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Seven Facts About Asphalt Sealcoating in Houston Texas

Most property owners and managers understand that asphalt sealcoating in Houston Texas is important. Paving experts far and wide always stress the importance of ongoing care and regular sealcoating. But what do you truly know about sealcoating in Houston Texas? In this blog, we’ll explore several facts you might not know to help you better understand how valuable a preventive service sealcoating truly is, while ensuring you get the best results every time.

What Does Asphalt Sealcoating in Houston Protect Against?

Let’s start with the basics. Sealcoating is a preventative measure that involves applying thin coats of asphalt sealer over entire surfaces. Once cured, the sealer forms a protective barrier that shields it against several damaging elements.

Successful asphalt sealcoating protects against water penetration, UV rays, chemicals, leaking vehicle oils, and more. Without it, asphalt can oxidize quickly. The binders in the asphalt break down, turning the formerly pliable material brittle. That’s when cracks develop, and the risk for serious damage increases.

Sealcoating companies in Houston help prevent oxidation and early deterioration, and every asphalt surface needs it throughout its life.

Can Sealcoating Companies in Houston Use Sealer to Fix Damage?

One common misconception is that sealcoating in Houston Texas is a comprehensive solution for asphalt damage. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sealcoating is preventative, reducing the risk of oxidation, early degradation, and severe damage.

It won’t magically fix issues like wide cracks, potholes, or surface defects. You must handle repairs before hiring Houston asphalt sealcoating companies to protect your pavement. Otherwise, your blacktop paving will continue to deteriorate.

Does Sealcoating in Houston Texas Require Any Surface Preparation?

The best sealcoating companies put ample time into preparing surfaces for application, and with good reason. Sealers will only bond to clean, dry pavement. Years of use and exposure often leave blacktop surfaces with a layer of dirt that prevents bonding and curing.

Before applying a drop of asphalt sealer, sealcoating companies will sweep away dirt, pick up debris, clean up vegetation, and more. If necessary, prep work may also involve washing and stain pretreatments.

Are There Correct and Incorrect Techniques When Applying Asphalt Sealer?

Asphalt sealcoating looks easy enough, but it requires more skill than most realize. Inexperienced contractors may try to save time by applying a thick coat of sealer, assuming it’ll offer all the protection paved surfaces need. The reality, however, is that thick coats only do more harm than good! Thick asphalt sealer won’t cure properly, resulting in lackluster protection and an unsightly finish.

The right way to seal a surface is to apply multiple thin coats. Sealcoating companies in Houston typically apply at least two coats, but high-traffic areas may require more to optimize protection and longevity.

How Long Does Asphalt Sealer Take to Cure?

Asphalt Sealcoating in Houston isn’t a quick process. The application doesn’t take long, but the sealer requires several days to cure. In optimal conditions, it can take 24 to 48 hours. During that time, no one can use your asphalt pavement.

Cooler or more humid conditions can lengthen that curing timeline even more. For that reason, sealcoating companies are mindful of the weather forecast during application and the days that follow.

Do Houston Asphalt Sealcoating Companies Provide Service Year-Round?

Because asphalt sealcoating needs time and specific conditions to cure, contractors can’t provide service year-round. Typically, winter is off limits for asphalt sealcoating.

That’s because sealers require air and ground temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit to cure properly. With nighttime temperatures dipping below that threshold, sealcoating becomes nearly impossible. Spring and summer are perfect for asphalt sealcoating. In addition to warm temperatures, sealcoating companies benefit from longer daylight hours and steady winds, which help produce top-notch results.

How Do Timelines for Asphalt Sealcoating In Houston Change Over Time?

Houston asphalt sealcoating companies recommend service every few years. However, your pavement’s needs will change as it ages. Newer surfaces may only need sealing every three to five years. Meanwhile, older asphalt is more susceptible to damage and distress, warranting more frequent sealer applications to protect it.

The best thing you can do for your pavement is to have sealcoating companies inspect your property annually. They can help you develop a service schedule that aligns with your pavement’s precise needs.

LDC Paving is an asphalt paving and maintenance company with a proven track record of success. Since 2009, we’ve had the pleasure of serving countless clients throughout Houston, earning a reputation as a reliable contractor that delivers. We’re eager to take care of your pavement and exceed your expectations. We offer new asphalt paving, sealcoating, overlays, repairs, crack repairs, concrete repairs, public works, parking lot maintenance, and more.

Get in touch with the LDC Paving team today to learn more and request a complimentary quote. You can call us at (832) 640-7296, email Estimates@LDCPaving.com, or use our online form to reach out.