Proper treatment of asphalt surfaces is essential to extending its lifespan with a maintenance plan. Adding a layer that is going to replenish the binder of the asphalt along with providing a barrier to moisture intrusion should be a part of this plan. When it comes to pavement preservation, there are two options to choose from that will accomplish this, sealcoating and sand seal.
How do you know which is best?
Educating yourself before making a decision is always highly recommended. We are going to walk through the two options and discuss which one we believe to be best for any asphalt surface.
Sand Seal
A sand seal consists of applying an asphalt emulsion followed by a layer of loose sand. It has the ability of reviving the surface of the pavement with an enriched look and fills in fine cracks. The layer of sand that is added after the asphalt mixture provides a skid resistance to the pavement and helps prevent fraying.
Highway and street departments have used sand seals to treat and preserve roads for decades. The enriched look and protection a sand seal offers a pavement surface is well worth the investment. Adding preventative maintenance, such as a sand seal, to your preservation plan is essential to properly caring for your roads and parking lots.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating an asphalt surface includes applying a thin coat of sealer that replenishes the binder lost through weathering and aging. Asphalt sealer also provides a barrier to moisture, uv rays, chemicals, and salt. The main difference between sealcoating and sand seal is the sand is fully encapsulated as the material is applied from sealcoating. This provides a much cleaner, safer, cost effective, and longer lasting surface treatment.
It is easy to transform roadways and parking lots using this type of asphalt emulsion surface treatment. Similar to the sand seal, a sealcoating can provide a slip-resistance and durability to the asphalt pavement.
Which is Best?
Toste Construction believes a bituminous surface treatment, or sealcoating, provides a far superior product over conventional sand seals. Sealcoating creates a much cleaner look than a sand seal. This proven process provides a barrier against damaging effects of moisture intrusion into the pavement by up to 95%. The sealcoating products Toste Construction uses sheds water for superior protection.
The choice to use sealcoating over sand seal is entirely up to you, but it is worth asking for an estimate from both types of companies. This decision is often based on the type and amount of traffic the asphalt surface sees, the surface you are looking to seal, and the size of the aggregate.
Toste Construction offers quality sealcoating services to the Mooresville, NC area. If you have questions about sealcoating, our business, or wish to receive a free estimate, contact our office today.
We specializes in sealcoating and crack filling to ensure you and your customers have a smooth surface to drive on. We are your Mooresville asphalt and pavement maintenance company. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, striping, patching, pothole repair and crack filling for both residential and commercial projects throughout western North Carolina.