Is Asphalt Sealcoating a Good Decision for Saskatoon Properties?

Saskatoon weather and heavy vehicles are not exactly easy on any parking lot. At any stage of your parking lot’s lifespan, whether it was just installed or is starting to show signs of serious aging, asphalt sealcoating is an excellent option to protect it and extend its lifespan. But, sealcoating also takes time and costs money, so is it an overall benefit?

In Saskatoon, with our cycles of freezing and melting snow and ice, sealcoating is a smart decision that will bring you many benefits and even lower the maintenance costs of your parking lot in the future. Here’s what you need to know about this important option for your asphalt.

What is Sealcoating on Asphalt?

Adding a sealcoat to asphalt is when you add a thin, waterproof layer to the asphalt. This specialty sealant is designed to provide a wide range of benefits to the asphalt beneath.

Sealcoating Provides a Protective Layer

The most important thing the sealant provides is a protective barrier between the asphalt and the elements, vehicles, or anything else that might impact it. This provides protective benefits to the asphalt in several different ways:

It Helps Prevents Water Seepage 

Not only does the sealant prevent water from contacting the surface of the asphalt and removing important oils, it also prevents water from penetrating down into the asphalt. Both processes can age and damage the pavement, but not with a sealcoat.

Protection Against UV Damage

The heat and ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays have a number of negative impacts on asphalt and can reduce its lifespan. Sealcoating provides some protection from this source of wear.

A Protective Layer to Avoid Stains and Damage from Spills

People and their vehicles will spill or leak in the parking lot. Their vehicle’s oil, their cleaning chemicals, and other things they leave behind can damage the asphalt. However, the sealcoat helps prevents any of these damaging oils or chemicals from contacting the asphalt itself.

Sealcoating Keeps Asphalt Safe from Humidy Damage

It may surprise you, but on humid summer days, the moisture that gathers in the air can be very damaging to asphalt. It, in combination with the sun, can reduce the levels of oil in the asphalt. Oils are important to keep asphalt flexible and functional. Without them, the cracking process starts. But a sealcoat provides a barrier between your asphalt and the humidity in the air, even on the hottest summer days.

Reduces Weight Damage

Some vehicles weigh a lot more than the average car, whether it’s construction equipment or just a client’s truck with an extended cab. Weight does damage to asphalt, especially as it ages. But sealant provides a bit of a cushion. It gives a tiny bit under the weight of any heavy vehicle, providing a bit of relief for the pavement beneath. This can reduce the damage heavy vehicles cause in your parking lot.

All of this protection extends the life of your asphalt and reduces the need for maintenance and repair.

Sealcoating Melts Snow Faster

In Saskatoon, snow is certainly something your parking lot has to contend with. The moisture from snow can harm the asphalt, and the snow can make driving less safe. An asphalt sealcoat counteracts both effects. It melts snow faster, which means you get a snow-free surface sooner. Plus, the barrier of the sealcoat prevents that meltwater from contacting the asphalt and causing cracking or other damage.

Sealcoating Provides Better Looks and Performance

If you’ve seen before and after pictures of asphalt that has been sealcoated you’ll immediately notice how much better the asphalt looks after the sealcoating service. It looks smoother, darker, more consistent, and a bit more like a softer, almost rubber-like surface. For properties that need to look good to attract customers, including retail stores, event venues, clubs, and more, the visual benefits of asphalt sealcoating should not be underestimated.

What is beauty without performance? Our sealcoating product also offers non-slip surfaces which increase traction. This can increase safety in your parking lot and give drivers who use the lot some peace of mind.

Asphalt Sealcoating Can Help Lower Maintenance Costs

All of the benefits of sealcoating your asphalt add up to much better protection and a longer service life for the asphalt. After sealcoating, you’ll be able to go longer without other asphalt maintenance, and you’ll be much less likely to need major repairs.Learn more about our asphalt sealcoating services or reach out to the team at EverLine Coatings and Services to get your questions answered.