The Total Guide To Sealcoating For Educational Facilities

Pavement maintenance isn't something administrators and property managers of educational facilities in the Fort Wayne area can afford to ignore. However, it can also be challenging due to tight budgets and little room for property disruption. Sealcoating for educational facilities is a crucial part of property maintenance. Schools, colleges, community education centers, libraries, and more all have parking lots to accommodate teachers, students, and visitors. The asphalt paving at these properties is just as susceptible to damage as those on home driveways and commercial parking lots. It needs plenty of attention to stay in good shape and avoid damage. Here's what you need to know about educational institution sealcoating and how it works.

Why Is Sealcoating for Educational Facilities So Important?

Fort Wayne asphalt sealcoating is a type of preventative maintenance. Despite how tough asphalt is, it can succumb to the effects of exposure and wear. UV rays from the sun, rainfall, freezing temperatures, road chemicals, heavy traffic, and other damaging factors can take a toll over time. Without sealing, asphalt takes the brunt of that exposure, resulting in rapid oxidation and deterioration. Before you know it, asphalt becomes brittle and crack-prone. Damage eventually occurs, turning a once reliable and safe paved surface into a dangerous mess.

Sealcoating for school facilities helps prevent those issues. It acts as a shield to minimize the effects of exposure and wear, reducing the risk of damage and prolonging the lifespan of asphalt pavement.

How Often Should Administrators Schedule Sealcoating for Schools and Other Facilities?

Contractors typically recommend sealcoating for educational facilities every three to five years. However, every property is different, and many factors will affect how quickly the sealer wears down. These include how much exposure pavement has, the amount of traffic it receives, the quality of the sealer used, etc. Some facilities may require more frequent sealcoating to optimize protection and longevity.

The best approach is to have contractors inspect the property's pavement regularly. Sealcoating experts can assess the condition of pavement and sealer, looking for early signs of trouble to recommend new applications when necessary. Contractors can help administrators develop a maintenance schedule that's both effective and budget-conscious.

What Types of Surfaces Need Asphalt Sealcoating?

All asphalt surfaces need sealcoating. The most common for educational facilities is parking lots. However, bus loading areas, paved sports courts, drop-off zones, asphalt walkways, and more also need sealing. Fort Wayne asphalt sealcoating protects asphalt. It keeps it pliable, preventing oxidation that can turn it brittle and highly susceptible to damage. As a plus, sealcoating also restores the look of asphalt. It brings back the glossy black finish of fresh paving, giving surfaces a like-new look that can boost curb appeal for educational facilities.

How Does Fort Wayne Asphalt Sealcoating Work for School Facilities?

Educational institution sealcoating is similar to driveway or parking lot sealing. Every project begins with a comprehensive inspection. Teams will then prepare the surface by sweeping, surface-cleaning, and pretreating stains. Surface prep is vital, as sealers will only bond to clean and dry pavement.

Once ready, contractors can apply the sealer. Sealcoating for schools requires at least two thin coats. Higher-traffic areas used by buses may need more to ensure optimal protection. After application, asphalt sealcoating must cure for 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime, all vehicle and pedestrian traffic must stay off the pavement.

Are There Any Important Considerations Administrators Should Make Before Getting Sealcoating for Educational Facilities?

Sealcoating is transformative but not a magic solution that corrects cracking and damage. Before sealing, administrators should invest in repairs. Crack-filling, asphalt patches, and other repair work will benefit school facilities by making paved surfaces safer. Sealcoating is the icing on the cake that offers long-term protection.

Another thing to consider is the impact educational institution sealcoating can have on facilities' operations. Because traffic must remain off the pavement during the curing process, administrators must plan for alternate walking routes and parking. Before a service appointment, alert those affected by the disruption. Place temporary signage to direct traffic to temporary parking areas and allow contractors to block the work area off until the sealer cures.

How Can Contractors Minimize Disruptions and Delays When Sealcoating for Schools?

Sealcoating for school facilities can cause many headaches, but it doesn't have to. Contractors with experience working for schools, libraries, and colleges can minimize disruptions in many ways. A reputable company will work closely with you to determine the right approach. Teams can work during weekends or off-hours when the facility is empty. They can also seal paved surfaces in sections to avoid closing off entire parking lots or bus loading areas. These techniques will allow school facilities to continue operating, reducing the impact this all-important service has on the property and its visitors.

Let Asphalt Authority handle all your asphalt sealcoating needs. We're a full-service paving company offering many services, including new paving, repairs, resurfacing, striping, signage, ADA compliance and more. We understand the importance of sealcoating for schools and work hard to keep all paved surfaces safe, beautiful, and reliable. Our team can develop solutions to minimize disruptions while providing school facilities with the pavement maintenance services that count. Using the highest-quality sealers and application techniques that guarantee success, we have what it takes to deliver standout results for facilities throughout the Fort Wayne area.

Call us now at (260)297-7312 for a free quote and learn more about what we do at Asphalt Authority. Our team is also ready to discuss your needs via email at info@asphalt-authority.com or through our online form.