Why Do Parkersburg Sealcoating Contractors Add Aggregates In Their Application?

Why Do Parkersburg Sealcoating Contractors Add Aggregates In Their Application?

Reputable Parkersburg sealcoating contractors don’t apply sealers as-is. Parking lot and driveway sealcoating products require careful preparation, and that typically involves adding aggregates. But what do the aggregates do, and are they truly necessary? Read on to find out.

What Are Asphalt Sealcoating Aggregates?

Aggregates refer to the specific additives sealcoating companies add to sealers during the preparation process. In general terms, aggregates are particulate materials. When contractors build your asphalt paving, they use aggregates throughout the process. They can help stabilize soil, build up the pavement’s foundation, and are even present in the hot asphalt mix itself!

Of course, aggregates come in various forms and materials, and the types that asphalt sealcoating experts use are different from those that paving contractors in Parkersburg use.

How Do Aggregates Benefit Seal Coating?

So, why do sealcoating contractors in Parkersburg use aggregates in the first place? The truth is that these additives are a critical piece of the sealcoating puzzle. Seasoned sealcoating companies will use a specific amount based on manufacturer guidelines. When utilized correctly, aggregates provide several benefits.

• Covering Minor Imperfections: Parking lot and driveway sealcoating won’t fill major voids or magically patch potholes. However, with the right aggregates, sealers can fill hairline cracks and cover minor imperfections. Aggregates also help to provide a more opaque and attractive finish.
• Increasing Surface Traction: Sealcoating companies in Parkersburg also use aggregates to give your pavement better grip. They help create a surface finish with more traction to prevent wheel slipping and pedestrian falls.
• Boosting Longevity: In asphalt sealcoating, aggregates can significantly improve durability and overall longevity. Without them, sealers will peel up and deteriorate much faster.
• Accelerating Cure Time: Aggregates can absorb some of the water content in sealers. As a result, the sealer cures much faster. With aggregates, it can take sealers up to 48 hours to cure. Without them, it’ll take even longer.
• Strengthening Pavement Bonding: The right aggregates can also help the sealer bond to the asphalt better. That helps to improve durability further.

What Types of Aggregates Do Sealcoating Contractors Use?

There are many aggregates available to sealcoating contractors in Parkersburg. However, not all are suitable for parking lot and driveway sealcoating.

For the best results, sealcoating companies must use fine aggregates. Large chunks are unacceptable, as teams must apply several coats to build up coverage. The aggregate material must be fine enough to keep the sealer viscous and spreadable.

They must also prepare the sealer using the right amount of water and aggregates. Too little, and the benefits diminish. Too much, and the sealer can become overly rigid.

The two most popular options for sealcoating contractors in Parkersburg are silica sand and boiler slag. Silica sand is crushed quartz, providing a smoother finish. Boiler slag is a waste byproduct from coal plants that can deepen the sealer’s color and strengthen its grip on your pavement.

How Do Experienced Parkersburg Sealcoating Contractors Use Additives?

Legitimate, experienced paving contractors in Parkersburg will always use additives. The benefits are too great to leave it out.

Unfortunately, inexperienced or unscrupulous individuals may skip the aggregates when sealcoating in Parkersburg. They often do this to save money. While it can save on upfront costs, you pay for it in the end with lower durability and less protection.

Some newer paving contractors in Parkersburg may also skip the aggregates due to a lack of equipment. Before applying sealer, contractors must prepare the mix with the right amount of water and aggregates. They need to combine the materials in a drum with integrated agitators. Without agitation, the aggregates can sink to the bottom.

When you turn to Erskine Paving for sealcoating in Parkersburg, you don’t have to worry about cut corners. We always use aggregates to ensure you get the best possible protection and finish. That dedication to quality applies to all our services, including asphalt paving, resurfacing, repairs, crack repairs, dirt work, parking lot drainage, sweeping, line striping, and more.

Get your free project quote today by calling Erskine Paving at (304) 701-4450, emailing Erskinesealcoating@gmail.com, or submitting your information via our online form for a callback.