Before sealcoating, remove existing weeds and suppress their future growth as much as possible. While sealcoating will help prevent weeds from growing, they may try to work their way back up as the material ages and wears. Suppressing them before you begin will help ensure your new sealcoating job lasts for as long as possible.

2. Thorough Cleaning

Cleaning is arguably one of the most crucial preparation steps during sealcoating. Just as paint won't adhere to dirty walls, a sealcoat won't adhere to a dirty parking lot. You'll generally want to start by clearing away debris, followed by any dirt or plant matter left behind by your weeding efforts. Once you've finished these easier tasks, it's time to move on to the more intense cleaning.

For example, you'll need to clean existing cracks and potholes as much as possible. This process will typically involve removing large chunks of asphalt and small rocks, dust, and other settled debris. You'll also want to address any substantial oil stains since these can affect how well the sealcoat adheres. In severe cases, you may need to apply a primer over the stains to improve the quality of your sealcoat.

3. Crack and Pothole Repair

While sealcoating can go a long way towards restoring even the most worn-looking parking pot, it's no substitute for proper repairs and maintenance. If you have existing cracks, potholes, or other issues, you'll need to deal with them before applying your sealcoat. Sealcoat is relatively inflexible, meaning applying it over existing damage will usually result in that damage returning quickly.

The good news is that the sealcoat effectively hides the appearance of repairs and extends their life. Applying a sealcoat over filled cracks will give your parking lot a uniform, professional appearance while protecting the crack repair material from UV damage and moisture exposure. Creating a solid, repaired surface ensures the longevity of both your new sealcoat and your parking lot as a whole.

For more information. contact an asphalt sealcoating company in your area.