Asphalt Sealcoating Details

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How Often Are You Seal Coating Your Parking Lot?

Most property owners who have asphalt parking lots know that routine maintenance is necessary to keep their pavement in good condition, but there is a lot of confusion out there about the specific aspects of asphalt maintenance. To make sure your asphalt parking lot is kept in the best shape possible for years to come, it’s important to follow some key maintenance tips. Keep reading to learn more about asphalt parking lot sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA and how to maximize the benefits of sealcoating services.

Why is maintenance important?

Understanding the importance of asphalt maintenance can help give you a better idea of how to care for your pavement properly. While asphalt is designed for durability and resilience against the elements, it isn’t indestructible. Years of use, wear, tear and weather elements can weaken asphalt and cause it to fade, crack and develop potholes. Asphalt maintenance allows property owners to combat these issues and complications and improve the condition of asphalt for many years.

The most effective form of asphalt maintenance for parking lots is sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA. Asphalt sealcoating offers several significant benefits for property owners, but it’s only effective if it’s done properly. Following recommendations for asphalt maintenance is key when it comes to preserving asphalt pavement and maximizing its longevity and performance. To take advantage of all the benefits of asphalt sealcoating, this service must be completed on a routine basis.

Asphalt sealcoating basics

Asphalt sealcoating is a process that involves the application of a protective coat over existing pavement. This process restores the driving surface of asphalt pavement while protecting and preserving the foundation of the paved surface. The layer of sealcoating on the asphalt acts as a barrier that protects pavement from UV damage, heavy precipitation, ice and snow accumulation and wear and tear from heavy traffic. In addition, asphalt sealcoating mitigates fading and restores the color of an asphalt parking lot to improve the curb appeal of a property.

Parking lot sealcoating should be done every two to four years to maximize the performance and longevity of the pavement. Routine sealcoating cuts down on asphalt damage, extends the lifespan of pavement and keeps it looking its best for many years. Waiting too long between asphalt sealcoating applications can result in excessive wear and tear and extensive pavement damage, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair. If you notice any damage to your asphalt pavement, like potholes and cracks, it’s important to have these things filled as soon as possible. Proactive repairs are key when it comes to routine asphalt maintenance.

Parking lot sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA

Get started with professional parking lot sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA by reaching out to Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. With years of experience providing services to our customers, we have the expertise necessary to tackle virtually any pavement project. Whether you’re looking for basic asphalt maintenance or you need help with an extensive asphalt paving project, our team is here to help. Give us a call to get started with a consultation.

Does Seal Coating Come in Multiple Colors?

For most property owners, investing in asphalt paving services is more about utility and practicality than style or aesthetic appeal, but that doesn’t mean that asphalt can’t be beautiful. Colored sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA is a great option for property owners who want to achieve the perfect balance of functionality and curb appeal. Keep reading to learn more about your options when it comes to colored asphalt and for some information to help you decide whether colored sealcoating is right for your property.

Colored sealcoating basics

Colored sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA is a specially formulated sealcoat that’s designed to offer the functional benefits of standard sealcoating with vibrant tints to improve the aesthetic appeal of asphalt pavement. These finishes come in many different colors and shades for various applications. From parking lots to driveways, colored asphalt can enhance the appeal of a property and improve its functionality.

Colored asphalt sealers in Santa Rosa, CA are made with a mixture of mineral aggregates and colorized pigment to create a barrier on top of asphalt pavement. These sealcoats protect asphalt against UV rays, stormy weather and extreme temperature fluctuations. In addition, sealcoats offer slip resistance to protect pedestrians, cyclists and motorists from accidents on your asphalt surfaces.

