What Is Asphalt Sealcoating and Why Do You Need It?

Is your driveway or parking lot looking faded or stained? Sealcoating may be the solution you’re looking for. Learn everything you need to know about the process below!

What Does Sealcoating Mean?

Over time, asphalt pavement can become faded, worn or damaged, which can negatively impact your home or business’s curb appeal. Sealcoating adds a protective layer that restores the surface to a smooth, black finish just like when it was newly paved. However, sealcoating is more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s an important maintenance step that shields your pavement from various types of damage.

What is Asphalt Sealcoating Made of?

The sealcoat itself is a liquid mixture, typically made up of asphalt or coal tar pitch, water or other solid particles. When applied, it acts as a protective layer over the old asphalt, safeguarding it from further damage.

Why Seal Asphalt?

Without sealcoating, your asphalt can become brittle, leading to cracks, bumps or significant deterioration. Between constant weather exposure to daily wear and tear, your driveway or parking lot will inevitably experience some degradation over time. Sealcoating helps mitigate these effects by providing numerous benefits, like:

Water Damage Protection

Water can be very damaging to asphalt surfaces. When water seeps into cracks, it can weaken the asphalt’s foundation, which causes larger cracks, pothole formation or even structural damage. Sealcoating helps preserve your asphalt and prolong cracking.

Shield Against UV Rays and Oxidation

The sun’s UV rays cause the oils in the asphalt to combine, which means there are fewer binding agents present in the asphalt. This can also make the surface weak and more likely to crack. Sealcoating blocks harmful UV rays and reduces the rate of the chemical reaction between the oils, preserving the asphalt’s integrity.

Resistance to Chemicals and Oils

Vehicles tend to leak oil, gasoline and other chemicals that can affect the asphalt and cause it to degrade. Sealcoating creates a protective layer that resists chemicals seeping into the asphalt, reducing damage to the surface.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

Sealcoating restores the rich, black color of asphalt, making it look brand new. A freshly sealcoated surface gives your property a polished, well-maintained look that’s pleasing to the eye.

How is Sealcoating Applied?

Sealcoating is typically applied in two coats using industrial equipment such as squeegees, brushes or spray systems. At Raleigh Paving, our process is as follows:

1. Surface Preparation – First we clean the asphalt surface so it’s free of debris, dirt and oil stains before applying the sealcoat. We can repair damaged areas as needed.
2. Application of Sealcoat  – After the surface is prepped, we apply the sealcoat evenly across the entire area using either a brush, squeegee or spray machine.
3. Drying and Curing – The sealcoat takes about 24 to 48 hours to dry and cure, depending on weather conditions. 

After the sealcoat is applied, it’s important to keep traffic off the surface to allow for curing and ensure a smooth finish.

When Should You Sealcoat?

Sealcoating requires regular maintenance every few years. If your asphalt surface is new, we recommend waiting at least 6 to 12 months before applying the first sealcoat to allow the original asphalt to cure properly. After the initial application, routine sealcoating every 2 to 3 years will help maintain the surface and protect it from damage.

We recommend sealcoating your surfaces when the weather is warm and dry, around late spring and early summer. At Raleigh Paving, we’re equipped to take on any sealcoating projects throughout the year, and we will work with you to meet your project’s timeline. Generally speaking, we don’t recommend sealcoating during rainy or cold periods, as moisture and low temperatures can impact the application and curing process.

Professional Sealcoating with Raleigh Paving

Sealcoating is a practical and effective service for both residential and commercial asphalt surfaces. For polished, long-lasting results, hire a professional sealcoating company like Raleigh Paving. We have the knowledge, equipment and expertise to ensure proper sealer application. As one of the largest providers of sealcoating in North Carolina, we successfully apply over 40,000 gallons of sealer each year, delivering exceptional asphalt sealcoating services to Raleigh and beyond. Get your free quote by filling out our online form or calling (919) 859-3626 today!