Did you know that in only a few hours, dull, washed out asphalt pavement could be restored and look brand new? Seal coating any asphalt surface can work like magic in the construction, contracting world. Sealant is a necessary solution in order to maintain your driveway or parking lot properly, and it is something you can’t skip to save on costs. It actually helps prevent high repair expenses in the long-run. To be brief, seal coating is a thin, black liquid layer added over a paved surface to protect it from damage and destruction. Does it seem simple enough? It won’t cure existing cracks or potholes, but it will stop damage from forming in the first place. It’s a ‘shield’ that helps guard it from certain elements –Rain, oil spills or leaks, heavy traffic flow, UV rays, etc. This is primarily important as we move closer to summer (rainy season) in Southwest Florida, and strong precipitation can weaken driveways or parking lots. Since seal coating protects it against all these problems, it will certainly extend the years on the blacktop. Seal coating helps fight the common enemy, water. An exposed driveway or unsealed tarmac is vulnerable to the elements, in particular water damage. Also, seal coating blocks the drying effects of the strong sun. When you live in Florida, you can’t avoid the scorching sun on hot days. Just like dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen even in the cold months, seal coating fills surface voids and helps preserve the asphalt. Asphalt is a petroleum product, and when auto fluids such as oil and gas fall on the surface, it can melt into the pavement. This softens it and eventually causes breakage and cracks. The mess is bound to happen eventually, especially in a busy parking lot, but while you can clean up the spills, it’s far easier to protect the parking lot from the damage with sealant. On a different note, the finished project can improve the appearance on your parking lot or driveway! Seal coating creates an attractive, black color that immediately boosts the look of your asphalt and the overall ‘beauty’ of your property. The substance is ideal for painting lines and other marks on parking spots. It also provides a smooth, non-porous surface that will allow rain to simply wash dirt and debris away to keep it clean for days on end. Experts with the knowledge and time can help with all your pavement needs, from designing to line striping and seal coating. You might ask an expert, how often should I seal coat my pavement? It's important to note that you shouldn't sealcoat it too frequently. Believe it or not, you risk making it worse and wearing it down. As to how often, depends on certain factors. Does your pavement receive a lot of traffic? Is your parking lot or driveway exposed to a lot of elements? Preferably, you should sealcoat once every 3 years. (239) 267-1711 www.fortmyerssealcoat.com

Are you interested in line stripping your commercial property? Line striping’s main purpose is to increase the safety of a parking lot, from restaurants to large plazas. When parking lot lines are well-marked on the pavement, drivers know how to maneuver in the area without any problems, and the suggested colors also make a difference. This means more time in your place of business and less time in traffic jams or confusion with other drivers and walking pedestrians. Clear traffic routes, areas where parking is not allowed, and which spots are reserved for handicapped, help your clientele steer comfortably and safely around the property. Parking lot line striping is a necessity, but can it be done by you or is a professional more equipped to handle the job in less time? It comes down to if you want to get your hands a little dirty and save some money. When starting a ‘DIY’ (do it yourself) line striping project, there are ways to paint new parking lines or cover up old ones. You can use a paint roller and carefully paint by hand over a distinct line, and you should purchase a high-quality traffic paint to guarantee your results will last. For a neater, less stressful technique, you can use a handy line machine to paint straight lines on any asphalt or concrete surface like a pro! In this case, the asphalt machine is the modern equipment you need, but these machines vary in price, size and capabilities. Professionals will have their own required equipment from start to finish and make it easier on you. Prep work is included and whatever surface you’re painting needs to be clean. For asphalt and concrete parking structures, you need to sweep and blow, then pressure wash the whole area for a tidy workspace. This will prevent paint from flaking and peeling off later. The look of the parking lines has a lot to do with the colors and types of paint you choose. Yellow is the traditional color for the stripes, but blue is growing in popularity in some areas, especially shopping malls. Keep in mind, certain stencils, such as handicapped spots have legal requirements for color, size and shape. The basic steps to follow are clean the area well, layout striping lines and handicaps, paint lines by spray paint or a rented machine, follow local and federal codes regarding the layout, let barricaded paint dry for 24 hours, and clean up the mess when you’re finished! While some business owners like to paint their parking lots themselves, we suggest that you rely on professional contractors for a job well-done. Before you make the decision to either do it yourself, or hire a professional service, you should know that measurements are crucial and seal coating the parking lot is something to think about. Also, pavement striping must comply with certain guidelines and dimensions. Therefore, getting them wrong could cost more money in the long run. (239) 267-1711 www.fortmyerssealcoat.com