If you’re just getting into the world of asphalt maintenance or are a property owner trying to understand how to protect your investment, you’ve probably heard about sealcoating. It may sound technical, but the concept is straightforward: asphalt sealcoating is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the life of your pavement and enhance its appearance.
At Seal-Rite, we’ve been helping contractors and business owners protect pavement surfaces for years. As the industry’s leading sealcoating skids, trailers, bulk tanks, and accessories manufacturer, we know just how important this process is—and how much it can do for your bottom line.
Let’s break it down in plain language: what sealcoating is, why it’s done, how it works, and how Seal-Rite can help you get it done right.
First Things First: What Is Sealcoating?
Sealcoating is a protective layer applied to the surface of asphalt pavement. This coating acts as a barrier between the asphalt and external factors that cause damage—like water, chemicals, sunlight, and daily wear from traffic.
Think of it like sunscreen for your pavement. Like sun and weather can prematurely age your skin, they can do the same to asphalt. Over time, asphalt becomes dry, brittle, faded, and more prone to cracking. Sealcoating helps lock in the pavement’s oils and flexibility while shielding it from harsh elements.
Sealcoating doesn’t fix existing damage like potholes or deep cracks, but prevents new issues from forming. It’s a key part of a good maintenance plan and can add years to a driveway, parking lot, or road’s life.
Why Pavement Wears Down Without Protection
When understanding the value of sealcoating it helps to know what asphalt is up against every day.
- Water seeps into small cracks and expands when it freezes, causing more extensive cracking.
- UV rays from the sun oxidize the surface, making it dry, faded, and brittle.
- Gasoline and oil leaks from cars break down the binder in asphalt, accelerating wear.
- Heavy traffic gradually erodes the surface, leading to potholes and structural failure.
- Temperature swings cause expansion and contraction, further stressing the pavement.
Without any form of protection, the surface deteriorates quickly. It turns gray, loses flexibility, and crumbles—often within a few years.
That’s where sealcoating comes in. It gives the pavement a durable topcoat that resists these forces.
How the Sealcoating Process Works
Sealcoating may seem straightforward, but a quality job requires preparation, the right tools, and proper timing. Here’s a general overview of how professionals do it—especially when equipped with Seal-Rite systems:
1. Clean the Surface Thoroughly
Dirt, debris, and oil must be removed before sealing. Contractors use blowers, power washers, and sometimes degreasers to prep the area. At Seal-Rite, we carry Billy Goat Blowers for just this purpose.
2. Repair Cracks and Holes
Next, any significant cracks should be filled to keep water out. Seal-Rite offers crack-filling equipment that makes this step faster and more efficient.
3. Mix and Apply the Sealer
This is where the right equipment makes a difference. Our hand-agitated, power-agitated, and SR skids and trailers are designed to mix the sealer thoroughly to stay consistent. Depending on the job, the sealer is applied using spray systems, brushes, or squeegees.
4. Let It Cure
Sealcoating needs time to dry and bond with the surface—typically 24 to 48 hours, depending on the weather. During this time, traffic should be kept off the pavement.
Benefits of Sealcoating
So why go through the effort of sealcoating? The benefits speak for themselves:
- Longer Pavement Life – Sealcoating can double or even triple the life of your asphalt surface when done regularly.
- Lower Maintenance Costs – It’s far cheaper to sealcoat than resurface or replace a parking lot.
- Protection from the Elements – The sealed surface resists water, oils, chemicals, and sun damage.
- Better Appearance – Sealcoating restores the deep black color of fresh asphalt, giving your property a clean, well-maintained look.
- Improved Safety – The smooth, sealed surface enhances visibility for parking stripes and traffic markings.
For property owners, this means a better-looking and safer property. For contractors, it means ongoing work and satisfied clients.
Starting a Sealcoating Business? Seal-Rite Has You Covered
Whether you’re launching a new sealcoating business or expanding your services, Seal-Rite is the name to know. We manufacture and supply everything you need to get started and succeed:
- Sealcoating trailers & skids
- Bulk storage tanks for sealant
- Spray tips, brushes, brooms, and squeegees
- Crack filling machines and accessories
- Billy Goat Blowers and Grazors for cleaning and prep work
- Replacement parts and upgrades—ready to ship
All our equipment is built to last, with operator-friendly features and rugged construction. And we don’t just sell machines—we offer support and personalized service to help you grow your business.
Shipping Across the U.S., Canada, Mexico & Beyond
Seal-Rite ships daily to locations across the United States—and we also ship internationally. We can quickly get equipment and parts to your door, whether in the Midwest, on the coast, or north of the border. We keep a full stock of sealcoating accessories and replacement parts ready to ship, so you can minimize downtime and stay productive.
Why Choose Seal-Rite?
Your reputation is only as good as your equipment. That’s why contractors across North America trust Seal-Rite for top-tier sealcoating systems. We’re not a reseller or middleman—we’re the manufacturer. That means better pricing, faster support, and unmatched expertise.
We’re proud to be a one-stop shop for everything asphalt professionals need, and we’ll be here for you as your business grows.
Contact Seal-Rite at 573-387-4491today or visit us online for more information! We can help you get the asphalt sealcoating equipment you need for your business!