Auburn Hills Commercial Asphalt Solutions: Sealcoating Benefits

As a business owner in Auburn Hills, you likely agree that properly maintaining your commercial asphalt is critical, though often neglected.

By leveraging sealcoating, you can dramatically extend the lifetime of your pavement while enhancing its appearance.

In this article, you’ll discover the core benefits sealcoating delivers for asphalt preservation, from optimizing application intervals to standards for hiring professional contractors. You’ll leave better equipped to make informed decisions for your Auburn Hills commercial property.

The Importance of Sealcoating for Asphalt Preservation

Sealcoating is a crucial process for extending the lifespan and enhancing the appearance of asphalt surfaces. For commercial property owners in Auburn Hills, investing in regular sealcoating provides immense value in preserving pavements and improving curb appeal.

Understanding Auburn Hills Commercial Asphalt Solutions

Sealcoating forms a protective layer on top of the asphalt, shielding it from damage caused by exposure to sun, rain, snow, and other elements. Key benefits include:

Preventing cracks and raveling by keeping water from seeping into asphalt and weakening the structure
Protecting against UV ray damage, which can make asphalt brittle and prone to cracks
Improving friction and traction for safer walking and driving surfaces
Enhancing the black color and surface texture for better aesthetics

Commercial sealcoating services typically involve thoroughly cleaning the asphalt, repairing minor cracks, applying the protective sealcoat layer, and sometimes painting lines or symbols.

The Perils of Neglecting Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating

Without sealcoating, asphalt is vulnerable to issues like:

Cracks expanding from temperature changes and traffic
Raveling as the top layer erodes from weather and wear
Fading and discoloration from sun exposure
Potholes from water seeping through cracks in the pavement

This damage reduces safety, necessitates expensive repairs like repaving, and makes properties appear rundown.

Economic Advantages of Asphalt Preservation

Investing $1500-2000 every 3-5 years in sealcoating can save tens of thousands in future repair and replacement costs. It’s a value-driven preventative measure.

Sealcoating early on can help Auburn Hills businesses:

Avoid liability risks and accidents from cracked asphalt
Maintain professional curb appeal and reputation
Reduce long-term costs by extending asphalt lifespan

Choosing the right commercial provider is key to maximizing the benefits of sealcoating.

Is asphalt a good business to start?

Starting an asphalt business has its fair share of challenges, but it can also be highly rewarding and profitable if done right. Here are some key considerations:

Profit Potential

Asphalt is used extensively for roads, driveways, parking lots, etc. So there is steady demand, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions that deteriorate asphalt.
Commercial clients like business parks, apartment complexes, and municipalities provide large, recurring jobs.
You can offer related services like sealcoating and pothole repairs for additional revenue streams.

Skills & Equipment

Investing in high-quality asphalt equipment like pavers and rollers is essential for efficiency and quality results.
Hiring staff with training and experience in asphalt paving is ideal. This expertise ensures proper techniques.
Get licensed and accredited with local authorities, municipalities, and contractors associations.

Seasonality & Marketing

Demand peaks during summer and drops in winter in cold regions. Plan finances accordingly.
Build a marketing plan that targets commercial clients for year-round projects.
Networking, referrals, and social media can generate leads.

Competition & Barriers to Entry

Research your local market competition and differentiation strategies. Focus on reliability, quality, and customer service.
High start-up costs for equipment can deter new entrants. Leverage this barrier strategically.

Overall, the asphalt business has strong growth potential despite challenges. Get the right team, equipment, and marketing foundations in place for the best chance of success. The high start-up costs pay off in the long run by securing a slice of this steady industry.

What is commercial asphalt?

Asphalt is a popular choice for commercial parking lots and driveways in Auburn Hills and across metro Detroit due to its durability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Made from a mixture of aggregates like stone and sand bound together with bitumen, asphalt can withstand heavy vehicle traffic and harsh Michigan weather.

Compared to alternatives like concrete, asphalt has key advantages:

Lower Upfront Cost: Installation of new asphalt surfaces is typically 35% cheaper than concrete. This makes it ideal for cost-conscious businesses.
Faster Installation: Asphalt can be installed rapidly even in cold temperatures, minimizing business disruptions. New concrete takes much longer to cure and set.
Easier Repairs: Damaged asphalt can be spot-repaired or patched quickly. Concrete needs full section replacement.
Customization: Asphalt mix designs can be tailored to site conditions and traffic volumes. This level of customization is difficult with concrete.
Sustainability: Asphalt can be repeatedly recycled and reused, reducing landfill waste. Concrete recycling is more limited.

Regular asphalt preservation through professional sealcoating, crack filling, and patching extends pavement life significantly. The right maintenance plan prevents major damage, saving thousands in repairs.

