How to Seal a Parking Lot
Table of Contents
How to Seal a Parking Lot
Have you ever thought about how parking lots get their concrete seal coating? What does it take to apply quality sealcoating on a residential and commercial property? How much time does it take?
In fact, a field of parking lot is a very important part of our daily lives. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, you probably spend a significant amount of time in a parking lot every day. Even though they look pretty simple, parking lots require some knowledge and experience to ensure they stay looking great with impermeable coating.
There are several steps involved in sealcoating a parking lot surface such as cleaning, preparing the surface, applying the sealant, curing the sealant, and then finishing the job. If you want to learn how to properly seal a parking lot, check out these instructions.
Parking Lot Sealcoating is the Greatest Choice
If you have been thinking about getting your parking lot sealed, you may be wondering what kind of paint will do the best job for a smooth surface finish. The answer: nothing! You should use an epoxy-based sealer that can withstand the elements. Epoxies are tough and long-lasting kind of sealcoating. They also provide excellent protection against UV rays.
Epoxy-based sealers come in two types: penetrating and non-penetrating. Penetrating sealants penetrate deep into the substrate while a non-penetrating sealer only coats the top layer of the concrete surface. This type of sealer is not recommended for parking lots because it won’t protect the underlying pavement from being damaged by major cracks from the flow of traffic.
Why do you need a professional sealcoating contractor?
Sealing a parking lot is a complicated process. A sealcoating project requires special equipment, skills, and experience. A good parking lot sealer company has all of this on hand. In addition, experienced professionals have access to specialized equipment like spray booths, air compressors, and more for the ongoing maintenance of sealcoating.
They know the entire process of cleaning the area thoroughly before starting the application. They are also knowledgeable about sealing preparation e so it won't result in larger cracks and expensive repairs when they apply the sealer. Finally, they know how to apply the sealer or an extra layer correctly and finish it off with the right tools.
The final result is beautiful, durable sealcoating that lasts for a long period of time.
Coats of Sealer as Protection from Heavy Foot and Vehicle Traffic
When you think about a parking lot, you don’t immediately think about the heavy foot traffic and vehicle traffic. However, if you own a business in a busy location, you know that foot traffic and car traffic can cause damage to your parking lot.
A lot of people walk around barefoot in parking lots. When you consider the amount of dirt and debris that gets tracked through a parking lot, you understand why a coated surface is needed as an extra layer of protection from different elements, such as oil spill, water damage, and even extreme winter weather.
Heavy foot traffic can wear down the surfaces of the pavement. Asphalt becomes brittle over time due to the constant pounding from feet and tires. This causes cracks in the asphalt. These cracks allow water to seep into the pavement. Once the pavement starts to deteriorate, it begins to crumble and break apart.
Heavy traffic can also cause potholes. Potholes form when large objects hit the pavement. Over time, the impact causes tiny fractures in the pavement. Water collects in those holes. Eventually, the entire pavement collapses and crumbles away due to the damage from water.
The traffic of heavy vehicles on the road can also cause problems. Vehicles often drive over the edges of the parking lot. This leaves behind ruts in the pavement. Ruts become filled with water and eventually lead to cracking in the pavement. Cracks mean that the pavement is no longer flat. This makes driving difficult and dangerous on traffic roadways or a residential driveway.
If you want to keep your parking lot safe from these dangers, you need to seal it. An epoxy-based sealant provides a layer of protection between the pavement and the elements. The sealant protects against moisture penetration, cracking, and other forms of deterioration due to poor weather conditions.
If you are looking for a parking lot sealer, you should look for one that contains epoxy resin. Epoxies won't be a bad choice for sealcoating because they are very strong and will last for years. You shouldn’t worry about them wearing out or breaking down from harsh weather, direct heat, traffic jams, or oil spills.
Epoxies are also resistant to chemicals. That means the coats of sealer will stay intact even after exposure to harsh chemicals such as gasoline and oil.
You may also find that some sealants contain rubber. Rubber is the second-best choice that helps prevent cracking. It also adds strength to the sealcoating.
Will severe weather conditions and water damage affect seal coating over time?
Yes, this is true. Severe weather conditions and water damage can have an effect on the durability of the seal coat. If there is significant rain or snow, the coating could get washed away. This would leave exposed areas of the pavement.
This is especially true if the coating was applied improperly. If the seal coat isn’t properly installed, then the pavement underneath can start to show through.
If the pavement coatings underneath have been damaged by vehicles, they may not hold up well under the weight of heavy trucks. In addition, the asphalt paving underneath might crack. This allows water to penetrate the surface.
The best way to protect your parking lot from these issues is to apply a quality seal coat and invest in a good maintenance program. A good seal coat will provide protection against all types of weather.
When applying a seal coat, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Don’t skimp on the application process. Make sure that you use enough material to cover every inch of the parking lot.
Don’t forget to test the product before using it. Test the material thoroughly to ensure that there's no foreign matter that could harm any plants or animals.
Type of Asphalt Sealer Recommended by Professional Sealcoaters
There are two main types of asphalt for sealcoating: liquid and powder. Liquid sealers are easy to apply. They are usually sprayed onto the asphalt pavement surface. Powder sealers come in a solid stick form. These sticks must be mixed with clean water before being used.
Liquid sealers tend to dry faster than powder sealers. This is because they don’t require mixing with water beforehand. However, they do require more maintenance.
Powder sealers are much easier to maintain. They don't require mixing with water first. Instead, they just need to be spread evenly across the area of the asphalt surface. Powder sealers are ideal for large parking lots. They work quickly and easily. They are also less expensive than liquid sealers. However, they aren’t recommended for small parking lots. Liquid sealers are better suited for smaller spaces. They are also easier to clean up when compared to powder sealers.
Basic costs when sealcoating driveways, asphalt pavement, and asphalt parking on your property
Sealcoatings cost between $10-$15 per square foot. The price depends on how many coats you want to apply. For example, a single driveway can cost around $100. To seal multiple driveways, you can expect to pay about $200. A typical asphalt parking lot of a property can cost anywhere from $40-$80 per square foot. Again, the price depends on how many parking spots you want to seal. In general, the higher the number of parking spots you want to cover, the more expensive the project becomes.
In addition, the type of sealer you choose will affect the cost estimates. For instance, a high-quality sealer will cost more than a low-quality one. You should also consider the size of the parking lot. Smaller areas will cost less than larger ones. You should also factor in the time required to complete the job. It takes longer to apply several layers of a sealant as opposed to only one.
This means that if you have a large parking lot, you'll likely spend more money than if you had a small one. But if you're looking to save money, then you might want to think about doing some research about the material cost, sealcoating process, the season for sealcoating, and long-term repair costs. There are plenty of resources online where you can find out which sealer is right for your needs. A professional sealcoating contractor can help you understand your needs and preferences whether you own or rent a property.