Benefits of Investing in Asphalt Sealcoating

Now that spring is here in the Twin Cities, make sure your asphalt surfaces are ready! This is a great time of year to invest in asphalt sealcoating for a number of different reasons, and the team at Gopher State Sealcoat is here to answer your questions along the way!

Here are just a few of the many reasons you may consider investing in asphalt sealcoating. Let’s take a look:

  • Physical Appearance: After going through a long Minnesota winter, we all need a little extra care and attention before returning to the sunshine, and that includes our asphalt driveways and parking lots! Salt, water, and the freeze/thaw cycle can do a number on the appearance of asphalt surfaces, especially if they were chipped and/or cracked going into the colder season. A professionally applied sealcoating will protect your asphalt and make it look fresh and new again!
  • Slowing Damages: Of course, the powerful rays of the sun can do damage all their own! This season, investing in a quality sealcoating means investing in protection for your asphalt investment. Whether the issue is water or oil, a fresh sealcoating will slow oxidation and fluid penetration, keeping your asphalt surface safe and protected for years to come!
  • General Ease: A quality sealcoating allows you ease of mind. You’ll know that the asphalt is protected from sun and rain, and you won’t have to spend a ton of money to replace the entire surface in a few years. Additionally, a smoother, sealed surface is easier to maintain and clean. That means less time sweeping, cleaning, and trying to make sure your asphalt is safe!

Summer Commercial Sealcoating

Summer is here in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area, which means there’s no time to waste. All of us know that the summer season goes by way too fast, whether looking to plan a vacation, catch some rays, or prepare for the coming colder months ahead!

One way to prepare for the impending chill is to ensure that your asphalt pavement is protected by investing in high-quality commercial sealcoating. Here are just a few reasons why summer is the best time to have a professional sealcoating performed:

  • Temperatures: When investing in commercial sealcoating, it’s important that the outdoor temperature is ideal for protecting asphalt. The minimum outdoor temperature should be fifty degrees Fahrenheit, which may be trickier to ensure during the spring or autumn months. Instead, take advantage of our sweltering heat this summer and invest in that commercial sealcoat!
  • Curing: Additionally, summertime is the best time to cure your sealcoat once it’s been applied to the asphalt. Because of the changeable weather during spring and autumn, there’s an increased chance of your sealcoat curing with strange blotches or discolorations. Instead, make the call today and ensure that you have a consistent sealcoat!
  • Sunlight: Finally, the summer months offer more hours of sunlight than spring and autumn. That means more hours to get the work done. While it’s important to begin commercial sealcoating as early as possible, to allow the most time for proper drying and curing, summer makes this schedule a little more flexible.

While a professional team knows how to make sealcoating work for you, summertime is a great time to invest in this needed service in the Twin Cities. Before the temperatures drop and the sunlight declines, give the professional team at Gopher State Sealcoat a call. We’ll work with you to ensure the job gets done right before the fall season arrives.

So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today!

Common Questions Answered about Sealcoating Your Parking Lot

Now that spring’s here in the Twin Cities, it’s time to get serious about your sealcoating. If you have any questions about how this process works, or feel uncertain about how to effectively sealcoat parking lots, go to Gopher State Sealcoat for answers and assistance!

Our professional staff members understand exactly how sealcoating works and will guide you through the process. Let’s start by answering a few common questions folks have about sealcoating parking lots:

What should I do to prepare my parking lot for sealcoating?

Before sealcoating any paved surface, it’s important to make sure that the area is as clean as possible. Otherwise, there may be flaws, imperfections, or other problems in the final sealcoating. This includes removing dumpsters, planters, and any excess vegetation. Though even if you do not clean it perfectly, we will be happy to prep the asphalt surface for you.

How will investing in sealcoating help protect my parking lot?

