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BEFORE

AFTER

PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR PARKING LOT

University Academy / Kansas City, Missouri

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Asphalt pavement surfaces can be repaired and maintained through a variety of methods. Understanding the differences between these methods, will help you make the most cost-effective choice and long-lasting solution for your asphalt surfaces.

Asphalt concrete is primarily aggregates, such as rock, held together with an asphaltic binder also known as asphalt cement. When oxygen in the air and water combine with the asphaltic binder a chemical change takes place. At first, this process is necessary for the pavement to become hard and firm. Later, If this process is not addressed with regular maintenance a complete deterioration of the asphaltic binder will take place and reduce the pavement to a layer of loose rock.

Asphalt has always been an ideal material for parking lots because of its durability and reparability. To truly maximize the life of your parking lot, it needs to be protected with pavement preservation techniques. Unprotected asphalt will lose that aesthetically pleasing rich black color due to oxidation and the elements.

In time the pavement will begin to look dull and grey. When this happens oil spots, cracks, or surface depressions become more noticeable and any patching or potholes filled will stand out. Regular applications of pavement sealer will insure that your parking lot keeps it uniformed look, especially when followed up by parking lot striping.

Sealcoat is a liquid that is applied to asphalt to protect it from oxidation and the damage caused by winter cracking, as well as UV rays and traffic. Asphalt maintenance goes beyond just seal coating. A lot of damage to asphalt can occur with water intrusion through cracks in the asphalt.

Crack sealing provides a waterproof bond and is rubberized to give support while the pavement expands and contracts in changing temperatures. Installing a hot pour mix to fill them can easily repair cracks. Cracks that go unsealed will continue to allow water into the base structure, causing severe damage to the pavement as the base deteriorates. A pavement crack inspection and correction should be done annually.