Scorpion Construction LLC

Nov 3, 2020
You are currently viewing How Often Should You Get Your Parking Lots & Driveways Seal Coated & Crack Filled?

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Let alone in the US, around $30 billion of asphalt is manufactured annually. Due to its resilient and durable nature, asphalt is the most commonly used material for residential driveways as well as commercial parking lots.

But there’s a downside to asphalt driveways. Over time, asphalt oxidizes and hardens, which leads to cracks and a dulled appearance. That’s why asphalt driveways need protective layering, such as sealcoating. 

Homeowners and businesses in Tampa Bay, Florida, prefer the paving and sealcoating services of Scorpion Construction, LLC. You can get a free online quote for your driveway by clicking here.

But how often should businesses and property owners get their parking lots and driveways sealcoated? Well, there are multiple factors involved to make more sense of it.

Different Climate Conditions

Different climates and weather conditions affect asphalt differently. The binder in the asphalt is responsive to the UV rays of the sun. Under hot temperatures, the binder softens, which leads to cracks and potholes. Different areas have different temperatures during the summers, and that’s why the asphalt may be deteriorating at a different pace.

Freezing and thawing also adversely affect roads and parking lots. During the thawing phase, the melted snow fills up the cracks and potholes, which further complicates the situation. Driveways in areas at higher altitudes with harsh winters require more rigorous upkeep, which means higher maintenance costs for the property owners.

How Often Should You Seal Your Asphalt?

Sealcoating is an impermeable protective layer which protects the asphalt driveway from weathering. If applied professionally and appropriately, sealcoating can extend the lifespan of a parking lot to double. Sealcoating quickly fills up and conceals minor cracks of ⅛ inch.

It is advised to seal and reseal asphalt parking lots and driveways every two to four years. But homeowners should be mindful and not get their driveways resealed too often since the excessive layers start to peel off.

Signs That Help Tell When To Get The Driveway Sealcoated

You can tell whether your parking lot needs seal coating or not through the following signs:

  • Alligator cracks appear in places
  • The pavement shows signs of rutting
  • The Blacktop has weathered beyond recognition.

Quick Tips

  • It is advised to get the driveways inspected by a professional or a reputable contractor.
  • Transparently communicate your budget constraints or specific needs and wants.
  • Make sure you get the driveway checked carefully so that you may know if it needs seal coating or just traditional crack filling, or maybe both.
  • Do your research extensively and streamline the most suitable contractors in your area.

Seal coating is the ideal way to protect and beautify one’s driveway or commercial parking lot. You need to ensure that you hire the best contractor that can deliver your project in time and within the budget.

If you live in Tampa Bay, Florida, you can check out the paving and seal coating services of Scorpion Construction, LLC. You can get a free online quote for your driveway by clicking here.