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frequently asked questions about nj parking lot services

Our experts at Parking Lot Services are available to answer any of your questions about your upcoming parking lot project.  The following are some of the more frequent questions we encounter with some of our New Jersey clients.

On average, applying seal coating every 2 to 3 years is good. The recommended frequency depends on the volume of traffic and type of traffic. For example, parking lots with heavy truck traffic should be done more often to protect the asphalt and extend its life. Parking Lot Services can give you specific advice when we examine your parking lots and speak to you about your plans.

Preventive maintenance should be done while the pavement is in good to excellent condition. Types of preventive asphalt maintenance are seal coating (every 2 to 3 years); timely crack sealing while the cracks are narrow, short and infrequent; and regular catch basin cleaning fall into this category.

Corrective maintenance includes more extensive crack repair and sealing; pothole filling; pavement patching, and repair of drainage and curbs.

Emergency repairs are sudden sink holes. Emergencies may require major rehabilitation and reconstruction including the substrate. Poorly maintained catch basins may also crack around the edges and fail to drain the parking lot, creating nuisance and possibly a hazard.

Rehabilitation and reconstruction usually involves milling out old asphalt and properly disposing of it. It may also involve repairing the foundation of the parking lot or roadway before new asphalt is installed, cured, sealed and lines painted. Curbs and catch basins are likely to be involved as well.

Sealcoating protects the asphalt pavement against water; chemicals like salt, oil and gasoline; and sunlight which all cause the asphalt to oxidize and break down.  When the protective coat breaks down, water undermines the paved surface which can lead to cracks and potholes with successive freezing and thawing.

Sealcoating works by minimizing the ability of these destructive elements to work into the asphalt and break down the pavement.  It also protects the pavement against the normal wear and tear from traffic by increasing the flexibility of the asphalt, which retards cracks.

The quality of the material and the preparation of the surface are the keys to successful sealcoating.  Special attention to any oil stained areas is critical.  In addition to cleaning, it may need to be primed so that the seal coating adheres properly.

You should ask questions about the quality and quantity of the seal coating that will be applied. It must be applied in the right thickness to create the right seal that extends as well as beautifies.

Sealcoating is also part of beautification, adding to the curb appeal of a parking lot.   Seal coated asphalt is easier to clean. Restaurants, for example, need pavement in good condition to withstand pressure washing. It’s also easier to remove snow because the surface is smooth.  Sweeping is also more effective when the pavement is sealed.

Smooth, sealed surfaces also discourage accumulation of dirt and seeds which allow small vegetation to get established.  The tiny roots will widen cracks and help break down and undermine the surface.  It also detracts from curb appeal.

Seal coating on a regular schedule pays dividends since it extends the life of the paving.  Applying sealant is less expensive than breaking up the pavement and repaving or having to do extensive patching or adding a new pavement layer.

Minimal recommended temperature at application and during the curing period is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperature is better. Traffic should be kept off for at least 18 hours, which is why large sealcoating jobs are done on weekends, overnight or in sections. It’s also important to do seal coating when no rain is expected for at least 2 days. Sprinklers should be kept off also.