Seal Coating: Protect Your Asphalt from Michigan Winters

Most homeowners would agree that Michigan winters can be extremely harsh on asphalt driveways and parking lots.

Applying a protective seal coat is the most effective way to shield asphalt from the damaging effects of winter weather.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about seal coating – what it is, why it’s crucial for asphalt longevity in cold climates, when to apply it, and how to choose the best local company to handle the job.

Introduction to Seal Coating: Asphalt’s Armor Against Michigan Winters

Michigan winters are known for bringing frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and treacherous ice storms. These harsh conditions can severely damage asphalt surfaces like driveways, parking lots, and roads over time. Cracks, fading, roughness, and potholes are common issues that arise, deteriorating aesthetics and posing safety hazards.

Seal coating provides a protective barrier on asphalt that shields it from the threats of winter weather. This article explores how sealants work, why they are crucial in the Michigan climate, when to apply them, and what to expect during the application process. Equipped with this knowledge, property owners can make informed decisions about seal coating to defend their investments against Old Man Winter’s wrath.

Unveiling the Seal: What Seal Coating Entails

Seal coating involves applying a protective liquid sealant to the asphalt surface using spray equipment or squeegees. The sealant is a mixture of water, sand, crushed stone, emulsified asphalt, polymers, and other additives.

As it cures and dries, seal coating forms a durable, water-resistant layer that binds to the asphalt. This shielding prevents moisture penetration, enhancing pavement longevity and appearance. It also fills minor cracks and defects for an even, renewed finish.

Regular reapplication every 2-4 years is recommended, as seal coating wears off over time. This provides ongoing protection against elemental damage.

Winter’s Wrath: The Case for Seal Coating in Michigan

Michigan endures over 5 months of winter with an average annual snowfall ranging from 30 to over 200 inches depending on the region. Such heavy precipitation, paired with average winter temperatures around 25°F, leads to substantial freezing and thawing cycles.

Without a protective barrier, water seeps into asphalt’s porous surface. When temperatures drop below freezing, this moisture expands as ice crystals, causing cracks, raveling, and potholes. Ultraviolet rays from the sun also degrade binders in the asphalt during warmer periods.

By sealing the surface, harmful water penetration and UV damage are prevented, enabling asphalt to withstand Michigan winters. Seal coating is thus a prudent preventative measure for homeowners and businesses.

Advantages of Seal Coating: More Than Meets the Eye

Beyond fortifying asphalt against winter hazards, seal coating offers additional benefits:

Enhances Appearance: Restore’s asphalt’s rich black color and smooth texture for improved aesthetics
Extends Pavement Life: Protective coating reduces need for extensive repairs, lowering long-term costs
Improves Safety: Fills cracks and minor defects for a more even surface, reducing trip hazards
Boosts Property Value: Curb appeal from upgraded driveway or parking lot can increase resale value
Eco-Friendly Option: Uses sustainable materials like recycled rubber and environmentally safe additives

Timing is Key: Optimal Seasons for Seal Coating Application

To allow proper curing before winter, late summer or early fall is the best timeframe for seal coating in Michigan. Ambient temperatures should exceed 50°F for 8-12 hours during application.

Avoid applying sealants during spring thaws when moisture gets trapped beneath the coating. Similarly, seal coating over snow or ice layers will compromise adhesion and durability.

Careful scheduling is key – the coating must fully dry before freezing temperatures arrive so it can withstand snow plows without peeling or flaking off.

The Application Process: What to Anticipate During Seal Coating

The seal coating process spans cleaning, spraying sealants, and allowing time to cure. Here’s a brief overview:

First, the surface is power-washed or blown with compressed air for cleaning. Minor cracks and defects get filled, and oil spots are treated. Masking tape and shields prevent overspray on fences, walls, etc.

Sealant spraying is done using specialized equipment for even coverage. For maximum longevity, two coats are applied with drying time in between.

Finally, the owner needs to avoid driving on the surface for 24-48 hours as it cures. Temporary discoloration or a mild odor are normal but dissipate quickly. After a week of additional drying time, the asphalt is ready to battle winter once again!

What is the purpose of sealcoat?

Sealcoating, or pavement sealing, creates a protective layer on asphalt surfaces to shield them from water, chemicals, oils, and other substances that can cause damage over time. This preventative maintenance is essential for prolonging the life and maintaining the appearance of asphalt driveways, parking lots, and roads.

Critical Protection from Moisture and Contaminants

One of the biggest threats to asphalt surfaces is moisture. Water that penetrates into pavement and freezes during Michigan winters can expand existing cracks and create new ones. Sealcoating forms a barrier against water and moisture, preventing this type of deterioration. Beyond just water, sealcoating also blocks other liquids like motor oils, antifreeze, and deicing salts from seeping into pavement and weakening the subsurface. Essentially, it acts as the first line of defense against contaminants that deteriorate pavement over time.

