Sealcoating 101: Part 2

What’s Involved in a Typical Sealcoating Job?

Hello, and welcome back for Part 2 of our series on sealcoating! If you read last month’s article, you will be familiar with what what pavement sealer is and how sealcoating can benefit your property. This month, we delve into the process: what, exactly, is involved in a typical sealcoating job? Well, we’ll tell you.

Sealcoating your asphalt pavement provides a layer of protection that helps your pavement last longer. It’s as simple as that. Below is a breakdown of our sealcoating procedure, which we’ve been following since we started Black Diamond Paving over 20 years ago:

• Assuming the pavement is ready to accept a sealcoat (in other words, the pavement is sound, and areas that need repair have been repaired), Black Diamond crews show up on site to start the job. If the job is large enough that our crews will be there for a number of days, we’ll select a staging area out of the way of the daily activity of the property. (In most cases, this site is selected in advance, in consultation with the property manager.)
• Then the pavement is cleaned. Walk-behind blowers are used to remove dust and debris; hand brooms are used on stubborn areas. Pavement is cleaned, because the sealer adheres better when the surface is free of dust.
• Once the pavement has been cleaned, our crews “cut in” or edge the pavement by hand. Asphalt adjacent to concrete curbs and gutters or slabs is worked by hand to make it easier for the sealcoating trucks to finish the broad application of sealer.
• Once the pavement is sealed, a second coat is often applied on drive lanes or other high-traffic areas. Before that can happen the pavement must have cured—it must be dry to the touch, so the sealer truck won’t damage the first coat.
• After the sealer has set up, the striping can be done—a finishing touch that makes the parking lot look brand new!

Stay tuned next month for Part 3: Sealcoating Your 24-Hour Business. In the meantime, as always, feel free to contact us with any questions. We’re always happy to help!