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Sealcoating Research Paper

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If a home has wood siding or trim, it must be painted or sealed to protect it from the elements. Otherwise, rain, sunlight and stains will damage the wood and shorten its life. The same is true for asphalt driveways. Without sealcoating, asphalt pavement can deteriorate rapidly, often requiring replacement twice as soon as similar pavements treated with sealants.

Asphalt is a remarkably durable pavement, but it is susceptible to damage from a variety of things. The sun's rays can dry out asphalt and make it brittle. Oil and other petroleum-based automotive fluids will destroy the binding agents when they try to recombine with the asphalt. Whether from rain or melting snow and ice, water will attempt to infiltrate beneath the pavement through any crack or other break; once infiltration occurs, water can …show more content…

It functions as a sunscreen to filter ultraviolet radiation and as a shield against corrosive chemicals that can damage the pavement. Sealants dry to a hard, tough finish that helps prevent scuff marks from tires and stains from vegetation. Sealcoating offers an extra layer of waterproofing to help stop water from reaching the pavement's foundation.

Sealcoating is also an excellent way to restore the dark, beautiful color for which asphalt pavement is famous. Over time, asphalt pavement will fade to a dirty brown or gray. Sealcoating restores asphalt pavement to the rich color that it had when it was first installed. Although sealcoating will not fill large cracks, it can smooth out minor imperfections in the pavement's surface to enhance its appearance.

Prior to applying a sealant, asphalt professionals will repair any potholes or cracks that might be present. They will also clean the driveway to remove oil leaks or other stains. Depending on the time of year and other factors, homeowners may be able to begin using their driveways within 24 hours of the sealant

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