Sealcoating

What Is Sealcoating?

Sealcoating helps safeguard asphalt surfaces by acting as a shield against oxidation, water, and other external elements that can deteriorate your asphalt. Properly maintained sealcoating contributes to paved surfaces’ longevity and reduces the need for costly repairs.

How Frequently Is Sealcoating Required?

These three factors determine how often your pavement needs sealcoating services.

The pavement’s age and condition

The pavement’s frequency of use

Local climate and weather conditions

Reactive vs. Proactive Maintenance

Reactive Maintenance

Reactive maintenance is cheaper upfront but more expensive in the long run. Here’s why reactive maintenance falls short of preventative maintenance.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance can help you cut costs and reduce time spent on easily avoidable issues. Here’s why preventative maintenance is the recommended choice for all our customers.

The Process

Sealcoating is a protective surface treatment applied to asphalt pavements to extend their longevity and protect them from damage caused by UV rays, water, chemicals, and general wear and tear. The Dominion Paving sealcoat application process typically involves the following steps:

Prepare

We remove any debris, dirt, or vegetation from the surface. We clean the pavement thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion of the sealcoat. We also fill and repair any cracks, potholes, or damaged areas in the pavement. It’s essential to address these issues before sealcoating to prevent moisture from penetrating the substructure.

Edge and Tape

We use tape or other masking materials to protect any adjacent surfaces or areas that should not be coated, like concrete curbs or adjoining structures.

Apply the Sealcoat

The sealcoat is typically a coal-tar-based or asphalt-based emulsion that’s mixed before application. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct mix ratio. Sealcoat can be applied using a spray system or by squeegeeing it onto the pavement. The right method depends on the size and type of the area being sealcoated.

Coat Application

We apply an even, uniform coat of sealant across the entire surface, ensuring there are no gaps or uneven areas. The thickness of the sealcoat layer should be in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. It typically ranges from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch.

Dry and Cure

We allow the sealcoat to dry and cure for a specified period, which can vary depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. It may take 12 to 36 hours for the sealcoat to fully cure.

Striping and Markings

After the sealcoat has cured, we reapply any lane markings, parking stall lines, and other pavement markings as needed.

Our Service Areas

Dominion Paving stands at the forefront of the pavement services industry, offering top-notch, maintenance-oriented pavement solutions. We proudly serve Northern Virginia, Maryland, Eastern West Virginia & The DC Metro Area.

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