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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Benefits of Regular Crack Sealing and Sealcoating

1. Prevents Accident for Drivers

Crack sealing fills in cracks that can grow into potholes or open seams. For drivers, this means a smoother ride with less risk of accidents caused by swerving to avoid damages in the road.

2. Enhances Visibility with Darker Surfaces

Applying Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion sealcoat makes the pavement darker, which enhances its visibility. For drivers and pedestrians, this means clearer pavement markings and safer navigation, especially at night or during low-light conditions.

3. Reduces Hydroplaning Risk

Sealcoating with Pitch Black helps to waterproof the asphalt, ensuring that water beads up and runs off instead of pooling on the surface. This significantly reduces the risk of hydroplaning for vehicles, promoting safer driving conditions during rainy weather.

4. Minimizes Fall Hazards for Pedestrians

By keeping the pavement smooth and free from cracks and potholes, pedestrians face a lower risk of trips and falls. This is particularly beneficial in public areas like parking lots, walkways and bike paths.

5. Limits Debris on Roads

Regular asphalt maintenance prevents the breakup of pavement, which can cause debris and rocks to scatter on the roadway. This keeps roads safer for cyclists and motorcyclists who might otherwise encounter hazardous conditions.

6. Protects Contractors with Quicker Application

Using Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion is advantageous for contractors due to its quicker application and drying times. This means less time spent on busy roads or in commercial areas, reducing the risk for accidents and exposure to hazards.

7. Improves Work Environment for Contractors

Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion is a safer alternative to traditional coal tar-based sealants, which contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) known to be hazardous and potentially cancer-causing. Using Pitch Black reduces contractors’ exposure to these dangerous chemicals, ensuring a safer and healthier work environment during the application process.

At EcoShield Asphalt Products, we understand the critical role that regular pavement maintenance plays in ensuring safety for all. Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion sealcoat is designed not only to protect and preserve asphalt but also to enhance the safety of drivers, pedestrians and contractors. With benefits ranging from improved visibility to safer, healthier working conditions for contractors, Pitch Black is your go-to solution for asphalt care. Serving NC, SC, and VA, EcoShield is your premier resource for bulk orders of Pitch Black. Contact us today to ensure your asphalt surfaces are not only visually appealing and long-lasting but also safe for everyone.

The post How Regular Crack Sealing and Sealcoating Maximizes Safety for Drivers, Pedestrians, and Contractors appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.