Sealcoating is designed to protect asphalt pavements from damaging effects of the environment including moisture and ultraviolet oxidation.  Protecting pavement with sealcoating has basically the same effect as using sun block on your skin or varnish on wood. It slows the destructive effects of our extreme midwestern climate.  Sealcoating also minimizes raveling (the loss of aggregate) and fills minor voids in the surface.  Other benefits include creating a uniform color and appearance for all paved asphalt surfaces and increasing the visibility of curbing.  Sealoating and re-striping of parking spaces and crosswalks improves traffic flow and enhances public safety.

Rabine Paving uses a coal tar based material that provides superior protection from sun and weather damage.  For additional application longevity, we recommend applying two coats of pavement sealer.  Since the initial surface preparation and edge work make up the majority of the cost of the first application, adding a second layer is economical and increases overall durability.

To reduce long-term maintenance expenses, industry experts recommend that pavement be sealcoated every two to three years, depending on traffic and overall condition.  Pavements that exhibit extensive cracking, base failure, or severe surface raveling will not significantly benefit from sealcoating.  Also, sealcoat tends not to adhere well to areas saturated with oil, so such areas must be treated with an oil spot primer to aid adhesion.  Sealer can be applied by either squeegee or spray methods. Spraying is recommended for smooth pavement, whereas rough, porous surfaces are better serviced by the squeegee method with its thicker application.  Normal curing time is 24 hours for moderate temperature and humidity conditions.

Crack Sealing

Cracks in parking lots are not unusual.  Unfortunately, neither is the eventual deterioration of the surface if those cracks are left unattended.  Unsealed cracks allow water to enter and deteriorate the subgrade and eventually the surface, usually resulting in alligatoring, potholes and the general demise of the pavement.

Crack sealer is an elastic material designed to seal joints and cracks against this moisture infiltration into the subgrade.  Subgrade moisture is one of the leading causes of pavement failure, so it is essential that asphalt cracking is attended to promptly in order to extend the life of the pavement and save money long-term. Typically, we recommend filling cracks and joints 1/4 inch wide or greater.

Rabine Paving uses a hot-applied, polymer-based material. Using a hot sealer is far superior to a cold-pour sealer.  Cold-pour sealers, although marginally less expensive, do not adhere as well and tend to pop out of the crack with temperature changes.  The crack is first routed to a consistent width of 1/2" x 1/2" then cleaned using an air compressor with a hose and tube to blow out dust and debris with a high-pressure stream of air.  Then, the crack sealer is either injected into the crack with a pressurized wand or poured in at a temperature of roughly 300 degrees Fahrenheit.  This extreme heat causes the sides of the asphalt in the crack to melt and form a much stronger bond with the crack sealer upon cooling.  Due to its high elasticity, crack sealer will have the ability to expand and contract with the thermal movements of the crack.  Also, because of its high melting point, it will not track or pick up with traffic.