Pavement Sealers in Los Angeles | Protect & Extend Asphalt Life

Asphalt in Los Angeles takes a beating. From heavy traffic and intense UV exposure, to seasonal temperature fluctuations and oil leaks, pavement can deteriorate quicker than you might imagine. That's what makes pavement sealers in Los Angeles more than a cosmetic upgrade. They are an important part of asphalt care for homes, businesses and city spaces throughout Southern California.

What Kind of Pavement Sealers Are Used in Los Angeles 

We may not have to contend with snow or freezes in Los Angeles, but our climate still has its own challenges. Any longtime homeowner in LA can tell you that the non-stop sunshine, atmospheric river flooding, as well as vehicle traffic, oil drips and irrigation runoff quickly oxidizes and dries out the asphalt binders, which crack. 

Sealcoaters serve as a shielding agent on an asphalt surface, acting to protect it from UV rays and water penetration. It also covers up the small cracks that form through age, exposure, or overuse. Sealcoating can add years to the life of your LA pavement and greatly enhance its “curb appeal” for property owners.

What Are Pavement Sealers?

Pavement sealers are a liquid that is applied to the surface of an asphalt or blacktop driveway. When applied, these coatings cure into an even skin of dark black over the pavement.

What Type of Pavement Sealers Should be Used in Los Angeles?

Driveways and Parking Lots

Most people in Los Angeles prefer emulsion sealers for their driveways and parking lots. They are also an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option perfect for your driveway, HOA road or commercial parking lot.

Those sealers will bring out the deep black in your asphalt, and protect it from both oxidation, and water damage and are great for sunny areas like Southern California.

High-Traffic Areas

Polymer-modified pavement sealers are ideal for busy locations, such as shopping malls, apartment complexes and other high-traffic areas. Polymers enhance adhesion and longevity for high-traffic Los Angeles homes.

Fuel Resistant Coal Tar Sealers

In places that are prone to fuel and chemical spills, such as gas stations or fleet parking lots, coal tar sealants have the best resistance. While they are more regulated, they are still used for certain commercial applications where durability is key.

Colored and Decorative Pavement Coatings

Los Angeles property owners tend to think outside the box when it comes to finishes. The tinted pavement sealers are becoming more common in pedestrian areas such as crosswalks, bike paths, sidewalks, playgrounds and commercial properties. These protective coatings add safety, visibility and design aesthetics to any asphalt, while also protecting this costly investment.

Your Guide to Sealcoating Asphalt in Los Angeles

After the seal coat fully cures, it can be driven on in roughly 24 to 48 hours. The seal coat also protects against gas and oil spills, even if left overnight. Here are some other benefits to a seal coat:

• Slows oxidation and wear of surface enabling a longer life of pavement

• Guard from oil, gas and chemicals

• Beautifies appearance for a professional look

• Prolongs lives of machines and portions thereof by postponing rebinding

• Adds value to residential and commercial property

A newly sealed parking lot in Los Angeles also makes a good first impression on customers and tenants.

When to Seal Asphalt Pavements?

In Los Angeles, sealcoating is best done in late spring to early fall, when temperatures are warm and there’s not much of a chance for rain. Generally speaking, newly paved asphalt should cure for 6-12 months before sealing. Existing surfaces should be resealed every two to three years, depending on traffic.

If your pavement is faded, has small cracks or feels rough, it’s probably time to reseal.

Selecting the Best Pavement Sealer in Los Angeles

Sealers for pavement vary. The right choice depends on:

• Traffic volume

• Exposure to oil or chemicals

• Desired appearance

• Budget and maintenance schedule

When you hire an asphalt contractor, they will work with you to determine which type of pavement sealer is best for your job.

Protect Your Investment in Asphalt

You don’t have to live with cracked, worn out, faded asphalt. Fix it before the problem gets bigger. With the right sealer, and routine maintenance, you can prevent water and other elements from penetrating the surface of your asphalt, resulting in a longer life for your pavement and reduce cost on repairs.

If you’re thinking about sealcoating, now is the best time to maintain your asphalt before little problems become expensive fixes. Call us today for a free estimate.