Sealcoating: Is Thicker Better?

Sealcoating: Is Thicker Better?

Sealcoating is an important part of asphalt maintenance, and it’s best to hire professionals to handle it every three to five years for maximum protection. Sealcoating Toronto ON is not something you can ignore. Otherwise, you’ll deal with costly repair issues and a much shorter pavement lifespan.

Because Toronto asphalt sealcoating is so important to the long-term durability of pavement, many property owners and managers consider adopting a “better safe than sorry” mentality with this service. But despite what you might think, thicker is not always better when it comes to asphalt sealcoating.

What is the Point of Sealcoating?

Toronto sealcoating is a preventative service aimed at protecting your parking lot, driveway and other asphalt surfaces from the elements. Constant exposure to the sun and rain can result in oxidation. When that happens, the asphalt’s binders break down, making your surface brittle and prone to cracks.

Once cracks develop, water can seep in, freeze during those cold Toronto winters, and widen. Then, water can get into your asphalt’s foundation and cause substantial structural damage.

Asphalt sealcoating prevents all that from happening. Sealcoating contractors apply specialized asphalt emulsion sealers to every square inch of pavement. After curing, it forms a protective barrier that lasts up to five years.

With regular Toronto sealcoating, you can avoid major repair issues while prolonging the life of your pavement.

How Does an Sealcoating Toronto ON Company Protect Pavement?

Sealcoating in Toronto ON is a straightforward process. Sealcoating contractors start by preparing the surface and ridding it of dirt and debris. They’ll also treat oil stains and may power wash the surface the day before to ensure a tight bond with the sealer.

When your pavement is dry, your sealcoating company will block off the area and apply the sealer. Sealer formulas vary, but most require two thin coats. Your asphalt sealcoating company will lay one even coat, allow it to cure and apply the second coat.

Your pavement is ready for use after 24 to 48 hours of full curing. The process restores the asphalt’s color while giving it the protection it needs.

Why is Thicker Sealcoating Worse for My Pavement?

Toronto asphalt sealcoating requires time to cure. The biggest mistake DIYers and inexperienced sealcoating contractors make is assuming they can apply one thick coat in place of two thin layers.

The problem with that is it prevents even water evaporation. Sealers used for sealcoating in Toronto ON contain up to 70 percent water. That water must evaporate for the emulsion to stick to the asphalt.

Thick coats shed water and cure unevenly. Typically, the upper layers dry first, preventing moisture from shedding towards the bottom of a thick coat. The result is peeling, stickiness and severe cracking!

An experienced sealcoating company will do two thin coats for effective curing.

Does the Application Method Used By My Asphalt Sealcoating Toronto ON Company Matter?

Some might say that asphalt sealcoating should be done with one tool over the other. Some are proponents of squeegees, while others prefer sprayers.

Despite what you hear, there’s no right and wrong way to apply asphalt sealcoating. If you go to a seasoned sealcoating company, they’ll likely use both!

Both methods are effective in the hands of a professional. Many contractors use squeegees in tight corners and hard-to-reach areas while applying the product with sprayers for thin, even coverage.

Don’t leave your Toronto sealcoating to inexperienced amateurs. When you need sealcoating done right, turn to Seal Canada. We’re full-service pavement specialists with many years of experience performing Toronto asphalt sealcoating. We understand the complexities of the process and take the time to ensure that the sealer adheres strongly to your pavement.

You can trust our team to handle all your residential and commercial pavement needs. In addition to asphalt sealcoating in Toronto, we do new paving, repairs, pressure washing, line painting, concrete work and more.

Call Seal Canada at (416)827-5072 to talk shop and get a free quote for your sealcoating project. We’re also available by email at dan@sealcanada.com or through our online contact form.

OUR VALUES

We Aren't Satisfied Until You Are

1

Safe & Secure

Our goal is to reduce your yearly maintenance cost, saving you thousands of dollars in major repairs and re-construction.

2

Customer Satisfaction

We make every effort to provide our customers with the best experience. We treat your property like it’s ours.

3

Detail & Quality

We use the most durable and long lasting products available on the market to get the project done right the first time.

Commercial

See what Seal Canada can do for your property.

Residential

See how Seal Canada can bring your pavement back to life.