Shielding from Ultraviolet Rays

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause asphalt to become brittle and fade over time. The dark pigments in most sealcoat products provide protection against UV rays and prevent the premature aging of pavement. Maintaining the original deep black color also enhances curb appeal. So in addition to extending pavement life, sealcoating improves aesthetics for both residential and commercial asphalt surfaces.

In summary, sealcoating serves the vital purpose of safeguarding asphalt from damage while preserving its smooth texture and rich color. This preventative maintenance helps avoid costly repairs down the road and retains the value of properties in Michigan. With extreme weather changes being the norm here, sealcoating is an investment that pays off in the long run.

What is a sealing coat?

A sealing coat, often referred to as a sealcoat in the context of asphalt maintenance, is a protective layer applied to pavements and other surfaces. Sealcoating forms a waterproof barrier on asphalt that shields it from damage caused by external elements.

Specifically, sealcoating an asphalt surface involves:

Cleaning the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, oil stains etc. Proper power washing and sweeping ensures maximum adhesion of the sealcoat layer.
Applying a specially formulated protective liquid coating, which is the sealcoat itself. The sealant material is a mixture of sand, emulsified asphalt, polymers, and additives.
Evenly distributing the sealcoat across the surface using squeegees, brushes, and spray equipment. This seals the pores and creates a smooth new layer.
Letting it cure completely, allowing the protective barrier to fully set in. Curing time depends on the product used.

The sealcoating process protects asphalt driveways, parking lots, and roads from deterioration due to exposure to harsh Michigan winters. By sealing the surface pores, it prevents seepage of water into the asphalt substrate when it freezes. This water expansion inside pavement material is a key cause of cracks and potholes.

Additionally, sealing coats guard against chemical damage from de-icing salts, gas, oils, and other corrosive materials. It also restores the rich black color that characterizes smooth asphalt, giving surfaces an aesthetic facelift.

With routine reapplication every 2-3 years, sealcoating is an affordable way to avoid costly asphalt repairs or full replacements down the road. In essence, it acts like a protective shield for the pavement during frigid winters, helping preserve its structural integrity and visual appeal over many years.

Is sealcoating a driveway worth it?

Sealcoating is absolutely worth it for protecting your asphalt driveway and extending its lifespan. When properly applied, a layer of sealcoat creates a protective barrier that shields the driveway from sunlight, water damage, and other environmental stressors.

Here are some key reasons why investing in sealcoating is worth considering:

Enhances Appearance – Sealcoat restores the deep black color of asphalt and provides a smooth, uniform finish by filling in minor cracks and flaws. This aesthetic boost can significantly improve your property’s curb appeal.
Prevents Damage – By protecting against UV rays, moisture penetration, chemical spills, and freeze-thaw cycles, sealcoating prevents the oxidation and raveling that causes asphalt to deteriorate over time.
Extends Lifespan – By preventing premature damage and wear, sealcoating can double or even triple the lifespan of your asphalt driveway or parking lot compared to unsealed surfaces.
Saves Money – Paying for sealcoating every few years is far more affordable than paying for major repairs or full driveway replacement down the road.

Sealcoating is a sound preventative maintenance investment for any asphalt surface. Let the asphalt sealcoating professionals at Motor City Seal Coating advise you on the best sealcoat options for maximizing the longevity and appeal of your driveway or parking lot.

Does seal coating fill holes?

Seal coating alone does not adequately fill holes and cracks in asphalt surfaces. However, filling cracks is an essential first step before applying a protective seal coating layer.

Here’s why filling cracks matters:

Seal coating is designed to protect the asphalt surface, not repair underlying damage. It bonds to the outermost layer, sealing out water, salts, oils and UV rays.
Without filling cracks first, the sealant will simply bridge over the gaps, leaving paths for water intrusion. This accelerates damage over time as water seeps underneath and causes further cracking, potholes, and deterioration.
Larger cracks and holes can reflect through the seal coating layer. This diminishes the smooth, consistent appearance you want from a fresh seal coating application.

The optimal process is to:

Clean out cracks thoroughly.
Fill cracks with a high-quality asphalt filler product. This specially formulated material bonds tightly within cracks to prevent water penetration.
Allow the filler to cure fully.
Apply the seal coating evenly across the entire surface. This provides a protective barrier and refreshed blacktop look.

Following these vital steps allows the seal coating to perform its actual job – shielding the asphalt from environmental damage. Meanwhile, filled cracks reinforce the structure of your pavement for improved durability and longevity.

