Protective Coating Before Asphalt Shows Cracks
Sealcoating in Bakersfield for parking lots and driveways where sun exposure and oil contamination break down pavement surfaces
Unsealed asphalt absorbs water, oxidizes under direct sunlight, and deteriorates rapidly when exposed to petroleum products that soften the binder holding aggregate together. Once this process begins, small cracks expand during temperature swings and water infiltration leads to base failure requiring expensive reconstruction. Sunnyseal Coating And Striping Inc applies protective asphalt coating designed for Central Valley conditions where intense heat and oil contamination from industrial traffic accelerate pavement breakdown, giving property owners in Bakersfield a preventive option before damage becomes irreversible.
Sealcoating involves applying a coal tar or asphalt emulsion coating that fills surface pores, blocks UV penetration, and creates a barrier against water and petroleum products. Surface preparation includes sweep and blow cleaning to remove loose material, dirt, and debris that would prevent the sealer from bonding directly to asphalt.
Request a pavement evaluation to determine whether your asphalt surface is ready for coating or requires repair work before sealer application.
What You Notice Once Coating Is Finished
The coating process starts with thorough surface cleaning using sweeping equipment followed by compressed air blowing to remove fine particles from asphalt pores. Customers choose between one-coat or two-coat application based on budget and desired protection level, with most opting for two coats to maximize durability and coverage uniformity. Each coat is applied evenly across the pavement surface and allowed to cure before the next layer or before traffic is permitted.
After sealcoating cures, the pavement displays a uniform dark color free of the gray oxidation that signals asphalt deterioration. The surface feels smoother under tires, water beads and runs off rather than soaking in, and the coating provides a barrier that prevents oil stains from penetrating into the asphalt structure. This protection extends pavement life by slowing the oxidation and water damage that lead to cracking and structural failure.
Sealcoating works on asphalt in good structural condition but does not repair existing cracks or potholes, which require separate crack sealing or patching before coating application. The number of coats affects both upfront cost and how long protection lasts, with two-coat applications offering better resistance to Valley heat and traffic wear.
Common Questions About This Service
Property owners considering sealcoating for Bakersfield parking lots and driveways typically want to understand preparation requirements, coating durability, and application timing before scheduling work.
What is the sweep and blow cleaning process?
Power sweeping removes large debris and loose aggregate from the pavement surface, followed by compressed air blowing that clears fine dust and particles from asphalt pores, ensuring the sealer bonds directly to the pavement rather than sitting on top of contaminants.
How long does sealcoating last before reapplication is needed?
Coating durability depends on traffic volume and exposure conditions, but properly applied two-coat sealcoating typically protects asphalt for two to four years in Central Valley heat before reapplication becomes necessary to maintain the protective barrier.
Why do some contractors recommend two coats while others apply only one?
Single-coat application reduces material cost but provides thinner protection that wears through faster under traffic, while two coats build a more durable barrier that better resists UV damage and petroleum contamination common in Bakersfield commercial and industrial properties.
When is the best time to sealcoat asphalt pavement?
Coating requires warm temperatures for proper curing, making spring through early fall ideal in Bakersfield, and the pavement must be completely dry with no rain forecast for at least 24 hours after application.
What preparation is required before sealcoating can be applied?
Cracks wider than a quarter inch need to be filled separately, oil stains should be treated with a primer if possible, and the surface must be clean and dry before sealer is applied to achieve proper adhesion.
Sunnyseal Coating And Striping Inc is licensed and insured with 17 years of pavement maintenance work, prioritizing proper surface preparation and customer choice throughout the coating process. Schedule a property assessment to review your asphalt condition and discuss whether one-coat or two-coat application best fits your protection needs and budget considerations.