Sealcoating Your Parking lot: Things to Consider Before You Start

Why Sealcoating?

Sealcoating is a precautionary treatment that helps protect and extend the life of your asphalt. As soon as that asphalt is laid and cooled, your parking lot starts taking on damage. From cars and oils to hurricanes, thunderstorms, and even sunny days! Sealcoating can help protect the asphalt from the elements while slowing down the aging process.

Extending the life of any paved surface is key to longtime savings, and sealcoating can maximize the longevity of the coated surface and keep your parking lot looking clean and professional. But before you jump into a project like this, there are things to plan so you’re prepared when you get started, and you know what to expect after.

Have a Plan

It’s important to consider all the variables that go into executing a job like this. If you consult any professional seal coating contractor, they’ll most likely tell you effective seal coating is 95 percent preparation and only five percent execution. Meticulously planning when and how to execute seal coating is crucial.

How will the process disrupt your business’s customers or employees? Consider the best timeline for the job based on busy and slow seasons, traffic patterns and consumer habits, seasonal weather concerns, and your budget for the job. Then find a good contractor and make sure you are fully involved in the planning process.

While you’re deciding on a contractor, be sure to ask about the types of materials and the application methods they typically use. A good contractor will explain their approach, coating materials, the number of sealant coats, what barriers and roadblocks are needed, and why.

Be Prepared

Assess the situation of your lot before the contractor gets to work.

Fill any cracks or holes, repair any damaged pavement, and make sure all asphalt is cured or has been solid for a minimum of 30 to 60 days before the sealing process begins. Make sure to thoroughly clean the lot surface of any debris. Our experienced AAA sweeping professionals can remove any unwanted dirt, sand, trash, and other abrasive debris before you get started.

Get Started

Once you’ve executed your strategy for redirecting traffic, considered your materials and application method with your contractor, and professionally cleaned the lot, it’s time to get started.

The size of your parking lot will determine how many coats of sealant you may need. We always suggest at least two, but you may need three if it’s a large lot.  Most contractors can get the seal coating done in one afternoon.

After Seal Coating                                                                                                                                        

After the sealant is down, dry times may depend on the weather but typically requires a minimum of eight hours. During this time, it’s important your contractor coordinates any drive-thru traffic to help minimize any inconvenience to residents, tenants, or customers around your lot.

Once the sealant is dry, you can begin any line striping needed for the parking lot. Our AAA striping services can help create clear direction and organize your parking lot by making sure the layout is safe and functional. Schedule a follow-up with your contractor to appraise the job shortly after the project is finished.

Your asphalt should be sealed every two to three years to help maintain its structural stability. Our professionals at AAA Total Property Solutions are here to help with any of your maintenance needs. Contact us today to get started on your next big project.