What Is the Difference Between Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating?

Sealcoating, unlike asphalt paving, is a preventative treatment. An asphalt seal coat functions similarly to a new coat of paint. It defends your asphalt against UV radiation, moisture, and vehicle fluids. Asphalt paving, on the other hand, is a new layer of asphalt used to repair damaged or potholed pavement.

Here’s all you need to know about asphalt paving and seal coating.

Asphalt Paving

The application of hot asphalt to a driveway or parking lot surface is referred to as asphalt paving. The word can refer to both the process of constructing a new driveway and the process of repairing old asphalt pavement.

A simple overlay includes adding a thin layer of hot asphalt to existing layers, but a thorough resurfacing entails removing and replacing the old asphalt. 

Asphalt overlays, when done correctly, can fix a variety of small and big issues like cracking and potholes. For more serious issues like pooling water, cracking edges, or other signs of aging, resurfacing is frequently recommended.

How long should I wait to drive on the newly paved surface?

Depending on the weather, a freshly paved asphalt surface can take up to 30 days to properly cure. Within three days, you should be able to drive on the new surface. To avoid scuff marks when driving on new surfaces, avoid twisting the steering wheel when the car is not moving. 

How much does asphalt paving cost?

Asphalt paving prices vary depending on the size of the paved area and the services provided. Asphalt paving might cost up to ten times as much as a standard sealcoating job. Even so, it’s frequently required for older or severely damaged driveways. 

Asphalt driveways that are properly built and maintained can last 15 to 20 years.

When to consider asphalt paving

Asphalt paving is commonly used to repair or resurface driveways that have reached or are approaching the end of their useful life (typically 15 to 20 years). Asphalt resurfacing is also indicated for major problems such as ponding water, deep fractures, and collapsing edges.

Sealcoating

Sealcoating is a type of coating that is placed on asphalt pavement to protect it against harm, hence the name. It is applied as a liquid that dries quickly to a tough, rigid film. Sealcoating protects the pavement from the sun’s rays. UV radiation can cause asphalt pavement to age prematurely, just as it can cause the skin to age prematurely. They dehydrate asphalt, causing it to become brittle and crumbly.

The application of a specifically prepared liquid coating to asphalt pavement is known as sealcoating. The liquid hardens as it dries, protecting the pavement against water, UV damage, and chemicals that can harm asphalt surfaces over time. Sealcoating, which is typically created from refined tar or petroleum compounds, lowers friction and creates a smoother driving or parking surface.

Sealcoating, unlike asphalt paving, is not a method for repairing asphalt surfaces. Instead of being a repair service, think of sealcoating as pavement upkeep. After the sealcoating is applied, any faults that exist beneath the surface will remain.

While sealcoating can effectively cover small cracks and flaws, it is far more effective at preventing damage to your driveway than it is at treating existing defects.

How much does sealcoating cost?

Sealcoating costs vary according to the size of your driveway. Sealcoating may make your driveway look new again for a fraction of the expense of asphalt paving and resurfacing if the prep work is done correctly. 

How long does sealcoating last?

If your asphalt surface is in good condition, a sealcoating application (usually two full coatings) should last around three years. To keep their protection and look, older asphalt driveways may require annual sealcoating.

Should I Get an Asphalt Overlay or an Asphalt Sealcoat?

UV radiation, precipitation, and car fluids are all best avoided by sealcoating. Invest in sealcoating if you’ve recently completed repairs. Asphalt sealant, unlike an overlay, is a preventative treatment. 

Asphalt overlays are suitable for temporary crack and pothole repairs. An overlay may extend the life of your parking lot or driveway by one to two years if it is nearing the end of its natural lifespan. If you have surface damage but aren’t ready for a complete replacement, overlays are the finest option.

Sealcoating Asphalt Services in Shreveport

Do you see any signs of pavement wear in your property? If this is the case, you should contact an asphalt repair company as soon as possible. The longer you wait to fix potholes and cracks in your asphalt, the more money you’ll have to spend on repairs. 

Ark-La-Tex Paving is a Louisiana-based asphalt paving company that is happy to serve the West Monroe area. Call us today or fill out our online contact form and a member of our staff will contact you as soon as possible. We’d be delighted to assist you with your next asphalt paving project.