As you take a look at your newly laid asphalt, you may want to think about getting asphalt sealer on it just so you can get it to last longer. Now, protection for your asphalt may not be on your mind right now seeing as it is still all new and shiny but what you need to know is that if it is left on its own, it will not be shiny for much longer and it is all in due thanks to the sun. At first glance, the sun and your asphalt may not seem to have any relation at all but in fact, the sun is the number one reason why asphalt becomes brittle and breaks down.
What is it with the sun?
You know how you are told to always wear sunscreen when you are outdoors so you can protect yourself from the sun's rays? If you do not wear sunscreen, your skin will get all brittle, wrinkly, and leathery looking. This is pretty much how asphalt sealer works in that it can be viewed as sunscreen for your pavement. UV rays from the sun aren't just bad for the skin but they wreak havoc on your asphalt as well without the use of sealer, your pavement will oxidize and you can see this as it turns from a rich black colour to an ashy grey. Once your asphalt turns that colour, you know you are in trouble as it is only a matter of time before it starts chipping and developing cracks.
Other damaging factors
The sun may be the number one culprit but it isn't the only thing hell-bent on destroying your asphalt because cold weather and petrochemicals too can really do a number on your asphalt. Those of you who live in really cold areas and do not apply asphalt sealer to their pavements will find cracks and chips after a long winter. You do not want pavement that has cracks and chips so it is indeed worth your while to apply some asphalt sealer before the situation gets any worse. Petrochemicals like gas and oil will penetrate into your asphalt and slowly break it down from the inside until it is full of chips and holes too.
Asphalt sealer advantages
With asphalt sealer firmly in place, you do not have to worry about the sun or the weather because you can rest assured that your pavement is safe at all times. You only have to have it applied once a year and you do not even have to think about it until the next time it needs to be applied. When looking for a company that will apply your sealer for you, try to check online before you check anywhere else. There will be some companies advertising on the papers and you can check them out too but before you do, make sure you find out that they are legit and not some fly-by-night company that will just take your money and not give you anything in return.
