Are you looking for ways to protect your commercial property or parking area?
Sealcoating is a popular option, but there are many myths surrounding this process that can lead to misconceptions and mistakes.
In this article, we’ll debunk some common sealcoating myths and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your pavement maintenance.
6 Sealcoating Myths Debunked
Myth #1: Sealcoating is only cosmetic.
One of the most common sealcoating myths is that it’s only done for cosmetic purposes.
While it’s true that sealcoating can improve the appearance of your pavement, it also provides essential protection against weathering, UV rays, and chemical damage. As asphalt ages & battles the elements, the asphalt pavement deteriorates.
Sealcoating creates a barrier between your asphalt and the elements and slows that natural degradation.
Myth #2: You only need to sealcoat your pavement once.
Some people believe that sealcoating is a one-time process that provides long-lasting protection.
However, this is just not the case.
Sealcoating is a maintenance task that should be done regularly to maintain the integrity of your pavement.
How often do you need to sealcoat? It depends on several factors, including the amount of traffic your pavement receives, the climate in your area, and the age of your asphalt.
In the NY-metro & surrounding areas, most building owners & property managers are sealcoating their parking lots every two years.
Myth #3: Sealcoating can fix all pavement problems.
Sealcoating is an essential part of pavement maintenance, but it can’t fix all problems.
If your pavement has significant cracks, potholes, or other structural damage, sealcoating will not be enough.
In these cases, you may need to consider repaving or other more extensive repairs.
Myth #4: Sealcoating can be done at any time of year.
Sealcoating should be done during the warmer months of the year when the pavement is dry and the temperature is above freezing.
Attempting to sealcoat your pavement in colder temperatures or during rainy or extreme humid weather can lead to poor results and ineffective protection.
It’s best to consult with a professional sealcoating company to determine the optimal time to sealcoat your pavement in your specific region.
Myth #5: You don’t need to prepare your pavement before sealcoating.
Some people believe that sealcoating can be applied directly to their pavement without any preparation.
However, this can lead to poor adhesion and unsuccessful protection.
Before sealcoating, your pavement should be thoroughly cleaned and any cracks or potholes should be repaired.
A professional sealcoating company will make recommendations for properly preparing the pavement before applying the sealcoat.
Myth #6: All sealcoating companies are the same.
Not all sealcoating companies are created equal.
It’s important to choose a reputable and experienced company that uses high-quality materials, manufacturer application procedures, and puts a lot of focus on planning.
Be wary of companies that offer a low price but provide little information in their process, as this can end up costing you more money in the long run.
Benefits of Sealcoating
Prolonged Pavement Life
By protecting your pavement from the damaging effects of UV rays, water, and other harmful substances, regular sealcoating can extend its useful life for many years.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Sealcoating helps prevent cracks, potholes, and other forms of deterioration by sealing damaging water out, reducing the need for costly repairs and maintenance.
Increased Safety
A well-maintained parking lot is safer for pedestrians and vehicles.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Sealcoating restores the rich, black color of your asphalt pavement, making it look brand new.
This improved appearance can boost your property’s curb appeal and overall value.
Don’t fall for common sealcoating myths! Proper sealcoating is an essential part of pavement maintenance that can save you money, enhance the appearance of your property, and ensure a safe environment for all. Always consult with a professional contractor to determine the best course of action for your pavement’s needs.
Sealcoating for Commercial Property Managers
Sealcoating is an essential process for commercial property managers who want to maintain safe, visually appealing, and durable parking areas.
A well-maintained parking lot reflects positively on your property and can contribute to its overall value.
Here are a few ways that the often overlooked step of regular sealcoating can benefit YOU, the property manager!
Reduced Maintenance Efforts
Sealcoating is a valuable investment for property managers because it simplifies the maintenance of parking areas. By protecting the asphalt surface from water infiltration, sealcoating prevents the formation of cracks and potholes, which can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs. This allows property managers to focus on other essential tasks and minimize disruptions for tenants and visitors.
Improved Property Value
A well-maintained parking area reflects positively on your property and can contribute to its overall value. A freshly sealed parking lot looks clean and professional, creating a positive first impression for potential tenants and clients. This enhanced curb appeal can help attract new businesses and increase tenant satisfaction, boosting your property’s reputation and value.
Environmental Benefits
Sealcoating can also provide environmental benefits by preventing harmful substances like oil, gas, and chemicals from penetrating the pavement and contaminating the soil and groundwater. This environmental protection can help your property meet local regulations and demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices, making your property more attractive to eco-conscious tenants and clients.
Increased Pavement Lifespan and Reduced Replacement Costs
The process of sealcoating helps prolong the life of your parking area by protecting it from damage caused by UV rays, chemicals, and water infiltration. This extended lifespan means you won’t have to replace the pavement as frequently, saving your budget and reducing the inconvenience of major construction projects.
Better Markings and Signage Visibility
Sealcoating provides a fresh, dark surface that enhances the visibility of parking lot markings and signage. Clear, easy-to-see markings can improve traffic flow, reduce confusion, and increase parking efficiency, making your property more user-friendly for tenants and visitors.
Sealcoating and Property Management: A Winning Combination
For commercial property managers, sealcoating offers a wealth of benefits that make it an essential aspect of parking area maintenance.
By investing your efforts in professional sealcoating services, property managers can enjoy reduced maintenance efforts, improved property value, enhanced safety, and so much more.
In addition, sealcoating demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a high-quality property, which can help attract and retain tenants, clients, and customers.
By understanding the many benefits that sealcoating offers, property managers can make informed decisions that help protect their investments and enhance the value of their properties.
Choosing the Right Sealcoating Company
Choosing the right sealcoating company is essential to ensure the success of your sealcoating project. Here are some tips to help you find a reputable, experienced sealcoating company:
- Check for Insurance: Before hiring a sealcoating company, ensure that they have proper commercial business insurance.
- Detail-oriented Processes: A good sealcoating company will be detailed in their processes and ready to share them with you. They will have a clear plan of action, from surface preparation to sealant application and cleanup.
- Check for Customer Reviews: Reading reviews from satisfied customers is an excellent way to gauge a sealcoating company’s quality of work and professionalism. Ask the company for references or check their website for customer reviews.
- Request a Written Estimate: Before hiring a sealcoating company, ask for a written estimate that details the scope of the project, the materials used, and the total cost. This will help you avoid surprises and ensure that you are getting a fair price. It also shows their competence to perform the work properly!
Our experienced team is licensed and insured, and we take pride in our attention to detail and customer satisfaction.
We are happy to provide references and a written estimate for your sealcoating project. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you protect and maintain your property’s parking areas.