Sealcoating your parking lot is a very worthwhile investment! A high-quality sealcoat will protect your parking lot from chipping and cracking, and during the cold Twin Cities winter, sealcoating will help protect the asphalt surface from water or freezing damage. Parking lots can be expensive—make sure that your asphalt investment is protected.

What other protections does sealcoating provide for my parking lot?

In addition to providing practical parking services, you want your parking lot to look nice throughout the year. A high-quality sealcoating will help! Along with protecting your asphalt from gasoline or oil stains, sealcoats also assist in keeping your asphalt from fading over time.

Ensure that you get the right answers to all your questions about sealcoating parking lots. We’ll work to make certain that you get the service that’s best for your asphalt surface!

Give the professional team at Gopher State Sealcoat a call today, and let’s get to work sealcoating your parking lot!

Sealcoating for Safety and Appearance this Summer in the Twin Cities

Now that summer is here in the Twin Cities, the weather is perfect for a fresh asphalt sealcoating. Although there are many practical, technical reasons to consider sealcoating, such as increasing pavement lifespan and protecting asphalt from water damage, there are also aesthetic reasons to consider it this season.

Here are just a few reasons to consider sealcoating, both to improve the overall safety and appearance of your asphalt pavement.

Property Value: In addition to improving the general maintenance and safety of your asphalt pavement, sealcoating also protects overall property value. Purchasing and installing asphalt tends to be a somewhat expensive process, so make the most of your investment by keeping it safe. When the time comes to evaluate your property or home, you will be grateful for that extra layer of protection!

Rich Coloring: Sealcoat will maintain the rich, black color of your asphalt for an extended period, whereas unsealed asphalt tends to fade more quickly over time. In addition to looking cleaner, fresher, and more inviting, black asphalt also has safety benefits. For example, if your lot is lined with yellow or white paint, these colors contrast better and look clearer against a rich, black surface.

Prevents Cracking: When it’s smooth, black, and fresh, asphalt both looks and works exactly as intended. Using sealcoating enhances the appearance of your asphalt parking lot, driveway, pathway, or bike trail, and prevents safety and aesthetic hazards such as cracks or chips. When it comes to asphalt and sealcoating, looking good often usually means working well, so contact our professional team today!

The staff at Gopher State Sealcoat is here to support you throughout the process of installing asphalt and applying sealcoat in the Twin Cities. Contact our team today, and make sure your asphalt pavement looks fresh and stays strong throughout the summer!

Prepare New Asphalt with Sealcoating in the Minnesota Twin Cities

Installing new asphalt in the Minnesota Twin Cities area is an exciting process because, in addition to improving the aesthetic quality of your commercial space, it will also improve safety around your property. After making such a significant investment, however, how can you best protect your asphalt from damage?

 

Sealcoating is the best option available when it comes to protecting asphalt, especially in Minnesota. With sealcoating, you will protect against staining, cracking, and other issues, but only if you follow the correct procedure. Here’s what you need to know!

 

Protect Asphalt: Prior to sealcoating your asphalt driveway, make sure to treat this newly installed material with respect. For example, avoid turning wheels too quickly on the fresh surface in order to keep the asphalt intact. Additionally, move cars with oil leaks. Prior to applying the sealcoat, your driveway is not protected from staining!

 

Allow Time: After installing asphalt, it’s important to wait before sealcoating. Allowing your new asphalt to breathe will release oils that will help harden the asphalt. Ideally, allow four to six months before considering the first sealcoat for patchwork, and one year for an entire year installation. A consistent sealcoat schedule of every two to three years will extend your pavement’s lifespan dramatically.

 

Keep Dry for 24-48 Hours: Once the sealcoat is appropriately applied to your asphalt, allow time for it to dry. Ideally, fresh sealcoat should remain untouched for at least forty-eight hours. That means no driving or walking, and turn off any nearby sprinklers before the sealcoating is applied, otherwise it might wash away the fresh sealant!

