Why Asphalt Sealcoating Is Essential for College Station & Waco Parking Lots

College Station and Waco residents and business owners might be used to the region’s sweltering summer heat, but the asphalt in your parking lot isn’t designed to withstand it. Though sturdy, asphalt isn’t invincible, and it spends all its time exposed to the elements outdoors. 

It’s natural that the extreme heat common across Texas also takes its toll. Unfortunately, if you don’t take regular proactive steps to maintain your lot with asphalt sealcoating, its lifespan reduces over time.

The Major Effects of Heat on Waco & College Station Asphalt Parking Lots

A newly paved parking lot looks great with its dark, even coloration. However, if you leave a parking lot untouched for long enough in the region, it will fade and crack. Business owners and property managers know how important it is to maintain curb appeal, and a parking lot plays a major part in this.

Faster Oxidation

Oxidation is a normal process spurred by exposure to oxygen over time. You might be more familiar with oxidation in the form of a metal object rusting after being left out in the elements. This process involves oxygen inserting itself into the chemical bonds in a material and is facilitated in metal by exposure to water and moisture. However, asphalt oxidizes quicker in sunlight. As the pavement heats up, the surface becomes more vulnerable to damage. 

The sun’s UV radiation interacts with asphalt. Over time, exposure to UV rays and oxygen weakens the asphalt, fading it and making it more prone to cracking.

Cracking

While cracking occurs due to oxidation, it can also occur due to general exposure to extreme heat over 90 degrees. Of course, in the region, this is a common occurrence in the summer months.

Exposed to the harsh sunlight and hot temperatures during the day, asphalt naturally expands. However, when temperatures drop overnight, the pavement contracts again. As this cycle regularly repeats, it weakens the asphalt and causes it to crack over time.

Raveling

Raveling can make your parking lot look worn out, but it also affects overall use. It occurs when the top of the pavement becomes damaged. The asphalt starts separating from an aggregate into loose debris.  As the asphalt binder wears, everything else in the asphalt begins to crumble away. 

Unfortunately, high outdoor temperatures are often to blame for asphalt raveling. It then worsens with exposure to heavy traffic, and before you know it, your sun-covered lot is full of cracks and potholes.

Asphalt Sealcoating Protects Vulnerable Parking Lots

Fortunately, one simple step helps mitigate the heat and resulting damage. Asphalt sealcoating is one of the best preventative maintenance steps you can take for your property’s parking lot. This simple process involves cleaning up your lot, repairing any damage to the surface, then adding a layer of sealcoating across the lot. This helps protect the asphalt from:

• UV Rays: The sun constantly emits UV radiation, which interacts with the asphalt and weakens it with time. A layer of sealcoating shields the lot from this, protecting the underlying asphalt from oxidation.
• Water: Water can be a huge problem for parking lots, especially when cracks set in. Over time, water exposure separates asphalt and encourages cracking.
• Chemicals: Vehicles are full of chemicals, from the various fluids to gasoline and oil. Any sort of leak can leave those chemicals on your asphalt, where they can interact with and destroy the bonds that hold the aggregate material together. 
• Heat-Related Damage: The heat in Waco & College Station tends to dry out asphalt, further exacerbating the tendency to crack. Sealcoating helps mitigate this effect.

Invest in Parking Lot Repairs and Sealcoating to Improve Your Waco & College Station Parking Lot’s Durability

When hot weather is as common as it is in the area, the best thing you can do is take action to prevent high temperatures and direct sunlight from wearing out your parking lot. 

Sealcoating is one of the most effective ways to reduce the damage and protect your pavement. By minimizing the risk of cracking, oxidation and raveling, you also help extend the lifespan of your lot.

Protect Your Asphalt the Right Way

It is important to understand the challenges of the region’s hot weather and how it impacts your parking lot. This way, you can find a company committed to helping you maintain your asphalt lots across the College Station and Waco area. 

If damage has already set in, infrared asphalt repair technology and expert crack filling services can restore its structural integrity. After investing in sealcoating services, you’ll have a lot that’s ready to endure the hot summer months ahead.

Partner With EverLine Coatings Today

Ready to simplify parking lot maintenance? Contact EverLine Coatings today to learn more about our asphalt repair services!