What’s the Difference Between Sealcoating and Resurfacing?
Understanding the best care methods for asphalt surfaces, such as driveways, parking lots, or other paved areas, is crucial to maintaining them.
Two important options are seal coating and resurfacing. Both can prolong the life of your asphalt, but they serve different purposes. Knowing these purposes can help property owners make the right calls for their pavement needs.
Whether it’s your home driveway or a busy parking lot, Dominic’s Paving is here to keep it looking great and performing safely. With years of hands-on expertise, we’re committed to delivering top-notch care that protects your property and extends its life.
What is Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is a process where a thin layer of liquid sealant is applied over an asphalt surface. This sealant acts as a protective shield, safeguarding the pavement against harmful elements such as water, UV rays, oil, and chemicals. It also restores the black finish of the asphalt, improving its appearance and maintaining its functionality.
Why is Sealcoating Important?
The primary purpose of seal coating is protection. Asphalt is naturally porous, and without a sealant, it can absorb water and other substances that lead to cracks, potholes, and long-term damage. Sealcoating prevents these issues by creating a smooth, impermeable barrier.
Additionally, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of your driveway or parking lot by restoring the asphalt’s dark color, which often fades due to sun exposure. This combination of protective and visual benefits makes seal coating a cost-effective solution for preserving the life of your pavement.
When Should You Use Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is most effective as a preventive maintenance measure. It is ideal for asphalt surfaces that show minor wear, such as slight discoloration or small cracks, but are still structurally sound. Experts recommend applying seal coating every two to three years, depending on traffic levels and environmental exposure.
For new asphalt, it’s best to wait at least six months to a year before the first application to allow the surface to cure.
Sealcoating does not solve major structural issues like deep cracks or potholes. In such cases, resurfacing or more extensive repairs may be necessary. However, regular seal coating can significantly extend the lifespan of your asphalt, preventing the need for costly repairs down the line.
What Is Resurfacing?
Resurfacing, often called repaving, is the process of applying a new layer of asphalt over an existing pavement surface. Typically, this new layer is one to two inches thick and creates a smooth, even, and durable finish.
Unlike seal coating, which is more of a protective measure, resurfacing works as a repair solution for pavements that have sustained significant wear or damage.
Why is Resurfacing Important?
Resurfacing is crucial for addressing structural issues in asphalt surfaces. Over time, pavements can develop problems such as sunken areas, alligator cracks (a web-like pattern of cracks), and edge damage. These issues go beyond cosmetic concerns, affecting the pavement’s integrity and safety.
Resurfacing provides a long-term solution by covering and reinforcing the existing surface, extending the life of the pavement, and improving its overall functionality. While it is more expensive than seal coating, resurfacing offers a greater return on investment due to its longevity and ability to address substantial issues effectively.
When Should You Opt for Resurfacing?
Resurfacing is recommended when an asphalt surface shows significant signs of damage but does not require complete replacement.
It’s suitable for pavements with large cracks, uneven surfaces, or widespread wear that simple maintenance measures like seal coating cannot fix. Typically, resurfacing is ideal when the foundation of the pavement is still intact, as it relies on a stable base for proper adhesion and performance.
What’s the Difference Between Sealcoating and Resurfacing?
Sealcoating applies a protective layer to shield against wear, while resurfacing adds a fresh layer that repairs and strengthens the pavement. Both methods are intended to help maintain and improve asphalt surfaces.
Cost
Sealcoating is less expensive initially, while resurfacing requires more cash upfront but pays off over time.
Lifespan
Sealcoating extends the life of asphalt by several years, while resurfacing can add ten or more years.
Aesthetics
Seal coating restores the pavement's black finish, creating a more visually alluring space. Resurfacing evens out the pavement's texture, making it appear more uniform and solid.
Extent of Damage
Sealcoating is ideal for protecting against sun damage and minor cracks. However, if there are large cracks or structural issues, resurfacing is necessary to restore the asphalt.
Why Work with Dominic's Paving?
With almost 30 years of experience in asphalt paving, repair, and maintenance, Dominic’s Paving provides superb seal coating and resurfacing.
We pride ourselves on being experts in the following areas:
Asphalt driveway installation
Parking lot maintenance
Asphalt Repair
Residential and commercial properties
Whether your project involves some simple driveway resealing or demands a complete resurfacing of an asphalt parking lot, our team promises precise and durable results that enhance the look and function of your property.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Asphalt
Choosing the most suitable alternative relies on the present state of your pavement. Sealcoating serves exceptionally well as preventive maintenance and keeps the upper surface in prime condition. However, when widespread damage, alligator cracking, or structural deficiencies make your pavement a potential disaster, resurfacing is a wise choice.
Working with a skilled asphalt paving contractor like Dominic’s Paving guarantees that you will receive expert solutions that are tailored to your needs. We will assess the condition of your asphalt, look for problems with water, check the stability of gravel layers, identify any compromised asphalt layers, and offer you the most suitable solution.
Ready to Give Your Pavement the Care It Needs?
If you want to maintain your driveway with regular seal coating or if you require resurfacing to address more significant issues, Dominic’s Paving can assist you. Our accomplished professionals perform services that you can rely on at a cost that won’t kill your budget to keep your asphalt looking and performing like new.
Contact us today to arrange for an evaluation or to ask for a complimentary estimate.