 

Take the time to protect your fresh asphalt investment and find professional sealcoating in the Twin Cities area. The professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat are here to help and answer any questions you might have throughout the process. For the best in all asphalt services in the Twin Cities area, give our professional team a call today!

4 Important Questions (and Answers) about Asphalt during Winter

When it comes to sealcoating asphalt in the Twin Cities area, make sure that you ask key questions during the winter months. Snow, slush, and ice can seriously damage your asphalt, especially if it isn’t properly sealed.

Here are just a few questions to consider this season, along with a few quick answers from our asphalt and sealcoat professionals:

 

  1. If snow falls on my unsealed asphalt driveway, will it be permanently damaged?

Not necessarily. If the winter weather hit before you could get that commercial asphalt driveway sealed, it is at an increased risk of damage, but will not necessarily crack before spring arrives. To avoid concerns next season, make sure to get it sealed ASAP!

 

  1. Do I need to de-ice my driveway throughout the winter?

Absolutely! Particularly in the Twin Cities, ice is a safety issue, so make sure to regularly shovel and de-ice, especially if you have a commercial driveway. In addition, de-icing your driveway will keep snow and ice from accumulating and causing serious damage to your asphalt before spring arrives.

 

  1. Which material is best to use when de-icing my driveway?

There are different types of ice melts to use in different quantities and for different materials. Rock salt typically works well on asphalt driveways until the temperature drops below 15 degrees. After that, opt for a magnesium or calcium-based product or consider using sand.

 

  1. How much de-icing material should I use for a commercial space?

When applying de-icing materials to your asphalt, make sure that you use the correct amount. Too much may damage your driveway and too little won’t get the job done. Consult a professional if you are unsure and make certain you’ve got enough to last all winter long!

 

For any other questions about winter asphalt or sealcoat maintenance in the Twin Cities, ask the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat for assistance. Give our professionals a call today, and make sure your asphalt sealcoat is taken care of all year long!

Protect your Asphalt Paving from Harsh Weather in the Twin Cities

If you installed asphalt paving this year in the Twin Cities, make sure your investment is protected throughout the fall and winter months. Before the temperatures drop and holidays arrive, take a moment to think about potential issues threatening your asphalt paving. Here are just a few parking lot or driveway risks to consider before fall arrives:

 

  1. Drainage: Make sure your asphalt paving has adequate drainage, otherwise water tends to pool and settle and then freeze in colder temperatures. Other drainage problems include groundwater issues or burst pipes underneath the asphalt paving. Before the fall weather arrives, make sure to check your asphalt surfaces for these potential issues!
  2. Plants: Keep an eye on plants and make sure to remove those that may cause damage to asphalt paving. Large roots may gradually displace asphalt surfaces, so before they grow out of hand or burst through your parking lot, hire a tree removal surface. Additionally, practice some personal gardening and make sure to regularly remove fallen leaves from your asphalt surfaces. This will protect your asphalt from water-related issues and keep your tenants or customers safe!
  3. Contact: Pay attention to what comes into contact with your asphalt surface. Heavy loads gradually wear down the strength of asphalt surfaces, especially with the addition of heavy snowfall in the winter months. Also, sharp objects cause gradual damage to your asphalt paving. Scraping asphalt paving is unavoidable when shoveling or plowing but gouging the surface should be avoided.

 

Protect your asphalt investment this fall and make sure to pay attention to weather related issues. Once spring arrives and the weather improves, you’ll be grateful your asphalt was protected because it’ll last you for years to come.

For installation, maintenance, and protection for your Twin Cities asphalt, contact the sealcoating and asphalt professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat today!   

It’s not too Late for Sealcoating in Twin Cities, MN!

The summer months are quickly falling behind us in the Twin Cities MN, area. Although we may not be ready to leave behind our swimming suits, ice cream cones, and sunscreen, there are certain seasonal activities that should remain in the warmer months.

 

One of these activities is asphalt sealcoating. As the days get cooler, and Minnesota moves closer to wintertime, the window for sealcoating shrinks significantly. Here are just a few reasons to invest in sealcoating now, before the big chill arrives!

