Asphalt paving is a favored material for paving commercial parking lots. If you have an asphalt parking lot on your property, it can last for many years with proper maintenance. This involves ensuring that damages such as cracks are repaired as soon as possible. Repairing minor damages to the surface can prevent issues from becoming worse and requiring more aggressive efforts to repair. 

Sealcoating is an important preventative maintenance service for asphalt parking lots. If your asphalt parking lot was recently completed, it may not be sealcoated yet. However, you shouldn't overlook the importance of having the service completed to protect your investment. The following points will help you to understand why every commercial parking lot with asphalt paving needs sealcoating.

1. Aesthetics

New asphalt parking lots have a distinctive dark color, and that is usually enhanced by new striping to designate parking spaces, walkways, and loading areas. Sealcoating ensures that your parking lot will keep its fresh appearance for years. Without sealcoating, the asphalt color will likely fade over time due to degradation from the sun's UV rays. The heat from the sun can also cause cracks to form due to the heat drying out the asphalt. Sealcoating impedes this reaction from occurring. Faded and damaged lots are not aesthetically appealing and can cause potential customers to view your business locations as "run-down."

2. Moisture Barrier

Moisture is also damaging to asphalt material. Asphalt is penetrable when it is not protected by sealcoating. The moisture created from precipitation gets absorbed into the asphalt material and can cause expansion. The process can create cracks, and the cracks can develop into significant damages such as potholes and crumbling. Puddles may form on unprotected asphalt paving, and the sitting water will eventually get absorbed into the asphalt and cause damages. Sealcoating prevents moisture absorption.  

3. Chemical Protection 

You cannot control the condition of the vehicles your customers and clients drive. Some of these vehicles may need repairs and leak fluids. These fluids contain chemicals that can break down asphalt materials. However, if you get your lot sealcoated, the sealcoating will temporarily impede or slow absorption. This will give you time to clean the surface and minimize damages. Chemicals can also cause unsightly stains and should be cleaned up as soon as they are identified. 

An asphalt paving contractor is a good resource to use to learn more about the benefits you can expect by taking proactive measures to get your parking lot, inspected, repaired, and sealcoated as needed. They can provide these services and ensure that your parking lot maintenance services get performed right away, which can extend the lifespan of your parking lot. Start the process today by contacting companies like Mariotti Site Development Co Inc.