Asphalt paving is remarkably durable. However, according to The Balance, driveways and parking lots should be seal coated annually if the pavement withstands heavy traffic. Otherwise, it can be sealed every two or three years under normal traffic. After paving, you should apply sealer within three to six months. Ideally, the seal coat should be applied in summer when temperatures are high (between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit) and the humidity low. The reason for this is that the warmer temperatures allow the asphalt to cure quickly, meaning you don't have to wait long to drive on it. Below are a few reasons you should make an annual appointment with commercial paving services to seal your asphalt pavement.

1. Prevent Water From Seeping In

Over time, elements like the wind or the sun's radiation can deteriorate the chemical bonds in asphalt. Once that happens, water can seep in and begin to slowly degrade your driveway by breaking the bonds between the asphalt binder, sand, and rocks. If cracks develop, they also allow more water to get in and weaken the base layer that supports the pavement. The result is that traffic will now cause abnormal damage to the asphalt pavement.

Another form of damage that occurs when water seeps in through cracks results from freeze-thaw cycles. As water freezes, it expands, causing existing cracks to also widen. Water can also cause a different type of damage known as frost heave. Frost heave occurs when water beneath the pavement freezes and expands, causing the top layer to also move upwards and potentially create potholes.

Sealcoating fills the hairline cracks that are just the first sign of trouble. By filling them, the likelihood that water will find a way in is reduced. Hiring commercial paving services to sealcoat your driveway will keep water out and help your pavement last longer.

2. Prevent Oxidation

When asphalt is freshly poured, its color is black. However, as it is exposed to oxygen, it turns gray and becomes more brittle. The more brittle it is, the easier it is for cracks to develop and grow, which will, in turn, cause more degradation from water seepage. Regular sealer application by professional commercial paving services will reduce the pavement's exposure to the air.

3. Protect the Asphalt From Oil Spills

Any petroleum-based liquid is a danger to asphalt pavement. Asphalt is itself petroleum-based. That means any petroleum-based liquid will join with the binder and cause the asphalt to soften. The damage, in this case, can be extensive. Before sealing, commercial paving services will have to repair the part damaged by the oil. If they were to seal it directly, the damage would continue as long as the oil is present underneath the sealer.

4. Improved Flexibility

As asphalt ages and becomes gray, it loses some of its flexibility due to increased brittleness. Flexibility is part of what makes asphalt a great road surface. Flexing allows it to handle greater loads than if it were rigid. A sealer application will help the asphalt pavement keep some of that flexibility.

5. Better Skid Resistance

Asphalt starts out by having a great grip on tires. However, the fine sand particles at the top wear away over time. You can restore grip to your asphalt pavement by applying a sealer that has sand or boiler slag.

6. Longer-Lasting Asphalt Pavements

Seal coating is vital to the longevity of your asphalt driveway. It keeps all the above issues at bay. Commercial paving services will keep the threat of water, oxidation, and oil spills away from your asphalt pavement.

7. Improve the Look of Your Driveway or Parking Lot

A sealcoated asphalt driveway looks sleek and appealing. It gives your property curb appeal, which means a lot for a business as it is likely to attract more customers with a swanky-looking parking lot.

Lastly, sealcoating saves you money. If you choose not to sealcoat as prescribed, you'll likely be contacting commercial paving services to do repairs after two years. After seven years, you can expect to have to pave fresh over your old asphalt surface. Make a wise choice and contact commercial paving services for an appointment.