Colored sealcoating for property owners

Whether you’re a business owner looking to spruce up your parking lot or a homeowner interested in refurbishing your driveway, colored asphalt sealcoating is a great way to transform the appearance of your property while extending the lifespan of your pavement. Here are a few options for colored asphalt sealers in Santa Rosa, CA:

  • Textured sealcoating: Some color sealcoating formulations can be used with textured asphalt surfaces and pavers to add color and create a uniform finish. These formulations are ideal for driveways and pathways with textured or patterned pavement. Sealcoating formulations for textured surfaces offer superior durability and slip resistance in adverse weather conditions.
  • Highly pigmented formulations: Some colored asphalt sealers in Santa Rosa, CA are made in highly pigmented formulations that instantly add vibrant color to an asphalt surface. These formulations come in a range of colors, including greens and neutrals, and are great for driveways and parking lots in front of homes and businesses.
  • Diluted color formulations: To achieve slightly understated color in asphalt pavement, use a color formulation with more diluted pigment. These formulations add a hint of color to asphalt pavement without the overwhelming opacity or vibrancy of more pigmented mixtures. This is a great option for low-traffic roadways and commercial parking lots.

Colored asphalt sealers in Santa Rosa, CA

If you’re interested in learning more about colored asphalt sealers in Santa Rosa, CA, reach out to Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. We are a locally owned and operated business specializing in asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial and residential applications. Our team will work with you to develop a design for your paving project that meets your needs and works for your property layout and budget. Give us a call today to get started with a consultation.

Should Pavement Have Scuffs After Sealcoating?

Once you get a paved area sealcoated, you’re probably expecting a pristine, newly-minted pavement that shows no signs of human efforts. However, there will inevitably be some scuff marks and other issues with your pavement after sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA, usually within the first month or so. Don’t worry—as time goes by, those problems will disappear into the sealcoating.

If you have newly-sealcoated pavement or need help determining whether your pavement needs repair, sealcoating or replacement, the team at Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. can help. We’re Santa Rosa’s premier concrete and asphalt providers, so be sure to call us as soon as you notice an issue with your pavement.

What causes scuffs?

The longer you can keep traffic off your pavement after sealcoating, the better results you’ll have—but that’s not always a practical way of doing business. There will always be an unavoidable number of scuffs that you’ll have to deal with, but you can reduce them by keeping your new pavement closed for a few days, or even a week, if you can manage it.

Most scuffs are caused by cars or trucks turning their wheels while the car is stopped. Nothing tends to damage fresh pavement more than this—especially if it’s heavy. If you have big rigs stopping in your parking lot or paved area, you might consider closing it off to them until the sealcoating has cured. If that’s not feasible, try putting up signage to remind drivers not to turn their wheels when stationary.

The more heavy-duty the tires are, the more your asphalt will suffer. Traditional bias-ply tires aren’t going to damage pavement as much as off-road versions or those intended for heavier duty vehicles. The bigger the gaps between the cleats, the more likely they will be to damage your newly-sealcoated pavement.

Those who are especially worried about scuffs may choose to coat the pavement with sand for a few months, especially around areas where delivery trucks may drive. In the summer, a good way to help preserve your asphalt is to run some cool water over it at least once per day.

The good news: Your sealcoating will survive

Lest you consider closing your pavement off for a year until the sealcoating completely cures, here’s the good news: early scuffs tend to disappear as the sealcoating cures, which usually takes between two months to a year, depending on your local weather. As the sealcoat settles in and cures, scuffs are obscured and it still looks fresh. Additionally, when it’s finished curing, you’ll find that it’s much harder to scuff the pavement than it was when it was brand new.

When you have to deal with marks on your pavement after sealcoating in Santa Rosa, CA, call the pros at Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. We can help you determine whether your pavement will need refinishing or if you can wait for the sealcoating to do its job in a month or two. Call us today to learn more about our services.

When to Sealcoat or Resurface Your Driveway

Any homeowner or business owner who doesn’t have a sealcoat on their driveway or parking lot is seriously missing out. This inexpensive addition to your home or business pavement carries with it an enormous number of benefits. It protects against the most common threats to your asphalt, it extends the life of your driveway and it hastens the melting of snow and ice on your paved surface.

To keep your sealcoating effective, you’ll need to apply new layers every so often. That begs the question: how often should you sealcoat in Santa Rosa, CA?

