Retain your Wilson County asphalt investment. Learn about maintenance, especially sealcoating, which shields pavement and expands its functions.
Share:
Asphalt pavement consists primarily of rock aggregates held together by a petroleum-based binder. While durable initially, this binder is susceptible to environmental degradation. Sunlight (UV radiation) oxidizes the binder, making it brittle. Water penetration, especially into small cracks, erodes the base material beneath the asphalt, weakening the structure. Freeze-thaw cycles, even milder ones, can widen cracks as trapped water expands. Additionally, vehicle fluids like oil and gasoline can dissolve the binder, softening the pavement. Without protection, these factors steadily break down the asphalt paving over time, leading to potholes, extensive cracking, and eventual failure much sooner than expected.
Constant exposure to sunlight is a primary enemy of asphalt. Ultraviolet rays trigger oxidation in the asphalt binder. This chemical process causes the binder to lose its flexibility, becoming hard and brittle. Brittle pavement is much more prone to developing cracks under the stress of traffic loads and temperature changes. Oxidation also causes the rich black color of new asphalt paving to fade to gray, an aesthetic sign of this degradation. In sunny Wilson County, TN, UV protection is a main factor in preserving your pavement and appearance.
Constant exposure to sunlight is a primary enemy of asphalt. Ultraviolet rays trigger oxidation in the asphalt binder. This chemical process causes the binder to lose its flexibility, becoming hard and brittle. Brittle pavement is much more prone to developing cracks under the stress of traffic loads and temperature changes. Oxidation also causes the rich black color of new asphalt paving to fade to gray, an aesthetic sign of this degradation. In sunny Wilson County, TN, UV protection is a main factor in preserving your pavement and appearance.
Want live answers?
Connect with a Tristar Paving expert for fast, friendly support.
Sealcoating is the most feasible form of proactive asphalt maintenance designed to combat these issues. It involves applying a thin layer of a specialized coating over the existing asphalt surface. This coating acts as a barrier, shielding the underlying pavement from the damaging effects of UV radiation, water intrusion, and chemical spills. By blocking these elements, sealcoating slows down the degradation process. In essence, sealcoating preserves the binder and limits water penetration.
Applying sealcoat correctly involves multiple steps performed by experienced asphalt contractors. First, the pavement surface must be meticulously cleaned to remove all dirt, debris, and vegetation. Any existing cracks are typically filled with a specialized sealant to prevent water from getting underneath the new coating. Then, the sealcoating material itself, usually a refined asphalt emulsion fortified with polymers and fillers, is applied evenly across the surface using either spray wands or squeegees. After application, the coating needs time to cure properly (typically 24-48 hours) before vehicles can use the pavement again. This process creates a durable membrane as the finish.
Apart from extending the pavement’s structure, sealcoating has other advantages. It restores the deep black color of the asphalt, improving the appearance of driveways and parking lots. The smoother, non-porous surface created by sealcoating makes the pavement easier to sweep or wash clean. Regularly applying sealcoat (typically every 2-4 years depending on traffic and conditions) is far more cost-effective than undertaking major asphalt repairs or complete repaving projects. Performing this maintenance in late spring or early summer in Wilson County prepares your asphalt for the summer heat and sun.
Proper asphalt maintenance, through regular sealcoating, directly combats the main causes of pavement deterioration. By shielding the asphalt from UV oxidation, water intrusion, and chemical damage, sealcoating preserves the binder’s integrity and prevents small issues from escalating. Contact Tristar Paving LLC, your local paving company providing paving services, for assessment and maintenance.
Article details:
Share:
Continue learning:
Get Your Asphalt Paving Today!
Contact Tristar Paving for a free estimate and enjoy durable, reliable asphalt services in Nashville, TN. We deliver quality results on time, every time.
Tristar Paving
Company
Support
Useful Links
