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Why Are Aggregates Important for Asphalt Sealcoating?

Why Are Aggregates Important for Asphalt Sealcoating? Asphalt is an extremely popular paving material for everything from massive parking lots to short suburban cul-de-sacs. An asphalt pavement can last a remarkably long time if it is given professional maintenance throughout its life. Asphalt sealcoating is one of the most critical maintenance procedures needed to help pavements have a healthy, long life. However, you want to make sure that your sealcoating mix includes aggregates.

What Are Asphalt Sealcoating Aggregates?

In general, aggregates are geological materials, including crushed rock and gravel, that are mixed with gypsum, lime, cement, or another adhesive to bind or strengthen the mix. The most common aggregate used by asphalt sealcoating contractors when preparing a mix is silica sand.

Why Are Aggregates Important to Include in Asphalt Sealcoating Mixes?

Aggregates provide several important benefits, especially for parking lot sealcoating. These benefits include the following.

1. Aggregates keep a parking lot sealcoat from being too slick. This enhanced traction makes the pavement safer, helping to prevent slip and fall accidents as well as tire skids.
2. Sealcoating Dallas pavements can deliver exceptional protective benefits, but you cannot obtain the same benefits if your sealcoat wears off too quickly. Aggregates help make the cured sealcoating tougher and stronger, so it is less likely to fail prematurely.
3. Adding particles of sand that are the correct size can help parking lot sealcoat conceal surface imperfections. The fine grains of sand settle into these tiny voids or hairline cracks to help make the surface appear unblemished.

Is It Possible to Add Too Much Sand to a Sealcoating Mix?

Asphalt sealcoating contractors must take care to prepare a mix that contains the correct proportion of aggregate, water, and sealant. If they add too much sand, several undesirable things may happen.

1. The sealant and the pavement may be unable to form a strong bond.
2. The particles in the sealcoating mix may not knit together to create a continuous film.
3. The sealant can become brittle, making it easily damaged or completely removed by traffic.
4. The sealcoating may lose its ability to resist chemicals, including automotive fluids and salt.

Do All Sealcoating Contractors Include Aggregates in the Mix?

Unfortunately, there are some shady or inexperienced contractors who do not incorporate an aggregate in the mix.

1. Although silica sand is relatively inexpensive, purchasing it still cuts into the contractor’s profit margin.
2. Skipping the sand allows sealcoating contractors to increase the amount of water used to reconstitute the sealant. Since they do not increase the amount of concentrated sealant, this can translate into cost savings for the contractor. However, it translates into a thinner product that will not provide adequate protection for as long as it should.
3. Reputable parking lot sealcoating contractors purchase mix machines that agitate the sealant to keep the aggregate evenly suspended throughout the mix. These machines are not cheap. Instead of buying a proper machine, some contractors will mix the sealant in an old barrel or drum. Since they know that the sand will just fall out of the mix before the application even commences, they do not bother with adding it.

When you need expert sealcoating in Dallas,  contact HI-TEK Paving Services. Our numerous services include asphalt sealcoating, parking lot striping, asphalt paving, concrete installation, asphalt overlays, concrete repairs, parking lot maintenance, asphalt repair, and asphalt crack repair. We have a reputation for superb craftsmanship and outstanding service. If you would like to request a free quote, you can fill out the online form, call 214-908-9641, or email Kevin@HI-TEKPaving.com.