Using a sealer to protect a concrete parking lot is essential for maintaining its quality. It helps protect your lot against stains, spills, and weather damage. This is especially true for parking lots that receive high traffic. Without regular sealing, a concrete parking lot can develop cracks and stains which can be very unpleasant for customers and employees. In addition, unsealed concrete can cost you a lot more in replacement costs.
There are two types of sealants: penetrating and surface-applied. Penetrating sealants are invisible to the naked eye and absorb water and other contaminants from the concrete surface. These sealers protect concrete from freeze-thaw damage and chloride ion migration. These treatments are suitable for parking lots and slabs-on-grade surfaces. The main benefit of using a penetrating sealer is its relatively low cost. Moreover, its application requires very little downtime, and if the area is already painted, the sealant will not affect the deck line striping.
Penetrating sealers work best on concrete because they penetrate past the surface pores to fully impregnate the concrete. They also protect it from the damaging effects of U.V. rays. When choosing a sealer, make sure that the surface has been cleaned and maintained thoroughly.
Once you’ve applied the sealant, the next step is to clean the area with a shop-vac or pressure wash. If you have used an airless sprayer, it is important to keep the concrete moist when applying the product to prevent puddles. If you’re spraying a high-traffic area, safety glasses are essential. The best way to avoid chemical poisoning is to wear protective gear and follow instructions carefully.
While boiled linseed oil is a traditional sealant, you can also choose a traffic-bearing membrane. These types of sealants stay on the surface and lock out chlorides and moisture. Most elastomeric membranes are made up of two layers – a base coat that provides waterproofing protection and a top coat that provides skid resistance. The two layers combined give you a smooth, attractive surface that won’t sag under heavy traffic.
A seal coat can also be used to protect asphalt pavement. While a seal coat will not prevent the surface from oxidizing over time, it can improve its appearance and help prolong the life of a parking lot. It will also protect the foundation of the parking lot from UV rays and water penetration. To choose the best seal coat for your parking lot, consider the traffic volume and the weather conditions. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to choose a seal coat that protects the pavement and prolongs its life.
Once you have decided on a seal coating for your parking lot, you will need to clean the surface thoroughly before applying it. This will allow the seal coat to bond properly. Before applying the seal, you must repair any cracks and potholes and fill them with the correct mix of aggregate. The correct aggregate mix will ensure that the asphalt stays strong and durable. After the seal coat is applied, you will need to seal the parking lot to ensure that it is safe for pedestrians to use.