Southern California’s climate is unparalleled. Sunshine most days of the year. Moderate temperatures. Mild winters. It’s what people from around the world appreciate when they visit.
It’s a different story for property owners and their pavement. They know that the perfect weather, coupled with the occasional flash flood actually creates a harsh environment for asphalt driveways and parking lots. That’s why sealing your parking lot or driveway isn’t just a cosmetic improvement. It’s a smart investment that keeps your pavement in the best condition possible and saves you money down the road.
Asphalt is strong, but not indestructible. UV rays oxidize the surface, making it fade, dry and crack over time. In a place like Los Angeles, where the sun shines strong almost all year long, this occurs more quickly than you might think.
Sealcoating your driveway and parking lot will create a shield that:
Thereby blocks UV damage and retards oxidation
Stops water penetration which causes cracks and potholes
Resists oil, gasoline and chemicals
Restores rich dark brown finish, enhancing curb appeal
Sealing makes your driveway look clean and well-maintained. Small business owners love the look of a newly sealed parking lot for customers and tenants.
One of the most cost-effective methods for prolonging the life of your residential asphalt driveway is sealing. In much of Los Angeles, driveways absorb the daily sun and wear that comes with car use. This makes surfaces age faster.
Professional driveway sealing typically includes:
Washing dirt, oil, and the like from the surface
Filling small cracks which are likely to get bigger
Applying a professional grade asphalt sealer to your driveway
Homeowners are almost always SHOCKED to see their freshly sealed driveway. Sealcoating makes your asphalt look like its brand new, it also cuts down on the need for costly repairs or a complete resurfacing of your entire driveway.
For commercial property, parking lot sealing in Los Angeles is something that you have to maintain. Unprotected asphalt can deteriorate from traffic, weather, and delivery vehicles.
A sealed parking lot:
Makes surfaces less likely to become slippery due to wear and tear
Improves visibility when applied over new striping
Prolongs pavement life and reduces long term repair costs
Adds a touch professionalism to your business
Retail shopping centers, apartment communities, office buildings and warehouses also benefit from routine sealcoating as part of an effective pavement maintenance program.
One of the most common questions asked by Los Angeles property owners is how frequently they should have sealing done. The typical case (as always there are exceptions) is:
Driveways: Every 2–3 years
Parking lots: Every 2-4 years depending on traffic patterns
New asphalt must cure six to 12 months before any seal coating is applied. Beyond that, regular sealing helps keep the floor flexible and the surface strong.
All sealing jobs aren’t created equal. The quality of materials and the way they are applied make a big difference when it comes to results and longevity. That’s why you don’t want to do this job by yourself or hire just any contractor. First of all, you will want to hire an asphalt contractor, as they have the most experience and knowledge in sealing projects. Here are more things to consider when hiring a contractor in Los Angeles:
Experience with local climate conditions
The sealers used are UV Resistant
Clear communication and transparent pricing
Proper surface preparation before sealing
A good contractor will not fast-track the project. They’ll be sure the surface is thoroughly cleaned and repaired before they apply the sealer, which is essential for long-lasting results.
Driveway and parking lot sealing is much, much cheaper than either major asphalt repairs or new asphalt. Even better, it enables you to forgo those bigger expenses by maintaining the integrity of your pavement.
Sealing not only serves to protect the value of property, but also improves curb appeal. For businesses, it slashes liability risks and demonstrates pride in property upkeep — something customers take note of.
Protecting a residential driveway or preserving a bustling commercial parking lot, sealing is one of the smartest pavement investments you can make in the City of Angels. It’s better looking, increases the life of asphalt and saves money over time.
If your driveway or parking lot is becoming faded or small cracks are beginning to appear, it's time to consider professional sealing and keep your surfaces looking like new for many years.