Asphalt Seal-Coating

Most of us are familiar with the use of preventative maintenance concepts in our every day life, from routine visits to the doctor or dentist to maintenance schedules for cars and other vehicles.  The application of these concepts to pavement is very similar.  We don't postpone maintenance on our cars until the engine seizes, why would we apply this approach to pavement preservation?

Asphalt Seal-Coating is the protective sacrificial coating placed over the asphalt pavement surface.  The objective behind seal coating is pavement preservation.  This is accomplished by coating the surface with a liquid material that protects the oils, (glue), and small fines from pulling out of the asphalt surface.

 

 
Here are a few of the benefits:

• * Extends the long term usable life of your parking lot or street by shedding water off and away from the surface to the water detention area, creek, sewer, and gutter line.
• * Our materials are user-friendly and environmentally safe! 
• * Snow and ice removal is easier and a dark black surface helps melt the ice and dry the surface faster.
• * The esthetic "curb" appeal along with fresh clean stripes sets your property above the rest.
   

 

B & D Pavement Maintenance has been in this industry for over 30 years.  We have always pursued the "high road" in this field.  We are proud to be one of the few forward thinking contractors in and around St. Louis.

In 1995 we began a long exhausting search for a product that DOES NOT contain coal tar, a known carcinogen.  (http://toxictort.lawyercentral.com/How-big-of-a-problem-is-coal-tar?-Legal-News--14-137269.html)  Coal tar sealers contain creosote.  Creosote burns and irritates the skin and respiratory system of the applicators (employees.)  We made the decision to drop out of the market for one year until we found a safe, quality product that would treat our employees and our cutomers right!

We didn't realize it at the time but with growing concern towards the environment, our decision was two-fold.  We made a responsible decision for our employees and we are not polluting the air or waterways with coal tar dust and rain water runoff (from streets and parking lots.) (www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts85.html)



B & D Pavement Maintenance keeps complete control of our own product, we purchase bulk 4200 gallon loads of raw material, add the correct amount of water, sand, and latex, mixing the material at our facility.  It is then transported in agitated tankers to the work site.

We are the first and only choice in the St. Louis area for environmentally safe, durable, and well tested asphalt emulsion sealers.

In case you were wondering??

* Our product does not bleed or track on shoes.
* Emits no foul odor during cure time (coal tar can take weeks to cure)
* Is environmentally friendly, so it is safe on playgrounds, parking lots, and streets.




"I just had my parking lot re-paved.  It cost me a ton of money.  Why should I spend more money seal-coating it?"

Typically new asphalt will change color from dark black to brown to gray.  Keep waiting and the shades of gray move lighter until the surface is nearly white. (1 to 5 years)

This example may remind you of the aging process we all go through but this is actually the "life cycle" of asphalt.  The important concept to understand is that as asphalt moves from black to brown aging has begun.  The sun begins drawing the binder (glue) and oils out of the surface.

As this process starts, rain and the normal abrasion of traffic loosen the fines (sand) exposing the larger stones.  (Look at the corners of your parking lot, at the sewer inlet or slightly depressed areas.)  Add in a good dose of salt, ice, and snow plowing and you will see an accumulation of fines...this is your parking lot!

So.....

Yes, it really is important to seal coat your new asphalt surface.  The key is to use a contractor that knows when to perform the work and how often the re-application needs to be done.  Over-application is just as bad as no application.  Who's going to tell you that?

"I had my parking lot (or street) sealed a few years ago.  I can't remember exactly when.  How do I know if I really need to seal again?"

There is no real silver bullet answer to this question.  A lot is going to depend on the severity of the past winter, the amount of freeze thaw cycles, chemical applications and snow plowing as well as the amount of spring rains.

When you contract with B & D Pavement Maintenance you won't need to worry about this, most of our customers appreciate the built-in follow up service we provide.

"What is follow up service?  How much extra does it cost?"

* It doesn't cost you a dime!
* We believe you will find our prices fair and in-line.  We will not promise to be the cheapest.
* Our practice guides us to know that a well informed, pleased, and happy customer is easier to maintain a good working relationship with year after year.