Slows oxidation
Asphalt is made up of binder, oils, rock, stone, and gravel. The binder holds these components together. When new asphalt is laid it is normal for oils to oxidize out which will make the pavement stronger. Experts suggest sealing your asphalt parking lot 90 days after the asphalt is laid to slow down the oxidation. After the first application of sealer, it is then suggested to seal your asphalt every 2-3 years after that. There are many things that contribute to oxidation: sunlight, rain, air and chemicals being the most common.

Improves appearance
Your parking lot is the welcome mat to your business. After years of exposure to sunlight and the elements asphalt will gradually become a dull grey colour. Applying a fresh coat of sealer will bring your asphalt back to its jet-black finish from when it was initially paved. Asphalt sealing is also a great solution for homeowners who are looking to boost the curb appeal of their home, the matt black finish will make your driveway look as good as new. If you’re looking to list any type of property for sale a fresh coat of asphalt sealer will also help to increase your property value.

Saves money long term
Whether you own an asphalt parking lot or driveway you need to protect your investment. By creating an asphalt maintenance schedule that includes asphalt sealing you can safely double the life of your asphalt by applying sealer every 2-3 years. For DIY asphalt sealing your product cost will be between 3-5 cents per square foot, comparing that to $3-5 dollars per square foot for repaving it makes sealing your asphalt a no-brainer.

Prevents water penetration
Water is to Asphalt what Kryptonite is to Superman. Keeping your asphalt sealed on a regular basis will help to prevent water penetration. A water-based coal tar emulsion sealer will help by filling minor cracks and imperfections in your asphalt. By keeping those imperfections and cracks filled you are lessening the chance of water freezing and expanding inside of them which will make them grow larger year after year.

Safety
Safety is the #1 reason why all parking lots require markings and symbols. As a parking lot owner, you are required to have your parking lot lines maintained to provide safe traffic flow for vehicles and pedestrians.

Curb Appeal
A parking lot with freshly painted lines will boost the curb appeal of your property. First impressions are key, and your parking lot is your “Welcome Mat”. Having your parking lot lines painted yearly shows your customers that you care about the appearance of your property and their safety.

Exceed Legal Requirements
As a parking lot owner, you are required to follow Parking Lot Marking Guidelines set out by your municipality. These guidelines are set in place so that drivers and pedestrians are provided with a safe place to walk/park when they are on your property. Please reach out to your local municipality to ensure that you are meeting their requirements. Following these guidelines will reduce the risk of the parking lot owner being held liable for accidents or damages that occur in the parking lot.

Vehicle and Pedestrian Traffic Flow
Having clear visible parking lot lines, and symbols (arrows, handicap, no parking, etc) is imperative when it comes to efficient vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow. Having markings to follow will improve traffic flow and minimize confusion when it comes to:
– where vehicles must stop
– where pedestrians can walk
– what areas to avoid
– who has the right of way
– where vehicles can park
– where vehicles can park that contain people with additional needs such as Handicap, and Expecting Mothers

Parking Efficiency
A well laid out parking lot will maximize the efficiency of how your parking lot square footage is used. Make sure that your parking stalls are sized and laid out properly. This will ensure that you are providing the most available parking spaces for your lot, while also complying with size guidelines and your customer’s needs.

Customer Convenience and Satisfaction
Show your customers you care by keeping your parking lot lines looking vibrant. When your parking lot lines look dull and faded it gives the impression that you don’t take pride in the appearance of your property. By keeping up on your line marking shows your customers that you care.

Improves Appearance
Crack sealing will boost the curb appeal of any residence or business. Nothing looks worse on an asphalt parking lot than wide-open cracks with grass growing out of them. When you take the time to have the cracks sealed in your parking lot it shows that you take pride in the look of your property, as well as the longevity of your asphalt.

 Prevents Water Penetration
Water penetration is the largest cause of cracks in asphalt. Crack sealing will reduce the amount of water penetration by creating a barrier so that the water can’t seep into the base layers. Cracks that are left without sealing will allow water to erode the base materials, this causes the asphalt to shift which allows more cracks and potholes to form.

Prolongs Pavement Life
Asphalt parking lots and driveways are a large investment for your property, as a property owner, it is in your best financial interest to maintain your parking lot. Crack sealing can help to more than double the lifespan of an asphalt parking lot.

Saves Money
Just like regular oil changes help to keep costs down on vehicle repair, yearly crack sealing will help you save money in the long run on your asphalt parking lot. Yearly crack sealing will prevent any existing cracks from growing. Cracks left without sealing will expand year after year, this will cost more money in the long run as areas left unattended will eventually require costly hot asphalt patchwork and eventually repaving.