For business owners and managers in Auburn Hills seeking durable, attractive parking lot and driveway solutions, asphalt is an ideal choice that balances performance, longevity, and affordability.

Sealcoating Benefits: Extending Pavement Life and Enhancing Appearance

Regular sealcoating is crucial for preserving asphalt surfaces in Auburn Hills’ variable climate. By protecting driveways and parking lots from environmental stressors, proactive sealcoating can significantly extend their lifespan and ROI.

Optimal Sealcoating Intervals for New Asphalt

New asphalt surfaces should ideally be sealcoated within their first year. Though new installations look pristine initially, exposure to sun, rain, snow and temperature fluctuations causes oxidation and deterioration over time. Sealcoating forms a protective barrier against weathering and prevents premature aging.

For high traffic areas like commercial parking lots, sealcoating new asphalt yearly for the first 3 years is recommended. This frequency helps the sealant layer establish persistent integrity to resist constant abrasion from vehicle tires.

Maintenance Scheduling for Older Asphalt Surfaces

Older asphalt requires diligent sealcoating every 2-4 years depending on usage. High traffic commercial lots may need reapplication every 1-2 years. Without routine maintenance, cracks form allowing water seepage that accelerates pavement failure.

Visual assessments for resealing needs should also be conducted yearly. Indicators like raveling, aggregate loss, and UV fading signal that sealcoating is overdue despite standard schedules.

Identifying the Need for Sealcoating

Visual Warning Signs:

Fading Color: Asphalt turns gray, black color fades
Spider Web Cracking: Fine interconnected cracks from oxidation
Loose Aggregates: Gravel strips/pits from surface wear

Sealcoating restores the rich black color and protects the integrity of aging surfaces. Partnering with specialists like Motor City Sealcoating ensures that both commercial and residential Auburn Hills clients get durable, long-lasting asphalt preservation tailored to their usage patterns and climate realities. Their custom maintenance plans balance proactive sealing with other services like crack repairs and parking lot striping for comprehensive solutions.

Selecting Professional Paving Contractors for Sealcoating

When it comes to sealcoating large commercial parking lots and access roads, it’s important to choose an experienced paving contractor. Here are key factors Auburn Hills business owners should consider when selecting a company for asphalt preservation projects:

Evaluating Experience in Commercial Asphalt Services

Look for a company with expertise specifically in commercial-scale projects rather than only residential driveways. Check they have handled parking lots of comparable size to yours in the past. Their knowledge of techniques like asphalt paving and ability to efficiently coordinate a large-scale job is essential.

Standards for Application Methods and Materials

The products and practices used impact how long your fresh sealcoat will last. Contractors should follow industry standards like cleaning the surface thoroughly before application. Using advanced spray equipment rather than manual brushes allows for an even coat. The sealcoat itself should meet regulations for durability – long-lasting acrylic-based or asphalt-emulsion blends are preferable to cheap, watery mixtures.

Assessing Contractor Reputation and Reliability

Choose an established company with licensing, insurance and guarantees for their work. Check online reviews and testimonials to confirm they deliver on promises of quality and conduct themselves professionally. Clear communication and responsiveness during the quote and planning process is also telling. This gives confidence in their parking lot maintenance capabilities long-term.

Selecting a paving company with proven expertise in commercial settings is key for sealcoating success. Prioritizing proper methods and materials also ensures you receive lasting results and value for your investment. Checking credentials and reputation gives further assurance that the contractor will meet standards for quality, reliability and communication from start to finish.

Comprehensive Asphalt Maintenance: Beyond Sealcoating

Regular sealcoating is crucial for protecting asphalt surfaces, but additional maintenance services are also vital for prolonging pavement life. Business owners should be aware of key techniques like crack filling, patching, and parking lot marking to keep their commercial spaces fully functional and compliant.

Crack Filling: A Critical Aspect of Asphalt Maintenance

Cracks in asphalt pavements are inevitable over time due to factors like weather, wear, ground movement, and subgrade issues. If left unaddressed, these cracks allow water to seep in and cause further pavement deterioration. Filling cracks with suitable sealants prevents this moisture damage while also enhancing aesthetics.

Key benefits of crack filling include:

Prevents Costly Repairs: Filling cracks early on avoids escalation into potholes or large damaged areas needing replacement. This minimizes expenses.
Extends Pavement Life: Keeping moisture out prevents premature deterioration, helping pavement last longer.
Improves Appearance: Filled cracks create a smoother, more uniform surface appearance.
Enhances Pavement Integrity: Filling strengthens the overall pavement structure and prevents loose debris in cracks.

Crack filling should be done by trained professionals as part of a pavement management plan, typically every 2-4 years. The right sealant and technique must be used to achieve lasting results.

