The Great Big World of ConcreteThe Great Big World of Concrete


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The Great Big World of Concrete

Think about how many things in the built environment are made from concrete. Even just in your home, you may have a concrete foundation or concrete basement walls. Maybe you have a concrete pad or patio out back, and you probably have a concrete sidewalk leading to and past your home. Then, there's your greater community. There are likely concrete barriers to restrict where people park. Large, concrete buildings serve as schools, court buildings, and other community structures. The list goes on, but the point is, concrete contractors create all sorts of different structures. We're excited to write articles about them here.

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What Commercial Building Owners Need To Know About Asphalt Surface Treatments

As a commercial building owner, one of the best ways to extend the usable life of its asphalt parking lot is to apply an asphalt surface treatment. If you are unfamiliar with asphalt sealants, then here's what you need to know: 

How Asphalt Surface Treatments Protect Asphalt

Asphalt surface treatments protect asphalt in the same way a polyurethane finish applied to a wood countertop protects the underlying wood. The sealant repels harmful water and takes all of the abuse while the underlying material is safe and protected.

If you don't protect a wooden countertop from water, then it will seep in and cause damage. This is also the case for asphalt. If it isn't proactively protected from rain, then it will wear down much faster than it otherwise would.

The Advantages of Asphalt Surface Treatments

There is a long list of advantages to treating asphalt surfaces. Some of the top benefits include:

  • extending the life of the asphalt 
  • preventing water absorption into the substrate
  • providing a skid-free surface for vehicles
  • improving the look of weathered or dried-out asphalt

In addition, asphalt that is past its useful life can be surface coated to preserve it for one last season of use while waiting for it to be replaced.

Important Considerations When Selecting an Asphalt Surface Treatment

To achieve the best results, there are many different considerations when it comes to choosing the right asphalt surface treatment option.

The most important are:

  • how much and what type of traffic does the pavement have
  • the overall condition of the existing asphalt pavement
  • the materials locally available in your area

In addition, the climate where the asphalt resides is also a big factor. There are some formulations that work better in cold temperatures and others designed for hot climates. Using the right surface treatment for the local climate is vital.

When to Replace Asphalt vs. Applying a Coating

Finally, it is important to note that not all asphalt should be sealed or coated rather than replaced. Asphalt coatings and surface treatments are designed to protect asphalt that is already structurally sound and free of damage. 

Asphalt surfaces that have underlying problems with any of the following should be evaluated for replacement vs. coating: inadequate drainage, poor compaction, or unstable aggregate.

Surface treatments for asphalt will not add structural strength. They can't fix existing damage other than filling in smaller cracks and chips. Asphalt with major issues should be professionally evaluated by a licensed concrete contractor.

Contact a local surface treatment service, such as Pavement Surface Coatings, to learn more.