The general rule of thumb

Conventional wisdom dictates that you should reseal your driveway once every three to five years. Of course, a difference of two years is a pretty big window of time. So, when asking yourself, “How often should I sealcoat?” it’s more important to look at certain factors that impact the performance of your driveway in Santa Rosa, CA, rather than adhere to an arbitrary time frame.

Signs you need a new sealcoat

There are a couple of signals that you need to have your driveway resealed:

  • Cracks forming on the surface
  • Potholes cropping up
  • Chips along the edges of your driveway
  • Faded appearance
  • Drainage problems

In truth, it’s a good idea to have an asphalt professional come to inspect your driveway about once every year to 18 months just to ensure that things are still looking good.

When is sealcoating not enough?

You can have your driveway resealed regularly, but at some point, your asphalt will eventually need a little extra love and care. That’s when it’s time to resurface your driveway. During this process, contractors scrape off the top layer of your driveway or asphalt parking lot and reapply a new (often recycled) layer. The process can extend the life of your driveway by another decade or more.

Resurfacing your asphalt driveway in Santa Rosa, CA is often the best choice when your asphalt is less than 20 years old, and the overall surface damage doesn’t run deeper than two inches. If the overall number of cracks and other issues cover more than 30 percent of your driveway, your best bet is to have the driveway repaved entirely.

Work with the experts

If all that information came at you in a flurry, don’t be discouraged. Still wondering how often you should sealcoat in Santa Rosa, CA? All it takes is one call to Sikes Asphalt Group Inc., and our talented team of professionals will get to work inspecting your asphalt and customizing a solution that meets your needs.

Since we opened our doors in 2003, we’ve established a reputation for excellence in the world of asphalt and concrete. Regardless of your needs—a new retaining wall, repairs to your driveway or parking lot, striping services and everything in between—our talented team of experts can get the job done. You can always count on Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. Contact us today to schedule your estimate or find out more about what we can do for you!

Protect Your Asphalt and Keep It Looking Its Best with Sealcoating

When you’re running a business, you will quickly discover that there is an almost limitless number of strategies to help get people in your front door. There are also a handful of conditions that will see potential customers avoid your storefront like the plague. One of the most influential but commonly overlooked factors that can draw in or repel clients is the state of your asphalt driveway or parking lot.

If you’re not thinking about asphalt sealcoating and its benefits in Santa Rosa, CA, you could be doing your business a grave disservice.

Don’t fall prey to bad asphalt

You would be utterly astonished at the adverse effects that a chipped and cracked driveway or parking lot can have on your business. An asphalt surface that is covered in potholes or long cracks has an immediate impact on potential clients. When your asphalt isn’t looking its best, it implies that your business isn’t doing well.

Even worse, a driveway or parking lot that’s difficult to navigate could lead to injuries to your customers, their vehicles or your employees. These accidents could leave you liable for financial costs.

In short, a driveway or parking lot that isn’t well maintained not only drives business away, but it could threaten what business does come your way. Of course, there’s a way to prevent these issues.

What is sealcoating?

From the moment you install a new driveway or parking lot outside your business, that beautiful new stretch of asphalt is under attack from the elements. You might think your asphalt is tough enough to withstand consistent assaults from car tires, wind, rain and UV rays, but that’s not the case. The truth is that your asphalt needs all the help it can get.

Enter sealcoating. This thin, transparent protective layer can be applied to your asphalt in just a matter of hours. Once installed, you’ll see numerous asphalt sealcoating benefits in Santa Rosa, CA.

Why should I use a sealcoat?

Sure, you understand that protective sealcoating helps your asphalt withstand the impact of constant assault from the elements. But that’s just the beginning of the benefits:

  • If your driveway or parking lot is showing its age, a layer of sealcoating can make it look like new.
  • Sealcoating on an annual basis can dramatically extend the life of your asphalt, saving you money on installation and repair.
  • Asphalt eventually succumbs to infiltration by water, but sealcoating protects against it.

Sealcoating your company’s driveway or parking lot is a win-win all around.

Talk to the pros

Want to know more about how sealcoating can provide significant cost savings to your business in Santa Rosa, CA? Come to Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. We have more than 15 years of experience providing state-of-the-art sealcoating solutions to clients throughout the extended Santa Rosa area.

