Asphalt Color Code and Role of Sealcoating

why sealcoat your pavement?

Sealcoating

Preserve and Protect Your Investment

Sealcoating is the application of a protective coating of high-solid materials made up of coal tar pitch, clay, aggregate and water. Upon curing, sealcoat forms a tough and aesthetically-pleasing charcoal-black barrier that protects against damaging agents.

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  1. Sealcoating prevents oxidation
    • Asphalt pavement is made of asphalt cement and aggregate. As the pavement cures, the sun's ultra-violet rays harden and dry out the asphalt surface. By sealcoating, the pavement is restored from its gray appearance back to a jet-black, like new finish.
  2. Sealcoating prevents raveling
    • Raveling is when the asphalt surface becomes dry and brittle and small stones break loose from the surface. Accelerated raveling can reduce the asphalt surface by as much as half its thickness in 10-15 years.
  3. Sealcoating protects against moisture infiltration
    • Sealcoating provides a protective barrier to stop water from penetrating the pavement surface.
  4. Sealcoating protects against fluid and chemical damage
    • By applying sealcoat over asphalt pavement, it will protect the surface from the harsh effects of gas, oils, and salt.



Stages
Conditions
Sealcoating Effectiveness
Black
New Surface, Smooth and Crack Free
After curing, deterioration starts. Sealcoating provides a wearing surface that preserves the original pavement.
Gray
Oxidation starts. Small shrinkage cracks appear. Moisture begins to penetrate base.
Sealcoating will fill small cracks and stop moisture infiltration and oxidation. The original appearance is restored.
White
Oxidation throughout pavement. Cracking and base damage are occurring at increasing rate.
Last Chance to Sealcoat. Further deterioration will lead to more costly repairs
Bone White
Base failure has allowed moisture to develop defects and the stone base may need to be repaired
Removal and Replacement may be necessary depending on severity. Asphalt resurfacing may be effective against alligator cracking and potholes where base is still intact.