Contact our team to learn more about properly preparing surfaces before seal coating. With the right process, you can protect assets like your driveway, parking lots or private roads against Michigan’s rugged weather swings. Proper maintenance saves money over the long haul by extending the life of your asphalt surfaces.

Locating Expert Seal Coating Services Near You

With Michigan’s harsh winters characterized by extreme cold, heavy snow, freezing rain, and fluctuating temperatures, it’s crucial to protect your asphalt surfaces with professional seal coating. Seal coating creates a protective barrier that shields the asphalt from the elements, preventing cracks, deterioration, and damage over time. However, finding the right local seal coating provider can be challenging. This section offers key strategies for locating reliable, skilled seal coating services in your area.

Ensuring Credibility: The Importance of Licensing and Insurance

When searching for a seal coating company, one of the first things to verify is proper licensing and insurance coverage. A licensed business has met specific professional standards and legal requirements to operate in the asphalt maintenance industry. This helps mitigate risk and indicates a certain degree of credibility.

Similarly, seal coating companies should carry general liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you from liability in case there are injuries or property damage during service. Checking for up-to-date licenses and insurance certificates ensures you’re working with legitimate professionals, not amateurs posing as contractors.

Experience & Endorsements: Evaluating Seal Coating Providers

Along with licenses and permits, examine a potential seal coating provider’s industry experience. Companies that have been seal coating for 5+ years in your local area understand the climate challenges and how to craft solutions tailored specifically to regional needs.

Furthermore, read through online customer reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp to gauge real-world feedback on their services. Favorable endorsements and a long roster of loyal residential and commercial clients indicates proven expertise. First-hand testimonials offer genuine insight into quality of work, timeliness, communication style and overall professionalism.

Cost Comparisons: Assessing Seal Coating Proposals

When requesting quotes for a seal coating job, get proposals from at least 3-4 contractors for comparison. Carefully assess what is included in each bid – some may only cover labor while others bundle in materials, equipment rental, parking lot shutdowns, and other items. Consider bottom line cost, scope of work, timeline and what types of seal coating materials they plan on using.

A wider gap in pricing for what appears to be the same service scope could indicate issues with quality or comprehensiveness. Get all details in writing before signing a contract, so there are no surprises down the road regarding what is and isn’t included for the agreed-upon price.

Material Matters: Selecting Top-Quality Seal Coating Materials

Pay attention to the brands and grades of seal coating solutions specified in a contractor’s proposal. Coal tar and asphalt-based sealers are common, but coal tar may be banned in certain regions due to environmental concerns. Make sure the materials align with local regulations.

Higher concentrated, commercial-grade products tend to outperform basic, hardware-store bought varieties. Opt for materials designed specifically to withstand freezing temperatures, salt, snow plows and other unique challenges posed by Michigan winters. This ensures maximum longevity and protection of your pavement investment.

Warranty Wisdom: Understanding Coverage and Guarantees

Reputable seal coating companies will stand behind their work with clearly outlined warranties against defects, premature wear or other flaws. Make sure potential contractors offer strong warranty protection. Understand exactly what is and isn’t covered, including wear-and-tear exemptions.

Multi-year warranties indicate a provider truly believes in the durability of their seal coating application. It also ensures that if anything goes wrong due to faulty materials or workmanship, there is recourse to have the issues corrected at no additional cost to you as the property owner. Vet warranties thoroughly before contracting any asphalt maintenance services.

Is Sealcoating Worth It? Assessing Long-Term Asphalt Maintenance

As a homeowner or business owner in Michigan, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the damage inflicted on asphalt by harsh winter conditions. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, heavy snow, deicing salts, and daily wear-and-tear can cause asphalt to deteriorate over time. Cracks begin to form, the smooth blacktop becomes faded and rough, and before you know it, you’re facing costly asphalt replacement.

Seal coating provides a protective barrier that can significantly extend the life of your asphalt investment. But with varying options on the market, how do you know if it’s the right solution for your driveway, parking lot or roads? Let’s take a closer look at the value seal coating provides.

Curing Patience: Post-Seal Coating Care

After investing time and money into sealing your asphalt, it’s only natural to want to get back to business as usual. But for the sealant to properly set, you must exercise some patience. Here are a few key tips:

Wait at least 24 hours before driving on the surface, longer if temperatures are below 60 degrees F. Premature traffic can cause damage.
Avoid parking vehicles until the sealant is fully cured, typically 1-2 weeks. The extra wait prevents tire marks and fluid drips from imprinting.
Delay restriping painted lines for 2-4 weeks. Fresh sealant is more prone to scuffing.
Postpone any pressure washing for at least 30 days. High-pressure water can compromise sealant adhesion before it fully cures.

Allowing proper curing time is key to achieving lasting results from your investment. Those first few weeks call for some short-term sacrifices that pay off exponentially over the lifespan of your protected blacktop.

