What Causes Asphalt Pavement To Fail?

• Assuming that the initial asphalt pavement was designed and constructed properly, the primary cause of failure is the penetration of water into the asphalt base.
• This process begins with the oxidation of the pavement surface which causes the asphalt to dry and become brittle, this leads to the erosion of the top later of fine particles and the appearance of larger stones and small cracks on the surface.
• If left untreated these cracks grow over time and eventually allow water to penetrate to the base of the pavement.
• When water enters the base of the pavement the base material moves and settles leading to further cracking and an "alligator appearance".
• When the pavement reaches this state the only option is removal and replacement of the old asphalt.

How Does Seal Coating Help?

• Seal coating seals the asphalt pavement, preventing the oxidation and erosion of the top layer of asphalt.
• On older pavements seal coating replaces fine particles lost from the asphalt surface seals the small cracks that can turn into large cracks and prevents water from seeping down to the base material.
• Seal coating helps protects the asphalt from the sun as well as the harmful effects of chemical spills such as oil and gasoline.
• Seal coating provides an attractive black surface that is ideal for painting lines and other markers.
• Seal coating leaves a smooth, clean surface ideal for sweeping, lowering cleaning costs.
• Seal coating costs pennies a square foot compared to the dollars needed to repair or replace damaged asphalt.

When Should Seal Coating Be Done?

• Generally you should wait a few months before sealing new pavement to allow it time to cure. The A.S.M.A. recommends waiting 6-12 months before seal coating new pavement.
• After a surface has been sealed it should be re-sealed every 3-4 years or as necessity dictates.

Are All Sealers The Same?

• No. You should use a seal coat material manufactured by a member of the Asphalt Seal coat Manufacturer’s Association. Members adhere to the strict A.S.M.A. standard specification in manufacturing their material which ensures a quality product which meets or exceeds the standard spec.