If you own an asphalt driveway or parking lot, you have no doubt heard of sealcoating and asphalt paving. Nashville residents and business owners should get to know these terms as both are crucial to the longevity of what is an often expensive investment. But what are they and why are they important? Keep reading to find out.
The sun, rain, snow, and other forces of nature slowly wear down the original protective coating on driveways, roads, and parking lots. Sealcoating is a special emulsion applied to asphalt surfaces that protects them from these types of damage. We recommend sealcoating about 6 months after installation and then every two or three years after. Asphalt patching is the process of filling cracks and holes with asphalt. Essentially, sealcoating slows the aging process and renews the surface, and patching fixes small to medium-size blemishes and returns full functionality to the paved area.
Your asphalt protection plan
Although it is made with rock, asphalt is not rock-solid. Protecting your asphalt surfaces is an ongoing project that starts with sealcoating. Because Nashville is known for its extreme weather shifts, it is recommended to renew driveways and parking lots every few years. Doing so extends the life expectancy of these surfaces. Sealcoating further prevents vehicle fluids, such as engine oil, from discoloring and damaging the pavement underneath.
Sealcoating has additional benefits as well. Regular application can save money by reducing repair costs. A fresh layer of sealcoating material also restores the deep, black coloring of asphalt, making your home or business more aesthetically pleasing.
While regular maintenance can reduce wear and tear on your driveway or parking lot, the need for repairs will arise at some point. Crocodile cracks, potholes, and a crumbling top layer of asphalt are all signs that it is time for asphalt patching. In Nashville, Hargrove Sealcoating can provide this service year-round. We offer surface patching when you need a temporary repair and also cold and hot patch for permanent adhesion.
Asphalt patching in Nashville starts with assessing the damage. This includes looking at not only current issues but also evaluating the potential for further asphalt degradation. Once identified, imperfections are addressed individually. A large chunk of missing asphalt, for example, may need additional work prior to reconstruction. This might include cutting around the damaged area and adding a new base layer of crushed gravel before the asphalt is poured. We might also use special saws and other equipment to remove cracked areas before making restorations. Proper preparation is the key to a long-lasting repair.
Once asphalt patching is complete, our crews may recommend sealcoating the entire drive or lot. This is especially important as winter approaches. The new layer of sealcoating materials will help the surface heat up faster, which reduces prolonged contact with snow and ice. This lessens the chances of water penetration and eventual frost damage. For sealcoating to be effective, the temperature should remain at or above 50°. Before the sealcoating or asphalt repair processes are started, property owners should remove vehicles, toys, boats, and other obstructions from the pavement surface. If vehicle fluids are present, these will be cleaned before sealcoating or asphalt patching. If you own a business in Nashville, you may need to make arrangements with local parking garages for the day after repairs or maintenance are performed.
If your asphalt surface is in need of sealcoating or asphalt paving, contact Hargrove Sealcoating today. We offer expert service in Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and the surrounding areas.