Petroleum-based seal coating (AE) is prepared based on asphalt emulsion with either hot asphalt (AC) or pre-emulsified. Although petrochemical (gasoline, oils, fats, etc.) resistance is typically lacking in AE-based seal coatings, they maintain the surface integrity of asphalt pavements and prevent cracks from forming. Chemicals and specialized rubber polymers have been added over time to improve the performance of AE coatings.

 

Now let’s get back to the article’s primary goal. It aims to gradually bring all crucial factors into focus for successful seal coating jobs.

 

Planning For Sealcoating

 

Pavement Evaluation consists of the following steps: 

An exhaustive evaluation of age and overall health. Check it for sealing. If it was closed, how was it locked? Major manufacturers advise against applying seal coating on surfaces coated with Gilsonite-based products; thus, it is crucial when selecting crack fillers consideration should be given to the size, depth, and several cracks.

 

• Base and subbase condition.
  

  Are there any signs of water pumping through the cracks, such as unexplainable water puddles or clay streaks along the cracks? If so, that is unmistakably a sign of poor drainage. Seal coatings are bound to fail in such areas regardless of how often you go back and attempt to fix the problem.

 

• Surface contamination assessment.
  

  Check for oil and rust spots and if the pavement is heavily wooded or tree-lined, which may require treatment with a specialty primer.

 

• Polished aggregates, especially at entrances, exits, and heavy traffic areas. These areas, too, should be primed for good bonding of the sealer to the pavement. Seal coatings can commonly wear off from such places if you do not prime them timely.

 

• Automatic Sprinkler Systems have been noted to damage the seal coating films during the early stages of drying and cure. 

 

• Evaluation of surface pollution. Look for oil and rust stains if the pavement is highly wooded or tree-lined.

 

• Polished aggregates, particularly in places with high traffic and near entrances and exits. Prepare these areas to ensure a strong adhesion between the sealer and the pavement. It is necessary to prime these portions; otherwise, coatings frequently wear off them.

 

According to experts, automatic sprinkler systems can harm seal coating films in the initial drying and curing stages.

 

Job Costing should include:

 

• Choosing the seal coating’s substance
• Replacement of the base or subbase, patching, or crack filling.
• Primer needs for wooded and tree-lined areas, including specialist primers for oil spot priming.

 

2. Materials selection and Sealcoating

 

Follow the following tips:

 

1. Is it a standard or a higher grade?  Remember to factor in the cost of the sand/aggregate and other materials for recommended mix designs.

 

2. Depending on the project’s requirements, one, two, or more coats? For most residential driveways, apply a single coat if the professionals have sealed the driveway at two- or three-year intervals. You want to build only a few coats because that could result in surface-crazing (spider-webbing) issues.

 

3. Seal coatings must adhere to all applicable requirements.

 

4. The sealer needs a track record of success. Ask for recommendations and speak with your industry connections. Obtain comparison studies.

 

5. Request certification from the provider and confirmation if something gets wrong, immediately fix this.

 

6. Is the sealer following all applicable laws? In RTS-prohibited areas, take extra care. Additionally, confirm that the sealer complies with recently set limitations on the amount of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in the sealer. Ignorance is not a valid defense.

 

7. Is the pricing reasonable compared to other sealers that promise to have equal performance qualities? Ask your supplier once more.

 

3. Application Planning For Sealcoating:

 

• Before applying any product, the crew and the supervisor must study the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and any manufacturer’s brochures or instructions. To protect the environment and the workers, follow all the safety procedures rigorously, especially when handling, applying, cleaning up, and discharging washing.

 

• Choosing the right tools and equipment for the job. All should function well, and spare parts should be accessible for on-site maintenance.

 

• Time management is crucial and can significantly impact overall revenues. Plan with the appropriate team size and well-defined task orders, and make an effort to reduce the likelihood of delays by avoiding repeated trips to the sealer plant.

 

• Be sure to adhere to the best procedures for stormwater management when applying sealants. To safeguard the environment from potential discharge and pollution, contractors should plan, minimize, and mitigate.

 

4. Preparing the Pavement

• Eliminate surface contaminants and flaws from the pavement, as with all surface coverings.
• To make the pavement immaculate, brush and blow it. 
• Scrape the areas with a lot of dirt buildup, and pressure wash if necessary. 
• Leave no plants in crevices.
• Crack filling, patching, and complete base restoration.
• Prime oil spots and particular problem sites, particularly those found behind tree lines, present a challenge.

 

5. Making Sealcoating Material

 

Follow any mixed design recommendations from the manufacturer and project engineer.

 

• Mix design refers to adding and combining water, sand/aggregate, and optional additives in the recommended ratios to the concentrated sealer for a specific application requirement.
• Check whether the Water is fit for human consumption and whether the sand or aggregate is clean.
• Ensure to blend the components in your equipment thoroughly.

Moreover, Only change the mix design with the manufacturer’s and project engineer’s prior approval. If using a ready-to-use mix, request a mix design recommendation from the provider.

 

6. The Finer Points of Applying Sealcoating:

 

Apply the seal coatings following specifications and manufacturer guidelines on the number of coats and coverage rates. Any deviation must have prior approval from the sealer manufacturer.

Observe the interval between coats and the final cure appropriately for drying.

 

Plan all seal coating steps, including planning, material selection, and final clean-up, carefully with respect for the workers and the environment’s safety to complete the task successfully.