Sealcoating Research Paper

Many people who have seen asphalt pavement soon after its installation praise the pavement's smooth finish and depth of color. As the years pass, however, the pavement can begin to show signs of damage from the weather or traffic. If the pavement has been protected by sealcoating and received timely repairs, the evidence of aging may not become noticeable for 10 or 15 years. However, if repairs have been ignored and sealcoating has not been maintained, the pavement may appear antiquated within five or six years. Regardless of the pavement's chronological age and maintenance history, the time will come when the property owner decides that something needs to be done. At this point, the question of whether "something" means paving or sealcoating

Sealcoating can also cover minor surface flaws to give the pavement a smoother, more even appearance. However, sealcoating offers more than just cosmetic benefits. Sealcoating blocks the ultraviolet radiation that causes asphalt pavement to lose its color as well as its moisture. Dry asphalt pavement becomes inflexible and easily damaged. In addition, sealcoating provides a protective barrier between your pavement and petroleum-based automotive fluids that can lead to premature deterioration of asphalt pavement.

What Sealcoating Cannot Do

Sealcoating is not intended to repair damage to asphalt pavement. If cracks or other damage is present, the damages must be repaired before the pavement is sealed. Sealcoating will not protect your pavement forever; new sealcoating will need to be applied periodically to ensure adequate protection. Sealcoating will not halt the progress of automotive fluids indefinitely, so oil, gas and other spills still need to be cleaned once or twice a year. If heavier vehicles than the pavement was designed for begin parking on or driving across the pavement, sealcoating cannot prevent the damage that they may cause.

When Paving Is