The Essential Guide to Seal Coating Services in Alberta

It can be common to find driveways, parking lots, and roads constructed using asphalt, and these surfaces are significantly susceptible to damage from traffic, weather changes, and other conditions. In Alberta, a climate that may go from hot summer days to severe winter snowstorms puts a lot of stress on asphalt through its expansion and contraction and ultimately leads to early wear and tear of the material. From the perspective of property owners who have asphalt infrastructures, it is important to conduct regular maintenance that would prevent deterioration of the surface features of the infrastructure. This is where seal coating comes in.

Seal coating in Edmonton is the process of sealing the surfaces of roads, parking lots, driveways, or other facilities to protect them from the harsh effects of weather and other forces of nature.

Seal coating an asphalt surface is a process whereby a protective liquid layer is applied. The sealant material forms a thick and long-lasting cover against rain, sun, snow, ice, and other factors that may affect the stability and performance of asphalt. It also assists in avoiding the oxidation process whereby asphalt becomes brittle, dry, and crack-prone. They include layered polymers, refined tar or asphalt emulsions, and special additives for protection against UV radiation. When used correctly, the layer of protection adheres to the base asphalt, allowing it to remain pliable and repellant to water.

Why Seal Coat Asphalt Surfaces?

There are several key reasons to invest in regular seal coating services in Alberta for asphalt driveways, parking areas, and roads:

1. Enhanced Curb Appeal: New sealcoating makes old, dull-looking, colorless asphalt black and neat in look and gives it a fresh look. Enhancement of the aesthetic value of properties can also lead to enhanced property value.

• Water and Ice Damage Protection: Sealant acts as a barrier to water infiltration in asphalt through cracks and pores when it rains or during snow meltage. This reduces the potential for damaging freeze-thaw cycles in cold climates such as the province of Alberta.

• Prevent oxidation and UV rays: Seal coating in Edmonton serves as a protective shield that prevents the effects of oxidation and sun rays from worsening the degradation of the asphalt.

• Longer Lasting Asphalt Surfaces: It is recommended that seal coating is done every 2-3 years which helps to increase the serviceability of an asphalt surface by a further 7- 10 years consequently helping to avoid frequent asphalt replacement.

How Often to Seal Coat in Alberta

The weather varying from very hot at times to very cold at other times poses high risks to asphalt. Hence, sealing of the surface is advised to be done every 2 to 3 years to prolong the life of asphalt and offer protection. It may be advisable to seal treated surfaces annually for areas that are frequently exposed to commercial traffic. Regular maintenance of your asphalt and hiring professional seal coating services in Alberta at the earliest sign of crack or fading gives the best value for the money spent on it.

Selecting the Right Seal Coating Company in Alberta

Since routine seal coating is so important for Alberta asphalt surface, the choice of the application company is very important. Some red flags that point to scam contractors include a suspiciously low bid price, limited experience in the Alberta climate conditions, no references from previous customers, and no permanent place of business in Alberta.

Consider these positive indicators of reputable industry professionals:

• Experience of at least several years or even decades serving in Alberta.
• Credible customer’ testimonials and recommendations by other locals
• Reasonable quotes as opposed to absurd bids
• Correct licenses, insurance policies, and WCB reports

Seal Coating Procedure

On the day of the job, a seal coating company follows a series of key steps to prep and seal the asphalt surface:

1. Advance Warning Signage: Security measures such as work zones and vehicle barriers are also established.

• Surface Preparation: Firefighters employ the use of blowers, sweepers, and degreasers to ensure that the area is cleaned to the proper standard. Any buildup of particles, dust, or blotches is cleared to enhance the bond between the sealer and the surface.

• Crack and Patch Repairs: The major cracks and holes are filled so that they cannot show through the newly applied sealcoat.

• Sealant Application: The special polymeric sealant is applied by professionals with the help of spray equipment, brushes, squeegees, and rollers. Thicker coats are not applied; instead, thin coats are applied in several instances to ensure even coverage of the entire asphalt surface.

• Curing Time: To ensure no interference from vehicles or pedestrians, the area is sealed off and closed to anybody who wants to pass through it until the sealant has completely set which may take up to 24-48 hours. This ensures that the protective sealant is applied and bonds well to the existing asphalt surface.

How Much Do Seal Coating Services Cost?

Asphalt seal coating prices vary depending on the size of the asphalt surface involved, its condition, and the quality of sealant products to be used. For a rough idea, a homeowner can prepare to spend about $1,200 to get a two-car asphalt driveway seal coated. As a result of the above, the cost for a commercial property manager managing thousands of square feet of parking lots and access roads will be proportionate.

The best thing that any client can do is to gather quotes from at least three well-rated industry specialists in that particular locality. Respectable firms are open about costs so you can consider your decisions. The best seal coating contractors educate clients on the fact that while it is always nice to try to save money, doing so to the point of not getting the best quality product or service will only result in poor durability that will need recoating much earlier. The result is that they end up paying more in the long run compared to ongoing investment in high-performing treatments that can be applied sparingly.

Take Measures to Preserve Your Asphalt Investment in Alberta

Exposed to climatic conditions, Alberta asphalt surfaces experience material oxidation, surface wear, freeze-thaw cycles, and aggravation of the existing cracks and pits. Seal coating of asphalt infrastructure every two to three years may be time-consuming, but the benefits are long-term. Property curb appeal improves. Routine maintenance and complete overlay expenses become evaded or delayed. To ensure the appearance of Alberta properties remains great and the life of asphalt is increased to maximize the return on investment, it is wise to partner with a reputable local expert in seal coating services like Alberta Pro Pavement Markings.