Of course, we’re more than just sealcoating. Our locally owned and operated company is prepared to handle any asphalt and concrete work you require, including paving, removal, replacement, chip sealing and repair, excavation, pulverizing, striping and more.

Isn’t it time you found out why Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. is the area’s premier concrete and asphalt expert? Call today!

Sealcoating Aftercare Tips

Sealcoating is the best way to extend your asphalt driveway’s lifespan and preserve its great appearance. However, the sealcoating process isn’t quite over once the paving crew leaves the job site. There is also some sealcoating aftercare maintenance in Santa Rosa, CA that homeowners need to perform on their own. Continue reading to learn a few of our top tips:

  • Wait to walk: Sealcoat dries quickly, but it’s not immediate. Walking on sealcoat before it’s fully cured may lead to depressions on the surface. The time it takes to cure depends on the temperature outside. If it’s above 60 degrees, it will take 24 hours, while 50 degrees takes 36 hours and 45 degrees takes 48 hours. We don’t recommend sealcoating if it’s below 45 degrees outside.
  • Water the driveway: To further help the curing process, we recommend watering your newly-sealed driveway. Wait until the sun no longer hits the driveway and spray the asphalt with your watering hose. Sprinkle about 80 percent of the driveway, focusing on areas where you’ll be walking on it the most. This quick sealcoating aftercare maintenance in Santa Rosa, CA can reduce the cure time and make the seal stronger.
  • Keep it clean: Any leaves or pine needles that blow onto the surface while it’s curing aren’t a huge deal. However, for long-term care, you’ll want to be careful about oil and gas stains on the pavement. Keep a bag of kitty litter on hand and sprinkle a handful of the litter on the puddles as soon as you notice them. After the litter absorbs the moisture, simply sweep it off with a broom.

When’s the best time of year to sealcoat?

Sealcoating can be performed nearly all year long—the ground and air temperatures just need to be above 45 degrees. However, the warmer the weather, the better. As we learned above, warmer weather means the sealcoating process will be completed faster, so we recommend sealcoating in the summer months or early fall.

Choose Sikes Asphalt Group Inc.

Be sure to hire the team at Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. the next time your driveway needs to be sealcoated. Here are a few reasons our customers come to us for their driveway needs:

  • Guaranteed results: After hiring our team and following our sealcoating aftercare tips in Santa Rosa, CA, you can rest easy knowing you’ll have a great-looking driveway. We provide the highest quality of service in everything we do.
  • Wide range of services: Speaking of our services, we do much more than sealcoating! We also perform paving work, striping, general maintenance and much more.
  • Affordable pricing: You won’t need to worry about overpaying when you hire our team at Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. In addition to offering competitive prices for all of our services, we also give free estimates to our customers.

Since summertime is the best time to sealcoat your driveway, call us today to get started with your project. Just be sure to follow all of our sealcoating aftercare tips in Santa Rosa, CA once we’re finished!

What Is Slurry Seal, and How Is It Different from Sealcoat

Asphalt is designed to last for decades, but it must be cared for and maintained properly to offer reliable performance over many years. Sealcoats are applied to asphalt to protect the surface from the elements, reduce the effects of weathering and mitigate some of the wear and tear that pavement is subject to. Understanding different types of sealcoats that are used on asphalt can help you decide which option is right for you. Keep reading to learn more about slurry seal in Santa Rosa, CA and how it’s different from sealcoats.

What is slurry seal?

Slurry seal is a type of asphalt seal that’s made from a combination of asphalt emulsion, crushed rock aggregate, water and other additives that create a strong, resilient seal for the surface of asphalt pavement. This combination of ingredients creates a slurry that is applied to asphalt using specialized application equipment to achieve an even coat across the surface of the pavement.

Slurry seals allow property owners to create a new, refined driving surface while preserving the foundation of asphalt pavement. This seal is best used on surfaces that are still in fair condition, without any serious cracks, potholes or general wear. Completing slurry seal application on a routine basis maintains asphalt surfaces and improves long-term performance. Slurry seal application in Santa Rosa, CA makes it possible for property owners to enjoy many of the benefits of asphalt replacement without the time or cost of a full replacement project.