Asphalt Patching to Extend Pavement Life

Inevitably, asphalt will experience isolated areas of alligator cracking, raveling, rutting, or complete surface failure. Strategically patching these spots preserves the surrounding pavement and avoids fully repaving prematurely.

Key asphalt patching benefits:

Cost-Effective: Patching only replaces damaged areas instead of entire surfaces.
Maximizes Existing Infrastructure: Allows most pavement to remain usable longer before full replacement.
Quickly Restores Functionality: Gets surfaces back in working order rapidly.
Enhances Overall Pavement Lifespan: Targeted repairs let existing solid pavement keep performing.

Damaged areas should be thoroughly cleaned and tack coated before high-quality hot mix asphalt is placed and compacted. Proper patching techniques create seamless transitions to surrounding pavement.

Parking Lot Maintenance & Marking: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Clearly delineated parking spaces, directional arrows, handicap symbols, pedestrian walkways, and traffic signs are critical for safe, orderly parking lot function. Over time paint fades, making markings unclear. Professional re-lining and sign refreshing maintains visibility and compliance.

Key line striping and marking benefits:

Directs Traffic Patterns: Clearly guides vehicles and pedestrians safely around the lot.
Indicates Parking Areas: Shows motorists exactly where to park.
Meets Legal Requirements: Provides specific handicap and fire zone designations.
Prevents Confusion & Accidents: Eliminates guesswork that can lead to collisions.

Quality paint in high-traffic areas may need re-marking every 1-2 years. Thermoplastic markings last 5-7 years. Working with experts ensures correct codes, symbols, and signage.

Investing in comprehensive asphalt maintenance beyond just sealcoating provides business owners with smooth, attractive, safe, and fully functional commercial spaces. Partnering with industry specialists like Motor City Sealcoating ensures professional, reliable solutions.

Special Considerations for Parking Stations & Garages-Construction

Parking structures require specialized sealcoating strategies to withstand heavy vehicle traffic and environmental exposure. As key transportation hubs, durability and maintenance are paramount.

Designing for Durability: Sealcoating in Multi-Level Structures

Multi-level parking garages experience concentrated traffic on ramps and turning areas. Quality sealcoating during construction is crucial:

Use of durable, polymer-modified asphalt on upper levels and turning areas for flexibility and longevity. This advanced material better withstands shear stress from tires.
Heavier application of sealcoating, up to double typical rates, on key high traffic zones. This added protection combats wear over time.
Careful surface prep and crack sealing before sealcoating. Proper repair of underlying issues prevents premature breakdown.

Ongoing maintenance must also adapt to the heavy use in parking structures.

Maintenance Strategies for High-Traffic Parking Garages

Frequent inspections and sealcoating touch-ups are advised for parking garages:

Quarterly inspections to spot potential damage early. Catching issues promptly is more cost-effective.
Annual sealcoating of high traffic areas, with complete reapplication every 2-3 years. This prevents breakthrough of wear to the asphalt layer underneath.
Routine crack sealing to maximize sealcoating results. Unrepaired cracks can reflect through sealcoating.

Proactive maintenance preserves integrity and prevents safety issues from damaged asphalt.

Sealcoating Applications for Open-Air Parking Lots

For open-air lots, the main sealcoating considerations are:

Added UV protection in sealcoating formulas to resist sun damage. This prevents premature fading and deterioration.
Care around landscaped areas to avoid overspray onto vegetation. Environmentally-friendly sealcoating options are available.
Repainting of parking space lines and directional arrows after sealcoating. This restores high visibility markings essential for traffic flow.

With thoughtful design and maintenance, sealcoating offers invaluable protection for parking infrastructure longevity.

Conclusion: Summarizing the Sealcoating Benefits and Next Steps

Sealcoating is a crucial part of effective asphalt maintenance for commercial properties in Auburn Hills. By protecting pavement surfaces from environmental damage, sealcoating helps business owners save money in the long run by extending the lifespan of their asphalt investments.

Recap of Sealcoating’s Role in Asphalt Preservation

Sealcoating creates a protective barrier against UV rays, oxidation, surface erosion, and water penetration
It fills in hairline cracks, preventing further cracking and deterioration
The coating enhances pavement appearance with a uniform black finish
Routine reapplication every 2-4 years optimizes results
Sealcoating is affordable preventative maintenance compared to repaving

Taking Action: Contacting Your Auburn Hills Sealcoating Expert

Don’t wait until major repairs are needed. Schedule sealcoating with the asphalt preservation specialists at Motor City Sealcoating by:

Calling (248) 246-3339 for a free quote
Visiting motorcitysealcoating.com to request service
Emailing info@motorcitysealcoating.com

Protect your Auburn Hills commercial asphalt investment today with professional sealcoating from the team you can trust – Motor City Sealcoating.