Snow and Your Sealed Surface: Safe Removal Tips

Once winter arrives, exercise caution with snow removal on freshly sealed surfaces. Here are some tips:

Use plastic shovels or those with rounded edges to lift snow. Metal blades can scrape the surface.
Adjust angles of plow blades to minimize contact with asphalt.
Clear snow and ice promptly before it bonds. Compressing equipment on thick ice intensifies surface damage.
Apply deicers sparingly. Overuse chemically erodes protective layers over time.
Hand shovel around painted lines whenever possible to avoid scuffing.

With some seasonal care and attention, you can keep your sealed, snow-free surface looking smooth and dark for years to come.

Deciphering the Signs: When to Re-Seal Your Asphalt

How do you know when it’s time to reapply protective sealant? Here are a few telltale indicators:

Fading Color: Your once-dark blacktop appears light gray or mottled. Sun exposure has broken down the protective oils.
Surface Wear: Tire tracks, foot traffic patterns and equipment movements leave worn paths. These prone areas warn the entire surface is losing durability.
Hairline Cracks: Tiny fissures emerge on your driveway or parking lot. Water seepage escalates crack growth, worsening with freeze-thaw cycles.
Rough Texture: Your formerly smooth surface feels gritty underfoot. Sealant deterioration exposes aggregates to wear and tear.

Catching these signs early allows for preventive resealing to shield exposed areas. Optimal timing maintains both function and aesthetics longer.

Monitoring Your Black Top: Recognizing Resealing Red Flags

How do you monitor black top conditions between professional inspections? Look for these red flags:

Random cracking, especially spiderweb shapes
Visible tire marks over previously smooth areas
Sections appearing darker from rainwater pooling
Grit accumulation along high-traffic lanes
Snowmelt lingering longer than adjacent surfaces

Documenting changes through dated photos aids annual assessments. Comparing images makes deterioration easier to spot. Don’t ignore subtle early shifts – it’s much cheaper to reseal than replace entire surfaces later.

Preventive Measures: The Economic Advantage of Seal Coating

Concerns over seal coating costs are understandable. But view it as an investment in asset preservation. Here’s why:

National studies show 60-80% savings from preventive sealant vs. full replacements.
DIY attempts often fail prematurely. Professionally-applied solutions average 2-7 years lifespan.
Deferred maintenance multiplies problems. Repaving badly cracked surfaces costs 3-4 times more than timely sealing.
Poor aesthetics hurt property values. Faded, damaged driveways can reduce residential resale prices.
Liability risks increase without proactive care of commercial lots and sidewalks.

At around 10-30 cents per square foot, professionally sealing every 2-5 years costs a fraction of eventual replacement. Prioritizing preventive maintenance keeps surfaces smooth, safe and appealing for all who use them.

In closing, consistently investing in seal coating for your Michigan asphalt brings lasting returns. This proven protective strategy maintains aesthetic curb appeal, retains usable surface area, extends practical lifespan, and prevents costlier repairs down the road. Consult the sealcoating experts at Motor City Sealcoating to determine the best solutions for your property. With proper care, your driveway, parking lot or roads will provide many more years of smooth, uninterrupted service.

Concluding Thoughts: Sealing the Deal on Asphalt Protection

As discussed throughout this article, seal coating is a crucial protective measure for asphalt driveways, parking lots, and roads, especially in regions with harsh winter conditions like Michigan. By applying a protective layer to the surface, seal coating shields the asphalt binder from deterioration caused by exposure to sunlight, oxidation, fuels, oil drippings, and other chemicals. This is tremendously important as Michigan winters subject asphalt to extreme stress from freeze-thaw cycles, snow plow damage, and de-icing chemicals.

Seal coating fills existing voids and cracks, preventing intrusion from moisture and contaminants. This waterproofing ability preserves the lifespan of the asphalt, reducing the likelihood of further cracking, raveling, and full-fledged pavement failure. Quality sealcoating products also enhance skid resistance for safer walking and driving surfaces when snow or ice is present. With routine reapplication every 2-3 years, you can effectively mitigate asphalt degradation across Michigan’s long winters and extend its functional lifespan to up to 10 years.

Ultimately, defensive measures like seal coating are vital for protecting your investment in any asphalt surface. Preventing deterioration through sealers and crack fillers minimizes expensive repairs down the road – saving you thousands over a decade or more. And there are additional benefits like aesthetic enhancement, which is equally important for maintaining your home’s curb appeal or your business’ professional image when clients visit.

So don’t let Michigan winters take you and your asphalt surfaces by storm. With strategic planning and proactive protection through seal coating, you can confidently face whatever the elements decide to throw at us. Reach out now for a fast quote on keeping your asphalt sealed up and shielded from harm all winter long!