Blog

Why Do Martinsburg Sealcoating Contractors Add Aggregates In Their Application?

The type of sealer that your Martinsburg sealcoating contractors use to protect your pavement matters. However, quality doesn’t stop with the formulation itself. To get the best results, sealcoating companies must also properly prepare the sealer by adding aggregates. But why are aggregates necessary for successful asphalt sealcoating?

What Are Asphalt Sealcoating Aggregates?

In asphalt parking lot sealcoating, aggregates are a simple additive. Aggregates, as a whole, are tiny pieces of hard material used in a wide range of construction projects. Contractors use them to build up your pavement subbase, and aggregates are also used in hot asphalt mix.

Of course, those aggregates are different than what sealcoating contractors in Martinsburg use. Generally, sealcoating companies use fine-graded aggregates. Individual particles are usually just a fraction of a millimeter in diameter. As a result, the asphalt sealer stays fluid and easy to spread.

Sealcoating companies in Martinsburg add aggregates directly to an asphalt emulsion sealer, along with a specific amount of water. Formulations vary, but manufacturers typically provide strict guidelines for sealer prep to ensure robust performance and longevity.

What Are the Most Common Types of Aggregates Used by Martinsburg Sealcoating Contractors?

There are many types of aggregates available, but the sealcoating companies in Martinsburg typically use silica sand or boiler slag.

Silica sand is made of crushed quartz. It has a fine texture that can create a smooth texture once cured. Meanwhile, boiler slag is a waste product collected from coal plants. It can provide extra grip while deepening the sealer’s final color.

What Benefits Do Martinsburg Sealcoating Contractors Provide When They Use Aggregates?

There are many reasons why your Martinsburg sealcoating company uses aggregates when preparing its sealer. Here are a few advantages that make these additives a must-have.

• Better Grip: Asphalt parking lot sealcoating isn’t all about aesthetics. When done right, it can also enhance safety. Using aggregates provides better traction under wheels and shoes. It can help reduce the risk of accidents and tire slippage.
• Improved Durability: Sealer alone isn’t enough to ensure a durable finish. Sealcoating contractors in Martinsburg use additives to make the finish more resilient against weather and wear, which can improve longevity.
• Stronger Asphalt Bonding: Your Martinsburg sealcoating company will use aggregates to facilitate a tighter bond between the sealer and the asphalt. Aggregates help prevent premature flaking and peeling.
• Faster Cure Times: Asphalt parking lot sealcoating already takes several days to cure. Aggregates help promote faster moisture evaporation, accelerating the cure period.
• Enhanced Coverage: While sealcoating isn’t a replacement for proper crack-filling or repairs, it can cover minor imperfections when there are additives in the mix. The aggregates can fill hairline cracks, smooth out rougher textures, and produce a clean finish.

Why Might a Sealcoating Company Not Use Aggregates?

The best sealcoating companies in Martinsburg will always use additives. However, less experienced service providers may leave it out. In most cases, this mistake is a cost-cutting measure. Skipping the aggregates reduces upfront costs, allowing amateur sealcoating companies to increase their profit margin. Some even add more water to dilute the sealer.

Unfortunately, you’ll pay for a lack of aggregates. Without those additives, the sealer will have a much shorter lifespan and offer less-effective protection.

You don’t have to worry about cut corners when you turn to Quality Striping & Sealing. We’re asphalt sealcoating experts with decades of proven expertise. Quality is our highest priority, and we work hard to do things right while delivering exceptional results every time.

You can turn to Quality Striping & Sealing for driveway and commercial sealcoating, repairs, crack filling, parking lot striping, maintenance, stencils, wheel stops, signage, and more. Let us show you why we’re the best sealcoating contractors in Martinsburg! Call Quality Striping & Sealing at (833) 903-5337, email angela@qualitystripingandsealing.com, or use our online form today to request your free project quote.