If you’re wondering, “What is sealcoating?” then you’re in the right place. At Encore Pavement, we’ve helped local businesses in Wichita, KS, keep their pavements durable with high-quality asphalt sealcoating services.
In this guide, we’ll break down what sealcoating is, how it works, and the benefits that come with this protective coating.
What Is Sealcoating?
Between harsh seasonal changes, vehicle traffic, and exposure to oil and moisture, your asphalt surfaces take a beating. A standard solution to prolong the lifespan of your pavement is asphalt sealcoating.
Sealcoating is a protective treatment applied to asphalt surfaces that helps shield them from damage caused by sunlight, water, oil, and daily wear and tear. It adds a layer that keeps the pavement flexible, dark, and resistant to cracks and fading.
When asphalt is freshly installed, it contains natural binders and oils that give it its strength and flexibility. Over time, exposure to UV rays and oxidation dries out these oils, causing brittleness, surface cracks, and potholes. Sealcoating replaces that lost protection and delays deterioration.
We recommend commercial clients in the Midwest sealcoat their asphalt every 2–3 years, depending on use and weather exposure. Regular sealcoating can extend pavement life and reduce the need for more expensive repairs like overlays or full replacements.
TLDR: What is asphalt sealcoating?
In simple terms, it’s a maintenance service that extends the life of your pavement, protects your investment, and saves you money long-term. Whether you manage a school, retail center, medical office, or industrial site, sealcoating can help your pavement look better, last longer, and stand up to the elements.
Does Asphalt Temperature Impact Sealcoating?
As air temperature increases, asphalt surface temperature rises significantly, reaching approximately 80°F at 60°F air temperature and up to 140°F at 90°F. This heat absorption is critical for proper sealcoating, as surface temperatures must be warm enough to ensure strong adhesion and curing.
According to engineering standards, ideal surface temperatures for applying sealcoat range between 55°F and 90°F, depending on sun exposure.
When Is the Best Time to Sealcoat in the Midwest?
The best time to sealcoat in the Wichita area is between May and September, when daytime temps are reliably above 55°F and there’s a lower risk of rain. Humidity, surface dryness, and sunlight also play a role, which is why asphalt sealcoating companies always monitor local forecasts and moisture levels before scheduling a job.
How Long Does Sealcoating Last?
A professionally applied sealcoat typically lasts 2–3 years under normal conditions. However, this lifespan depends on several outside factors, such as:
- Age of the Pavement: Older pavement with existing cracks or oxidation may wear faster, even with sealcoating.
- Climate and Weather: Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rains, and snow removal can impact overall pavement durability.
- Drainage Issues: Standing water shortens the life of your pavement and weakens the sealcoating.
- Traffic Volume: High-traffic areas like entrances and loading zones wear down quicker.
- Maintenance Routine: Regular sweeping, crack sealing, and reapplication keep your sealcoat strong.
Benefits of Sealcoating: Why Is It Important for Local Businesses?
Asphalt sealcoating is a long-term strategy for protecting the appearance and safety of your business’s asphalt surfaces. A quality sealcoat shields your pavement from the elements and everyday damage, acting as a barrier against water, oils, UV rays, and chemical spills.
Consistent sealcoating is critical for parking lots and roadways, preserving pavement integrity, reducing oxidation, and maintaining flexibility. We’ll break down the key benefits that show why sealcoating is such an essential part of any pavement maintenance plan.
Sealed Pavement Lasts Longer
Sealcoated asphalt can last 30% to 50% longer than unsealed pavement. Sealants lock in the pavement’s essential oils, slowing down the aging process and reducing the rate of surface cracking.
In the Midwest, where pavement is exposed to a wide range of temperatures and precipitation, sealcoating provides an extra layer of defense. This helps resist cracking caused by thermal movement, freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, and heavy vehicle loads.
Sealcoating Helps Waterproof Your Parking Lot
Water is one of the biggest threats to asphalt integrity. When moisture seeps into cracks or beneath the surface, it softens the base layers and weakens structural support. This leads to potholes, surface deterioration, and base failure over time.
Sealcoating creates a watertight barrier that slows rain, melting snow, and standing water from penetrating your pavement. Pair sealcoating with crack sealing services to block water entry points and ensure your surface stays dry and durable.
It Will Resist Chemicals
Asphalt is vulnerable to gasoline, oil drips, and other automotive fluids. Over time, these substances break down the binder that holds asphalt together, leading to soft spots and eventual surface failure.
Sealcoating acts as a shield against chemical spills, especially in high-traffic areas like drive-thrus, fueling zones, and delivery lanes. The protective layer prevents fluids from soaking into the asphalt and gives you time to clean up spills before permanent damage occurs.
Sealcoating Slows Oxidation
As soon as asphalt is exposed to sunlight and oxygen, it begins to oxidize. This process turns the smooth black pavement into a brittle gray surface. Oxidation reduces the flexibility of asphalt, making it more likely to crack under stress.
Sealcoating slows this process by blocking UV rays and forming a protective surface that reflects sunlight and locks in moisture. The result is pavement that stays flexible, vibrant, and crack-resistant for longer.
Asphalt Sealcoating Services You Can Trust
When it comes to protecting your pavement investment, experience and execution matter. At Encore Pavement, we take pride in being a trusted asphalt sealcoating company serving Wichita, KS, and the greater Midwest with professionalism and precision.
We’re not just another crew with a tank and a truck. Encore is a self-performing paving company, which means our in-house team handles every step of your project. That means no subcontractors, no shortcuts, and no surprises.
Our track record speaks for itself. From schools and shopping centers to industrial parks and medical campuses, we deliver sealcoating results that are built to last.
When you work with Encore Pavement, you can expect:
- Over two decades of local experience in the Wichita area
- Self-performing crews and no subcontractors
- Premium sealcoat products and application equipment
- Seamless scheduling and minimal business interruption
- Honest recommendations tailored to your property
- Strong local reputation and long-term partnerships
Contact Encore Pavement today to schedule a free consultation and see what our sealcoating experts can do for your property.
