The ASMA organization brings together asphalt maintenance professionals from all over the globe in order to further advance the progress and awareness of the asphalt emulsion industry.

An excerpt:

“We are excited to announce that A.S.M.A., the Asphalt Sealcoat Manufacturers Association, has reemerged as the newly formed ASMA-USA. This new organization was formed in 2020 to bring together manufacturers, contractors, vendors, and customers of asphalt emulsion sealcoat. ASMA-USA’s membership includes top leaders in the industry who intend to promote the benefits of and further advance the technological achievements of asphalt emulsion sealcoat on a global scale.

“Asphalt emulsion sealcoat has been the primary choice of sealcoat among manufacturers, contractors, property management companies, and government agencies on the West Coast for over 40 years,” says Robert Archie, newly-elected President of ASMA-USA.

“The vast market there kept most asphalt emulsion sealcoat companies thriving. When A.S.M.A. was originally created in 1992, our West Coast members were focused on Regional goals. For example, A.S.M.A. was successful in getting their specs adopted by Cal Trans; a huge achievement at the time. But as we continue to see coal tar bans across the country and the need for consistent viable alternatives in all states, we believe this is the time to ensure customers receive accurate reliable info on asphalt emulsion sealcoat.”

Some of ASMA-USA’s members already have a national presence. Their expansion efforts have had a powerful positive response. Not only did these ASMA-USA manufacturers offer a high-quality alternative to coal tar, but also a non-toxic one with little to no PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). For more info on PAHs, readers can refer to the extensive research at: https://coaltarfreeusa.com.

One of the original members of A.S.M.A. and a driving force behind the new organization, Secretary Jerome Jacobs, says,” It was time to bring all of our knowledge and expertise on asphalt emulsion sealcoat to the forefront. We have experts that have been in the industry for over 50 years willing to mentor and help shape our industry. All the pieces have really come together. That valuable expertise along with our new website and marketing technology will give professionals the true information they need to make important sealcoating decisions.”

ASMA-USA is already preparing for broad membership across the country as well as international membership. High-profile members such as Tom Ennis, founder of Coaltarfreeusa.com and ASMA-USA’s newly elected Director of DOT, Specifications & Governmental/Regulatory Affairs lend substantial credibility to ASMA-USA’s mission. Their focus is not only awareness but to also raise the bar on sealcoat’s environmental impact.

It’s right there in ASMA’s mission statement… ASMA-USA “was formed with the expressed objective for promoting the use of asphalt emulsion-based sealcoats for the preservation and protection of asphalt surfaces, with a special emphasis on safeguarding human and environmental health. The mission of ASMA-USA is to advance asphalt emulsion-based sealcoating for pavement preservation through the full utilization of advancements in materials, equipment, while keeping the impact on the human and environment to an absolute minimum.”

Other elected officers include Vice President Carl Reed (Asphalt Coatings Engineering), Treasurer Larry Mechem (RaynGuard Protective Materials), Dir. Northeast Richard Williams (Dark Force Sealcoat Distributing), Dir. Southeast Jason Weaver (EcoShield Asphalt Products), Dir. Mid-South Martha Moore (Seal-Tite of Arklahoma), Dir. Midwest John Schneider (Mix-Tek Pavement Solution) and Dir. West Cliff Cooper (Pacific Sealcoat Distributors).”

Fore more information, please contact Sara Weaver.

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An excerpt:

“AS SEALCOAT WEARS OFF, WHERE DOES IT GO?

Abraded dried sealcoat particles containing high concentrations of PAHs and related chemicals can be transported by rain, wind, car tires, and even our feet to surrounding areas, including our homes. Concentrations of PAHs in runoff, sediment, soils, and dust near coal-tar-sealcoated pavement are substantially higher than concentrations in those media near concrete pavement, unsealed asphalt pavement, and asphalt pavement with asphalt-based sealcoat.”

