How Is Austin Asphalt Sealcoating Different From Asphalt Paving?

The asphalt industry plays a vital role in creating the modern, accessible and aesthetically pleasing surfaces we use today. However, the terminology contractors use can be confusing to those on the outside. While you don’t need a professional about all things asphalt, understanding the difference between key services will ensure you provide the care your pavement needs. Keep reading to learn about the difference between Austin asphalt sealcoating and asphalt paving.

What Is Austin Asphalt Sealcoating, and How Does It Differ from Paving?

Asphalt sealcoating in Austin is a type of maintenance service that aims to safeguard surfaces from damaging factors like rain, sun, leaking vehicle fluids and more. During a sealcoating appointment, contractors will clean and dry your existing pavement before applying thin coats of an asphalt emulsion sealer. As the sealer cures, it forms a tight bond with the paving, creating a strong shield against the many elements that could cause your parking lot or driveway to deteriorate.

New asphalt paving is a much different service. While sealcoating contractors may offer paving services and vice versa, the final product is not the same. Asphalt paving refers to laying and compacting hot asphalt mix to create a reliable surface for driving and walking. Paving services can cover new construction or resurfacing with overlays. Either way, investing in asphalt paving means getting a new paved surface.

Meanwhile, asphalt sealcoating in Austin is a way to maintain the existing pavement you already have.

How Do New Asphalt Paving Costs Differ from the Expense of Austin Asphalt Sealcoating?

There are substantial cost differences between Austin Texas asphalt sealcoating and new paving. Furthermore, many businesses and property managers classify the costs in distinct ways.

Asphalt paving is a substantial investment. While more affordable than alternatives like concrete paving, constructing new surfaces is a big project with many expenses. As a result, many consider the costs a capital expenditure. Compared to working with an asphalt sealcoating company, paving is a massive investment that many save years to complete.

Austin Texas asphalt sealcoating is a significantly lower expense. Asphalt sealing is a form of routine maintenance, and businesses treat it as such by including it in property management budgets. The costs of working with an asphalt sealcoating company vary based on your pavement’s condition, size and other factors. However, those expenses are a small price to pay for optimal protection over the life of your parking lot or driveway.

How Often Should I Invest in Asphalt Sealing Compared to Paving?

Sealcoating is a service you should get periodically throughout the life of your pavement. Sealcoating contractors recommend sealcoating every three to five years. However, that timeline could vary based on your pavement’s age and exposure to damaging factors. The best thing you can do is hire sealcoating contractors for annual inspections. Professionals can examine your pavement closely, recommending when to get this service and others that will maintain beauty and longevity.

Whether you need asphalt sealcoating in Austin only twice a decade or every 18 months, it’s still far less frequent than asphalt paving. Well-maintained pavement that receives regular asphalt sealing can last several decades. You shouldn’t have to plan for new asphalt paving, reconstruction or replacement for 20 to 30 years.

A-Town Paving is Austin’s premier asphalt sealcoating company. We’re a full-service asphalt contractor offering services like new paving, resurfacing, repairs, pavement markings, striping, parking lot maintenance and more. We’re committed to meeting your needs while giving you the five-star service you deserve. Whether getting Austin Texas asphalt sealcoating or investing in brand-new construction, we work closely with you and maintain communication throughout the project.

Call A-Town Paving today at (512)998-0668 to learn more about what we do and get a free quote for your project. Our team can also be reached via our online contact form or email at atownpavingtx@gmail.com.