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!

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Here’s the announcement from Senator Fine’s website:

“SPRINGFIELD – To better protect the health of children and all Illinois residents, the use of toxic coal tar-based pavement sealant in construction projects at public schools and state agencies will have to be disclosed under a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), which was signed into law Friday.

“Children and families across Illinois should be able to live their lives without exposure to cancer-causing chemicals on the playground or at work,” Senator Fine said. “This law will protect our communities today and our environment for years to come.”

Under Senator Fine’s Coal Tar Sealant Act, public schools, public school districts, daycares and state agencies will be required to disclose the use of coal tar-based sealant on playgrounds, parking lots and other paved areas. This measure will also require groups planning to use coal tar-based sealant for a pavement project to look into cleaner alternatives.

High levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) are found in coal tar sealants used in pavement projects, which could lead to environmental contamination as the sealants wear away over time. There are environmentally friendly alternatives to coal tar-based sealants with little to no PAH that are available at a similar cost.

Studies have shown PAH compounds may cause cancer, birth defects and other health complications. Lifelong exposure to coal tar-treated pavements and playgrounds can increase an individual’s cancer risk by 38 times.

“Clearing playgrounds, schools, park districts and public buildings of coal tar is an important step to eliminating a pollutant that is a threat to our local environment and a health hazard to Illinoisans,” said State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), who sponsored the bill in the House. “Removing coal tar products will help ensure our communities are a safe place for our kids to grow up.”

Senate Bill 692 was signed into law Friday and will take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

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Read more here.

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