Coal-tar-based sealcoat is a potent source of PAHs and related chemicals. Worn particles of coal-tar-based sealcoat are transported by rain, wind, tires, and even our feet from pavement to other environmental settings. Sealcoat product (A), after it dries, gradually abrades to a powder and becomes part of the dust on the pavement (B). Pavement dust is transported by rainfall runoff (C) to stormwater-management devices (D) or to receiving streams and lakes (E). Pavement dust also adheres to tires (F) that track it onto unsealed pavement, and wind and runoff transport the dust to nearby soils (G). Sealcoat particles tracked into residences can become incorporated into the house dust (H). Graphic from USGS Fact Sheet 2016-3017.”

Download the PDF here.

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Coal Tar Pitch, also known as Coal Tar or Pitch, is a hazardous chemical called a volatile. It is listed on the Right to Know Hazardous Substance List with many organizations including OSHA, DOT, NFPA, NTP, IARC and more. Coal Tar is a flammable liquid used as a base for coatings or paint, in paving and as a binder for asphalt. This chemical is a dangerous fire hazard as a fire from this product produces poisonous gases. Coal Tar is also a known human carcinogen or cancer-causing substance.

Coal Tar and the Environment

Coal Tar is so detrimental to the environment that the EPA requires any spills or leaks of this chemical to be handled as hazardous waste. Also, companies that use this chemical must also follow hazardous substance regulations in the containment and disposal of this chemical. Run-off from Coal Tar seal coated pavement contains high concentrations of a toxic substance called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or PAHs. PAHs are harmful to human life and toxic to aquatic life when it makes its way into our rivers, lakes, streams and ponds. Even more concerning is that Coal Tar-based sealants abrade over time and become part of the dust on the road where it is dispersed by wind, rain, car tires and even your feet into surrounding areas. This disbursement is how PAHs end up in soil and the surrounding environment–even as part of the dust inside your home.

Run-off into lakes, streams, ponds, rivers and other waterways have a disastrous effect, killing fish and causing fish embryos in the water to mutate. It also ends up in our storm systems through run-off into sewers and drains. Even worse, the toxicity of PAHs can be intensified by sunlight, making this component of Coal Tar even more deadly to aquatic, animal and human life. PAHs not only impact water quality but also air quality. Testing has shown that Coal Tar seal-coated pavement continues to release PAHs into the air for at least eight years after application. Experts agree that new applications of Coal Tar-based sealcoating release more PAHs in a year than the total annual vehicle emissions of PAHs.

Pitch Black vs Coal Tar

Coal Tar Pitch is a hazardous, cancer-causing, environmentally devastating product. That’s why EcoShield manufactures Pitch Black, a non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, eco-friendly alternative to Coal Tar Pitch that not only eliminates the environmental impacts but is safe and holds up better and longer. When you know better, you can choose better and demand better for your community and your neighborhood. To learn more about Pitch Black, check out our product information page here: https://www.ecoshieldasphalt.tempurl.host/#ecofriendly. And if you have questions, we’d love to answer them so give us a call!

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1. Saves money – Costs of maintaining pavement’s condition is far lower than the cost of significant repairs or replacement. Pavement maintenance saves money.

2. Better traffic flow – Pavement that is kept in good condition requires fewer traffic delays due to construction. Pavement maintenance prevents construction-related traffic delays.

3. Extends the service life of the pavement – Pavement maintenance helps extend the service life of your paved road or lot by keeping up with small repairs and preventing major distresses so your paved area remains in good condition for a longer period of time.

4. Reduces damage to vehicles – Pavement maintenance helps prevent damage to vehicles caused by potholes and other pavement distresses by keeping the road in good condition. Good pavement maintenance and management reduces road hazards for vehicles.

5. Protects the environment – Pavement maintenance generally uses 80% less of the earth’s non-renewable resources when compared to major repairs or replacement. Good pavement management is good for the environment and protects our planet.

Not only is pavement replacement expensive, but it’s also harmful for the environment, creates delays for drivers and creates inconvenience. The benefits of pavement maintenance and management far outweigh the expense and impacts of pavement replacement or major repairs. Keeping pavement in good condition from the beginning helps ward off serious structural issues and extends the life of the paved road or lot. For more information about pavement maintenance, contact EcoShield Asphalt Products today.

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Benefits of Sealcoating

Why sealcoat? There are several benefits of this application and when done with an environmentally friendly product, it not only protects your asphalt pavement but protects the environment as well.

