Asphalt: choice of protective coatings and maintenance for floorings
Posted on mai 1, 2013 by Frank
The application of a good protector extends inexpensively duration of asphalt, but some products are virtually useless.
Experts use mainly coal emulsions of professional quality. These products are also available from vendors but usually in more economical grades of lower quality. There are also « acrylic » products but again the quality may be poor and installation of the product requires proper installation conditions.
Emulsions coal
Between the 50s and 1985, the only product used to protect asphalt emulsion was coal. Used in airports and in public parking lots, this is a penetrating sealer that creates a flexible film surface to protect the asphalt against gasoline and oil. Emulsions coal also have the advantage to blacken the asphalt, which is highly prized by the owners for aesthetic reasons. Today, there are two emulsions coal for asphalt sealer: emulsions and solvent based rubber latex polymers.
Generally, the solvent-based products should be avoided because they are harmful to the environment and offer little resistance to wear and gasoline. We find from many retailers at a cost of $ 10.00 to cover about 55 m² (600 ft ²). This product is primarily used by unscrupulous paving contractors who spray only in a thin layer to black asphalt. The solvent based sealer can also be used as glue to adhere a new asphalt former.
For good protection, use a coating of latex emulsion polymer base. There are three grades: low-end, regular and professional. The concentration of the product will determine the duration of its effectiveness. Personally, I recommend using a product with more than 35% solids, which is the professional degree. Its cost is about $ 30.00 to cover 45 m² (500 ft ²) and protect against residential asphalt parking gasoline and oil for 3-6 years depending on usage.
Theoretically, good coal products can last up to six years, but the snow inputs scratch the surface. To maintain a beautiful appearance many owners prefer to apply a coat every three years.
The « acrylic »
Merchants use the term « acrylic » for styling products that sometimes have little in common. Acrylic products are generally low-end vinyl acetates. These products are used since the mid-80s and are still available, but they stand up to wear and tear caused by the tires and gasoline.
For protection, it is necessary to choose products with a high concentration of acrylic but also to clean the entire surface of asphalt. When the pores of the asphalt are filled with soil and dirt, acrylic does not adhere well to the asphalt. A thorough cleaning is needed to get a good grip. Also, use a foam roller to apply appropriate (not nap roller) if different thicknesses will be formed and will be less grip.
Finally, the installation should not be done at a temperature less than l0 ° C or under a blazing sun as the product will cook before taking.
Acrylic emulsion or coal?
Avoid emulsions coal solvent: they only temporarily stain your asphalt without providing valid protection against wear or gasoline.
Some of acrylic products are of good quality but the installation conditions are more demanding (cleaning and temperature) and the product does not protect against scratches more snow removal.
The main advantage of acrylic is the ability to color. In addition to the black and gray, found on the market shades of terracotta, dark brown and green slate.
Personally, I prefer the rubber polymer latex with 35% solids. It is less expensive than acrylic quality and easy to install product.