Although many people believe that sealcoating and paving are basically the same, they are actually two different procedures. Asphalt paving is the process of applying layers of asphalt over dirt or other surfaces to form roads, parking lots or driveways. Sealcoating is the process of applying a thin layer of coating over an existing asphalt surface.
What is Asphalt Paving?
Asphalt paving is a mixture of asphalt and crushed aggregates. When building parking lots or roads, the asphalt mixture is commonly deposited over a base layer of crushed rock and then rolled out to form a relatively smooth surface. The asphalt layer can be several inches thick, and it is engineered to withstand heavy traffic. New asphalt is resilient, but as it ages, cracks and holes may form on the surface. If the asphalt gets wet, water may seep into the cracks and damage the inner layers of asphalt, causing severe structural damage.
What is Sealcoating?
To protect the asphalt and help it last longer, sealcoating is often applied over the pavement. Sealcoating is thin, and it is used to provide a layer of protection over existing asphalt. Although it may temporarily cover up small cracks in the pavement, for lasting results, these cracks should be filled in prior to any sealcoating job. Sealcoating can be applied every two years, and with proper maintenance, it can significantly extend the life of your pavement. You should only apply new asphalt when your existing pavement is beyond repair.
Contact LDC Paving
At LDC Paving, we specialize in parking lot maintenance and repair. In addition to paving, striping and sealcoating, we also install traffic signs, speed bumps and bollards. We offer exceptional customer service, and we want you to be completely satisfied with our work. To discuss your project, you can either fill out the free quote form or contact us by phone at 281-738-5336.
Learn more about our Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating services.
