APE July 2020 | Page 34

EXPERT ADVICE produce uniform texture and fill minor surface defects.. 4. Performance improvement: Greater resistance to chemicals, deicing salts, oil, gasoline, or jet fuel. Greater resistance to weather elements such as rain/ snow and UV. Improved toughness, flexibility and elongation. 5. Thickening: Boosting the viscosity to suspend large amount of sand or aggregates. Occasionally thickening additives are used to build viscosity for mix designs using excessive amounts of water. Paving contractors face challenges in placing their asphalt mix. Sealcoating can help in many areas. “Seal coating additives are specially engineered products that help pavement coatings last longer and bond to the pavement better,” stated Rick Poole, president, Diamond Shield Fortifier, Alexander, Ark. “Seal coating prolongs the life of the pavement, while additives prolong the life of the seal coat. All additives have specific properties which address a particular contractor’s needs. As a result, no single product is a ‘one size fits all’ additive.” Poole offered an example of an additive that solved a contractor’s customer challenge. “A local contractor used an active curing additive to seal coat a drive-thru car wash. Car washes present a special challenge due to constant water exposure. This was the contractor’s first job of the year and took place in early March. He knew an additive was needed to help control the cool temps and counteract the decreased amount of sunlight. This was also a ‘must complete now job!’ After some unexpected repair issues, it was already afternoon and the car wash was due to be reopened the very next day. By the time work could be finished, there was only a small amount of sunlight left to dry and cure the sealcoating before the cooler temps of nightfall set in. I went to the car wash once it was opened and was pleased to see that the coating was holding up well to traffic. I am certain this job could have been a disaster if the contractor had not used the active curing additive. The sealcoating alone would not have had time to dry and cure fast enough to meet the demand of returning traffic, without failing. The sealer likely would have washed into the street and gutters and or left unsightly tracking marks marring the roadway and damaging the coating.” Clearly, the proper use of an additive can provide the kind of results that can help elevate the reputation of the sealcoat contractor above their competition, because the work turns out better, lasts longer, and most importunately makes the customer happier. In short, additives play a vital role in the sealcoating industry and can make the quality of sealcoating projects better. For More Information On This Advertiser Please Visit www.CallAPE.com/e-inquiry [34] www.callape.com 1.800.210.5923