Protect your asphalt investment from Tucson's intense sun and monsoon rains with our professional sealcoating services.
Get Your Free EstimateAsphalt sealcoating is the application of a coal tar or asphalt emulsion-based liquid product to the surface of an existing asphalt pavement. This protective layer seals small cracks, prevents water and oxygen from penetrating the asphalt, and shields the binder from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and chemical degradation, which are significant concerns for pavements in Tucson. The service includes thorough surface preparation, crack filling, and the precise application of two coats of high-quality sealer.
Our approach to sealcoating begins with a detailed inspection of the pavement's condition to identify areas requiring repair, such as oil spots, deep cracks, or failing patches. We then use commercial-grade power blowers and wire brooms to remove all loose debris, dirt, and vegetation. Oil and gas stains are treated with a primer to ensure proper adhesion of the sealer. Only after the surface is clean and dry do we proceed with the application, ensuring maximum bond and durability.
For Tucson properties, sealcoating is not just an aesthetic upgrade; it's a critical maintenance step because the intense UV radiation from our abundant sunshine rapidly oxidizes the asphalt binder, making the pavement brittle and prone to cracking. The monsoon season brings heavy, localized rainfall which can then penetrate these cracks, leading to sub-base erosion and premature pavement failure. A properly applied sealcoat acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing this environmental damage instead of the underlying asphalt.
Homeowners often wonder about the best time to sealcoat. In Tucson, the ideal period is typically from late spring to early fall, when ambient temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C) and no rain is expected for at least 24-48 hours after application. This temperature range allows the sealer to cure correctly, achieving its full protective properties and ensuring a long-lasting finish. We recommend sealcoating every 2-3 years, depending on traffic volume and pavement condition, to maintain optimal protection.
Asphalt sealcoating is crucial for pavements in Tucson because our desert climate presents unique challenges that accelerate asphalt degradation. The intense solar radiation, with over 300 sunny days annually, causes the asphalt binder to oxidize rapidly, leading to a loss of flexibility and the development of surface cracks. Without a protective sealcoat, these cracks deepen, allowing water to infiltrate the base layers, which can cause significant structural damage.
Beyond UV protection, sealcoating in Tucson helps mitigate damage from our monsoon season. Heavy, short-duration downpours can quickly erode the unsealed surface and penetrate existing cracks, leading to potholes and sub-base instability. The sealcoat acts as a barrier, preventing water intrusion and preserving the integrity of the pavement's foundation. It also resists chemical spills from vehicles, which are common and can soften and weaken unprotected asphalt.
Investing in sealcoating extends the life of your asphalt driveway or parking lot by several years, delaying the need for more expensive repairs like patching or complete resurfacing. It also restores the pavement's rich black appearance, enhancing curb appeal and property value. This preventative maintenance is a cost-effective strategy for managing asphalt assets in Tucson's demanding environment.
We begin by thoroughly cleaning the asphalt surface using high-pressure air blowers and stiff wire brushes to remove all dirt, debris, oil spots, and vegetation. Any existing oil or gas stains are pre-treated with a specialized primer to ensure proper sealer adhesion.
All cracks wider than 1/8 inch are cleaned and filled with a hot-applied rubberized crack filler, which expands and contracts with the pavement. This prevents water penetration and stops existing cracks from spreading, a critical step for Tucson's fluctuating temperatures.
Once the surface is clean and repairs are complete, we apply the first coat of commercial-grade asphalt emulsion sealer using spray equipment or squeegees. We ensure even coverage and appropriate thickness, allowing adequate drying time before the second coat.
After the first coat has properly dried, we apply a second, uniform coat of sealer for maximum protection and durability. The pavement is then barricaded and allowed to cure for 24-48 hours, depending on temperature and humidity, before reopening to traffic.
Pacific Asphalt Company provides expert asphalt sealcoating services throughout Tucson, AZ, and its surrounding communities. We understand the specific needs of pavements in areas like Oro Valley, Marana, and Sahuarita, where the desert climate and soil conditions require a robust approach to asphalt maintenance.
Whether your property is near the Catalina Foothills or closer to the Old Pueblo, our team is equipped to deliver high-quality sealcoating that protects your asphalt investment. We are familiar with the local traffic patterns and environmental factors that impact pavement longevity in the greater Tucson metropolitan area.
Tell us what you need and someone will get back to you quickly. No pressure, no commitment.