APE April 2022 | Page 20

SUB FEATURE

SEALCOAT ADDITIVES ,

SOME BEST PRACTICES

Additives add benefits

By Jeff Winke

A sphalt pavement sealcoats are commonly used for the protection and preservation of off-street asphalt surfaces such as home driveways , parking lots , airports , gas stations , and the like . Additives are specialty chemicals that are added to enhance the performance properties of sealcoatings .

“ Many latex polymers have been used for specific purposes ever since the introduction of sealcoatings ,” stated Girish C . Dubey , president , STAR , Inc ., Columbus , Ohio . “ Considering the myriad of such additives , it is imperative to understand the basic chemistries of such additives and recognize the ones that will truly enhance the performance of the sealcoating in terms of better flexibility , toughness , fuel and chemical resistance , and overall longevity . Sealcoating specifications , delineating the proper ratios of various components in the mix design are of critical importance for the optimum performance .”
The role of sealcoat additives becomes apparent when recognizing the limitations of asphalt .
“ Asphalt has very poor resistance to weathering and is easily attacked by chemicals , gasoline , oils , fats and deicing salts ,” Dubey said . “ The elements of weather degrade the asphaltic oils from the surface and chemicals dissolve them away . With the loss of asphalt cement , the aggregates in the top layer begin raveling and develop the first sign of pavement deterioration ; the appearance of minor surface cracks . With the progression of time , these cracks increase in number and size , and if not repaired , will allow water to penetrate sub-base and base layers . Saturated with water , sub-base and base courses lose their strength to bear traffic loads , develop larger cracks and eventually the pavement fails .”
Sealcoatings are commonly used as “ barrier ” coats to protect the asphalt from the damaging elements of weather , salt and
chemicals . Contractors use additives to save time and to save money in the long run .
“ Additives help to ensure better dry / cure the first time and help contractors avoid having to revisit job site ,” stated Rick Poole , president , Diamond Shield Fortifier , Alexander , Arkansas . “ Using sealcoat additives will allow jobs to open sooner due to faster dry / cure times . Increased film strength will cause coatings to perform longer over time and have an overall better appearance . Additives will also keep the sand load in suspension resulting in no sand bar in the bottom of an empty tank .”
Sealcoat additives add an important layer of flexibility to the sealcoating that can prevent cracking and other damage . As a sealcoat additive , sand offers the following benefits :
• Minimizes the look of defects
• Provides skid resistance
• Minimizes sun glare , which can damage asphalt over time
• Provides greater durability and increased capacity to withstand large , heavy vehicles
• Helps solidify asphalt and fills in porous gaps for greater durability Latex as an additive comes in a wide range of formulations , each of which have uniquely beneficial properties for your asphalt :
• Facilitates a speedier drying and curing time post application
• Noticeable results that can last a long time
• Latex gives your asphalt that desirable , clean black hue to keep it looking fresh and brand new
• Latex can provide adhesion to bond with the pavement
“ The additives based on polymer / rubber latexes are used to enhance the performance properties of sealcoatings and should be selected with the proper understanding of their properties www . callape . com [ 20 ] 1.800.210.5923