Scorpion Construction LLC

Dec 1, 2022
You are currently viewing Is Asphalt Sealcoating Worth The Expense?

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Key Takeaways

  1. Sealcoating can extend the life of your driveway or parking lot by protecting it from the elements.
  2. It’s best to get sealcoating on your driveway and parking lot every three years.
  3. The cost of sealcoating depends on several factors, including the size of the area to be treated and the type of sealer used.
  4. Although sealcoating is not required, it can be a worthwhile investment to protect your asphalt surfaces.

A well-maintained driveway or parking lot can add value to a property, but a poorly maintained one can detract from it. As property owners, you want to consider different ways to keep your asphalt maintenance in check. One of the ways to keep your asphalt protected is through sealcoating.

It is a process in which a seal coat is applied over the asphalt surface, which works as a barrier against weather and other detrimental factors. But the question is, is it worth the price?

Scorpion Construction LLC can tell you a lot more about that. We’ll discuss the benefits of asphalt seal coating and compare them to the costs so you can make a more informed decision about whether or not to get driveway or parking lot sealcoating.​

Benefits of Asphalt Sealcoating

According to experts, sealcoating is crucial for parking lots and driveways. And property owners should get sealcoating done after every three years.Sealcoating offers many benefits to asphalt driveways and parking lots. Here are a few to consider:

1. Prevents Water and Oil Intrusion

Water and oil are the two main enemies of asphalt. When water seeps into the cracks and crevices of your pavement, it begins to deteriorate the asphalt from the inside. Water expands when it freezes, causing the cracks to become more prominent and eventually leading to potholes.

On the other hand, oil can dissolve the asphalt binder that holds the pavement together, causing it to become brittle and crack. It can eventually turn into potholes.

Sealcoating creates a barrier between your asphalt and these elements, preventing them from seeping in and causing damage.

2. Extends Pavement Life

Sealcoating can extend the pavement’s life by protecting it from water and oil intrusion. Regularly maintaining your asphalt driveway will save money on long-term repairs and premature repaving.

You can think of it as an investment that will save you money.

3. It makes Asphalt Look New Again.

A well-maintained asphalt driveway or parking lot can enhance curb appeal, but a dull one can drag your property value down. Regular asphalt sealcoating will keep your pavement looking fresh and new, which can be a selling point if you decide to put your property on the market.

Other than that, if you’re a business owner, first impressions matter, and you want your customers to have a good one when they drive up to your store. Regular sealcoating can give you that high-end look without the high-end price tag.

4. Improves Skid Resistance

Over time, the elements and traffic will wear down your asphalt surface, making it more difficult to stop in icy or wet conditions. It can be a safety hazard for drivers and pedestrians.

According to reports, 24% of weather-related car crashes occur on icy pavements. Sealcoating provides a new layer of protection and can help improve skid resistance.

5. Weather Resistance

Sealcoating offers protection from the sun, rain, snow, and ice. Keeping your asphalt in good condition can prevent weather damage and extend its lifespan.

Asphalt Sealcoating Cost and Factors to Consider

Although with many benefits that sealcoating offers, some property owners are still hesitant to invest in this type of maintenance. The cost of sealcoating depends on a few different factors which contractors consider:

Is Asphalt Sealcoating Worth the Expense?

1. Area Size

The size of the area to be sealed will affect the price. Larger areas will require more material and time to complete, adding to the cost.

If you’re wondering what your driveway or parking lot area size is. Measure the length and width, then multiply those two numbers to get your square footage.

2. Condition of Asphalt

The condition of your asphalt will also affect the price of sealcoating. If some cracks or potholes need to be repaired, this will add to the cost.

The contractor will charge extra for repairs on your asphalt driveway or parking lot.

The amount of repair work needed will depend on the severity of the damage. Minor cracks can usually be filled with crack filler and do not require significant repairs.

3. Number of Coats

Applying multiple coats of sealer is often recommended for optimal protection. The number of coats required will depend on the condition of your asphalt and the traffic it receives.

If your parking lot has a lot of wear and tear, you may need to apply more coats of sealant. It will increase the cost of the job.

4. Sealer Type

There are different types of sealers available on the market. Some are designed for residential use, while others are for commercial applications.

The type of sealer you choose will also affect the price you pay. Commercial-grade sealers tend to be more expensive than those designed for residential use.

5. Preparation Work

The surface must be cleaned and repaired to get the best results before applying sealcoating. This preparation work can add to the cost of the job.

Related: Dreadful Mistakes Folks Make With Asphalt Sealcoating

Bottom Line

Whether or not to sealcoat your asphalt driveway or parking lot is a decision that should be based on more than just the price. There are several factors to consider before making a final decision. These factors include the age of your pavement, the amount of traffic it receives, and the severity of weather conditions in your area. If you consider all of these things, you will be able to make a more informed decision about whether or not sealcoating is right for you.

Professional Asphalt Sealcoating for Driveway and Parking Lot in Lakeland, FL

If you want your asphalt to be well taken care of, consider Scorpion Construction LLC. We have the experience and skills necessary to get the job done quickly! We serve Lakeland, FL, and beyond with top-quality asphalt paving and sealcoating servicesGet in touch with us or get a free estimate.