In order to protect the original appearance of the asphalt and guarantee its longevity, a first sealant must be applied two or three months after the laying of the asphalt pavement. This operation must be repeated after several years to prevent the asphalt from being exposed to the full force of the sun, road salt in winter and spills of gasoline and oil and from being damaged. Cracks and potholes must be repaired immediately to prevent water infiltration that inevitably leads to asphalt breaking. But what type of sealant should be used to protect your asphalt from the elements and allow rainwater to drain properly?
Regardless of the age of your asphalt pavement, regular maintenance will help you keep its original appearance and optimize its longevity. Bitumen is a heavy component of crude oil and since asphalt is made from bitumen, it has the physical characteristics of bitumen. As a soft and flexible material, asphalt requires preventive treatment and regular maintenance to prevent damage caused by sunlight, heat, vehicle traffic, oil, gasoline, road salt, infiltration and standing rainwater. The surface and all cracks must be sealed to prevent the pavement from discolouring, splitting, cracking, warping, sinking or losing patches.
There are currently anti-slip and resistant acrylic sealants on the market that have the advantage of giving an asphalt pavement different shades, such as grey, terracotta or green. Cheaper than bitumen-based sealants, they are not suitable for asphalt because they remain on the surface and prevent it from breathing. Acrylic-based sealants, which are a foreign substance to asphalt, lack adhesion and promote deterioration of asphalt surfaces that crack and chip after one or two years as water seeps into the pavement.
Unlike water-based or tar-based sealants sold in hardware stores, which only colour the pavement, oil-based bitumen sealant, also known as coal emulsion, made from ingredients similar to those found in asphalt, protects asphalt pavements and helps preserve their original dark colour. By penetrating the pavement, it offers better flexibility than other varieties, does not emit odours after application and allows the asphalt to breathe. Its texture makes the surface smooth and harmonious, with a natural and uniform black finish.
With good hydrating properties, bitumen and polymer-based sealants preserve the elasticity of asphalt pavements and prevent the penetration of water and hydrocarbons as well as the appearance of cracks, blisters and flaking areas. A sealing treatment on pavement that begins to show cracks and potholes stops water infiltration and reduces damage. For more seriously damaged paving, it is necessary to cover or replace damaged parts.
Regardless of its age, an asphalt surface requires an appropriate sealant to maintain its original appearance and last over time. While acrylic sealants give asphalt pavements a beautiful appearance, bitumen-based sealants with or without polymers also protect asphalt pavements, repair cracks and potholes, prevent weather damage and help extend the life of asphalt.
