Clean it Up – Clean any debris, oil, car fluids, dirt, leaves or other mess from the pavement. If possible, have it power washed before temperatures become too cold for a more effective clean-down.

Protect Edges – Make sure to edge your pavement to protect it from grass and other plants. Their roots can break through the pavement’s edges, making it easier for water to penetrate and cause larger cracks.

Fill Cracks – Inspect pavement for cracks, chips and crumbling. Even little cracks can mean large problems later on. Water can get into cracks and freeze during the colder evenings and mornings and expand, enlarging the crack. Have cracks filled and addressed before the winter chill hits.

Look for Pooling Water – Pooling water on your pavement usually means it is uneven, suggesting potential problems with your sublayers. During freezing temperatures, pooling water can contribute to the creation of potholes. It can also freeze over and present a slip and fall hazard.

Move Heavy Equipment – If you have heavy equipment on your pavement, you’ll want to move it for the season or at least place heavy duty cardboard underneath it. This will keep it from compressing or puncturing the pavement during the vulnerable cold months.

Have it Sealcoated – Sealcoating is usually done one year after the pavement is installed and then every two to three years after that. Sealcoating protects the pavement from harsh weather and cold temperatures. It also adds water resistance and protects the base layers underneath.

Fall is here and that means winter is not far behind. Even mild winters can still have negative impacts on your pavement. Perform this fall maintenance to protect your pavement and you’ll keep it in good condition for longer.

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1. Watch for water puddles – Water can penetrate the surface of your asphalt pavement and erode the base, weakening the foundation. Standing water in the form of water puddles indicates that you have an ineffective drainage system. The best way to guard against water damage is to have an efficient drainage system that pulls water down into the sewer or storm drain and off of the pavement, eliminating water accumulation.

2. Check for cracking – Some amount of cracking is caused naturally by the environment over time. Because of this natural wear and tear, it’s important to have regular maintenance to tend to cracks while they are minor issues. When left unrepaired, cracks can evolve into dangerous potholes or larger, harder to repair cracks. This type of damage can render your asphalt pavement useless. Taking immediate action when you find cracks is key to preserving your asphalt pavement’s lifespan.

3. Invest in sealcoating – Sealcoating is generally performed about one year after new pavement is laid. Sealcoating extends your pavement’s lifespan. It helps cover minor cracks, preventing them from becoming serious problems. It not only protects your investment in your asphalt pavement but it also refreshes the color and look of your pavement, restoring its beautiful appearance and curb appeal.

Your asphalt pavement is an investment in your property and its value. Knowing what to look for and how to make your asphalt pavement last longer helps you maximize that investment. While wear and tear is normal and will happen, how you repair and maintain your pavement makes a huge difference in how long it lasts. Watching for water puddles, checking for cracks and investing in sealcoating will help your asphalt pavement go the distance for you. For more information about sealcoating and asphalt pavement maintenance and repair, call EcoShield today!

The post How to Make Your Asphalt Pavement Last Longer appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

An excerpt:

Yarmouth has become the first municipality in Maine to ban the sale and use of coal tar sealant, which one conservation district commissioner likens to “toxic black paint.”

The Town Council approved the ban passed Dec. 16 ahead of a state measure going into effect Oct. 1, 2024. Yarmouth is the only municipality in Maine to pass the prohibition.

“The town felt that we wanted to be a little more aggressive in our enforcement of this new rule,” Town Engineer Steven Johnson said. “So we opted to do a local ban on the material sooner than that.”

Another excerpt:

“A black liquid sealant that is sprayed or painted onto pavement to improve its appearance, coal tar contains more than 200 types of a harmful chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. Several of those hydrocarbons are human carcinogens and are harmful to waterways and aquatic life, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Friction from car tires can cause the seal coat to come off in small particles, which are then washed off by rain and carried down storm drains and into bodies of water. The particles can stick to tires, soles of shoes and feet and be carried elsewhere, where they can also be inhaled, the Geological Survey says.”

Check out the full article here.

Do you know about any bans in your area? Want to know more? Check out www.coaltarfreeamerica.com, www.asma-usa.org, or www.ecoshieldasphalt.tempurl.host.

The post “Yarmouth Enacts Local Ban on Sealant Containing Coal Tar” appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

What types of damage to look for?

Routine inspection of your pavement is essential to identify any signs of wear and tear. Catching these signs early can prevent significant issues down the line. Keep an eye out for cracks, potholes, raveling and deformations. These issues can be caused by factors like inclement weather, heavy traffic and lack of maintenance. If you notice any of these issues, it is time to take action.

When is sealcoating appropriate?

Sealcoating helps with preventing oxidization, filling small cracks or gaps and protecting the surface from water intrusion. Adding a coat of sealant to your pavement can preserve it and delay the need for repaving. When shelling out for a repavement seems daunting, sealcoating should be considered as a cost-effective option for maintaining the condition of your pavement.

When is repaving necessary?

Big cracks, potholes and uneven surfaces that cannot be effectively repaired with sealcoat treatment signal the need for a repave. When little areas of damage are left unchecked, they will grow and merge, presenting a much bigger and costly problem. Safety is of utmost importance when deciding whether it’s time to repave. Old pavement is more susceptible to damage from weather, which can become a hazard to drivers and pedestrians.

Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat

When opting for sealcoat treatment, it’s important to choose sealant wisely. To ensure a long-lasting, cost-effective treatment, we recommend Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion, offered by EcoShield and its network of distributors in the Carolinas. Pitch Black is a high-quality sealant with an impressive record for durability, providing superior resistance to water and UV light exposure. As an option for sealcoating, Pitch Black is also eco-friendly with 0.00% PAHs and easier to apply.

Your asphalt pavement’s condition will determine whether you should sealcoat or repave. Small damages and the first signs of wear and tear can be easily and relatively cheaply corrected with sealcoat treatment. However, if the damage has become extensive, it’s time to start thinking about repaving. Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion provided by EcoShield and its distributors is the smart choice when considering sealcoat treatments. Overall maintenance of your asphalt pavement is crucial for preventing the need for costly renovations or repairs while ensuring a safe and pleasant environment.

The post When to Sealcoat vs. When to Repave Your Asphalt Pavement appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.