Slurry seal vs. sealcoat

There are a few key differences between slurry seal and sealcoat. The main difference between these two coat options is that slurry seal is made with larger aggregate than sealcoat. This leaves slurry seal with a thicker, rougher texture. Because of that thicker texture, slurry seal is a much better option for high-traffic surfaces like roads and streets that have to withstand a lot of stress and strain, while sealcoat is better for driveways and parking lots.

Another difference between slurry seal and sealcoat is that slurry seal typically lasts a lot longer. Slurry seal can last from eight to 10 years, while sealcoat usually only lasts for three to five years before it has to be reapplied. Because of the coarse aggregate used to make slurry seal, special mixing techniques and equipment have to be used, which makes slurry seal more expensive than sealcoat. However, slurry seal’s longevity often makes it the more cost-effective option in the long run.

Slurry seal application in Santa Rosa, CA

For professional slurry seal application in Santa Rosa, CA, reach out to Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. Our locally owned and operated company has been providing comprehensive asphalt and concrete paving services since 2003. We will provide you with the asphalt coating services that are right for your property and ensure that you have the best service experience possible with our team. Give us a call to learn more about our services and to schedule a service appointment. We look forward to working on your project!

What Is Sealcoating? Here Are Some Key Facts

Asphalt pavement is mostly a mix of gravel, rock and/or stone and a binder. Also known as asphalt cement, the binder is what holds the rock together and slows the deterioration of the asphalt surface. Without proper maintenance, UV sunlight, rain and chemicals will begin to take a toll on the binder, weakening the surface until it crumbles apart. The good news is that sealcoating asphalt can reduce the damaging effects of these elements and extend the life of the surface.

So, what is sealcoating? Sealcoating is a protective layer that blocks out threats like oils, water and UV light. When properly applied, sealcoating turns the surface of the asphalt into a beautiful slip-resistant surface. This product comes in liquid form, typically a bituminous based product or acrylic mixed with water, polymer additive, silica sand and other fillers, which is applied to the asphalt surface by spray, brush or squeegee.

Most asphalt surfaces—including parking lots, driveways and roadways—can benefit from a sealcoat application. Here are five of the most important sealcoating facts asphalt pros in Santa Rosa, CA want you to know:

Sealcoating comes in two main types: There are two main types of sealcoating: tar sealers and asphalt emulsion coatings. Tar sealers are petroleum-based products that bind extremely well with asphalt. They protect it from the damaging effects of oils, fuel and other chemicals. Asphalt emulsion coatings tend to be darker than gray tar sealers. They don’t protect the asphalt as well as tar sealers, but do contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Sealcoating reduces asphalt maintenance: A properly-installed, well-cared-for and regularly-applied sealcoating makes asphalt driveway maintenance easier. It leaves your driveway smooth, filling small holes and cracks to create an even surface that’s easy to sweep.
It protects surfaces from daily harm: A quality sealcoating product protects your asphalt surface from chemicals and environmental damages, such as motor oil, gasoline and other chemicals that are caustic to asphalt. What sealcoating does is create an effective seal between asphalt materials and elements that can harm it, like oxygen and ultraviolet light. These elements contribute to the premature breakdown of asphalt driveways, roads and parking lots that are not sealcoated.
Sealcoating service depends on the weather: When scheduling sealcoating services, you must consider the weather and temperature. Sealcoating requires a temperature of at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent adhesion issues, and the weather has to stay dry for at least 24 hours. Also, the humidity has to be low, as humid conditions will prolong curing times.
It’s cost-effective: Look at sealcoating as a preventative measure. Sealcoating provides protective benefits and extends the life of your driveway, which saves money otherwise spent on premature replacement costs.

Implementing a sealcoating maintenance plan can increase the lifespan, integrity and appearance of the asphalt, as well as save you money down the road. Apply a new layer of sealcoat every two to three years for best results.

Contact Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. today for more information about the benefits of asphalt protection in Santa Rosa, CA!

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