1. Regular sealcoating extends the lifespan of the pavement and reduces long term repair costs.

2. Sealcoating provides a protective layer to keep out water, UV rays from the sun and vehicle fluids such as oil and gasoline.

3. As it is exposed to the elements, asphalt pavement fades over time. Sealcoating makes pavement look and wear like new again.

4. Sealcoating increases the melting process of any ice, frost or snow to protect against damage from water penetration, frost damage or snow damage.

5. Sealcoating protects asphalt from oils and gasoline that could soften and damage the asphalt over time.

6. Seal coated pavement is easier to clean because the sealcoat provides a smoother surface than plain asphalt.

7. Sealcoating slows the oxidation process. Oxidation causes deterioration of asphalt, making it brittle and more prone to cracks, breaks and the formation of holes and other defects.

8. Sealcoating saves money. The expense of regular sealcoating is far less than the expense of repaving. Sealcoating extends the lifespan of asphalt, making the need to repave less frequent.

So, why sealcoat? It has tremendous benefits by protecting the asphalt from the elements, oxidation and wear and tear. When an environmentally friendly sealcoat is used such as Pitch Black, it also protects the environment. Pitch Black is non-toxic and safe for the environment and the people exposed to it. Traditional sealcoat can contain caustic and carcinogenic ingredients that are harmful to human health and the environment. Frequently repaving is also detrimental to the environment as the process generates particulate matter that is harmful to surrounding ecosystems as well. When you need a sealcoat provider to keep your asphalt in good condition, choose EcoShield, your local manufacturer of Pitch Black sealcoat.

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1. Faded line striping – Sunlight exposure fades lines, arrows and other painted markings on your pavement. You might do well to set aside budget for re-striping the lot once the summer heat and intense sunlight is over for the year.

2. Tracking – Asphalt can withstand high temperatures to a degree. However, a particularly sweltering day (or several) can soften the asphalt’s surface layer to the extent that granules of it begin to stick to car tires and even the bottom of shoes.

3. Weakened pavement – UV rays from the sun and water together can cause weakening of the asphalt. This leads to cracks, uneven surfaces and the formation of potholes that can damage cars.

4. Water infiltration – If you notice standing water on your pavement after a rainstorm that doesn’t drain away, this is cause for concern. Your drainage system should drain away all the excess water. Standing water on your pavement can lead to or indicate water infiltration, which can damage the asphalt foundation below.

The best defense for how summer heat impacts your commercial lot is preparation. Preparing for the summer heat by filling cracks, repairing damaged areas and applying protective sealcoating to keep water out and protect your asphalt is key. Commercial lots are expensive to repave and it’s much more cost effective to anticipate the potential damage that can be caused during the summer season and protect your lot’s asphalt before the brutal summer hits. If you have questions about protecting your commercial parking lot from the summer heat, call EcoShield!

The post How Summer Heat Impacts Your Commercial Parking Lot appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

1. Seals in asphalt oils
2. Seals out water/moisture
3. Seals out UV radiation
4. Provides a non-slip surface
5. Asbestos-free
6. Non-carcinogenic
7. Non-flammable
8. Non-toxic and has no materials hazardous to human health or the environment
9. Environmentally-friendly and safe for diverse and protected ecosystems
10. Dries quickly with a deep, long-lasting black color that doesn’t easily fade
11. Works well with oil-based or water-based striping paint
12. Easy to clean up with water
13. Can be applied to new asphalt sooner than traditional coal tar
14. Can be applied to a wide variety of spaces
15. Prolongs the life of asphalt pavement
16. Fills in pavement voids and cracks
17. Non-tracking on shoes or tires
18. Protects your investment in your asphalt surfaces
19. Easy to apply with a spray or squeegee application
20. More durable and lasts longer than coal tar sealcoating

Pitch Black is a safe alternative to harmful and toxic coal tar sealcoating. It is safe for the environment and safe for human health. It doesn’t track into homes or indoor spaces and stays outdoors where it is applied. Western states have been using Pitch Black for nearly 40 years with amazing results that last longer and protect local ecosystems. EcoShield is your local manufacturer of Pitch Black emulsion sealcoat. Have questions? We have answers. Let us protect your asphalt, your people and your environment with Pitch Black!

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