 

Temperature: Sealcoat is less effective if applied during extremely low temperatures. The challenge is getting the sealcoat to set once the outdoor temperatures slip below 40 degrees. September is the perfect lull between summer and fall to invest in sealcoating, as temperatures are generally warmer and more predictable than later in the season!

 

Expectations: When it comes to using asphalt sealcoat later in the season, make sure to set realistic expectations. As a customer, scheduling a late season sealcoat may result in weather-related schedule changes or adaptations. Although a professional sealcoating company will work with you and guide you through the process, setting up a September or early fall sealcoat will save you the trouble and allow for a faster, more effective job!

 

Value: Sealcoating before winter arrives is extremely important, as a protective layer will help guard your asphalt from cracking or chipping throughout freezing months. This will save you a significant amount of money in future repairs. Prioritize sealcoating this September, and make sure to schedule an appointment today!

 

Ready to invest in an early fall sealcoat in the Twin Cities area? Don’t waste time or allow the chill to arrive before scheduling an appointment. Take advantage of the weather this September and give the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat a call today.

 

Summertime Asphalt Sealcoating in the Twin Cities, MN Area

Although most of us think about post-winter potholes when it comes to asphalt damage in the Twin Cities, MN area, there’s a lot of damage that can occur during the summer months as well. If you have an asphalt parking lot at your apartment building or commercial property, make sure to avoid common threats to asphalt during the summertime.

Here are just a few issues related to warm, summer weather to avoid:

Sunshine Issues: Just like skin exposed to too much sun, asphalt experiences damage after too much ultraviolet exposure. Over time, the carbon bonds within the asphalt will break down, leaving the asphalt especially vulnerable to cracks or chips. The best way to protect asphalt is by regularly applying a sealcoat. Think of it as an asphalt sunscreen!

Reapplication Failure: Even if you’re using a sealcoat, make sure to reapply it frequently. Sealcoating requires an update every two or three years, otherwise, over time, it becomes less effective at protecting your asphalt from weather damage. If you just installed asphalt, the asphalt will need to secrete its oils to cure correctly and for a proper bonding with future sealants. Make sure the first sealcoating is applied in a timely manner, preferably more than twelve months after the asphalt installation. Applying sealcoat too soon to new asphalt can cause peeling which can be a big problem.

Asphalt Overuse: Cars come in and out of apartment building or commercial parking lots every day. That means a lot of different vehicles of different weights and sizes constantly moving all over the lot. This kind of usage wears down sealcoat quickly, which means it may need to be reapplied more frequently. Keep an eye on your parking lot!

When it comes to protecting your asphalt investment this summer in the Twin Cities, MN area, make sure you take the correct precautionary steps. Sealcoating works best when reapplied regularly and will protect your asphalt from sun damage and wear and tear.

For all of your apartment building or commercial asphalt parking lot needs this summertime, give the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat a call today!

Think about Spring Sealcoating in the Twin Cities, MN

Although early winter snow is falling on your asphalt parking lot in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area, this is the perfect time to start thinking about spring, or more specifically, a spring sealcoat to revitalize and protect your parking lot!

As winter progresses, your asphalt parking lot endures snow plowing, applications of sand and deicing agents, plus the seasonal ups and downs of the freeze/thaw cycle. Because of this, your parking lot may require extra attention when spring arrives. Here are just a few reasons a spring sealcoat will benefit your asphalt parking lot and keep it in good condition for many winters to come! 

  1. Exposure: Snow and ice aren’t the only substances that accumulate on your parking lot during the winter. Along with sand and deicing materials, there’s a wide variety of other harmful substances which will gradually permeate and deteriorate your asphalt parking lot. If you notice small cracks and chips in your parking lot come springtime, have it professionally sealed to protect your investment and prevent further damage.
  1. Safety: Sealcoating is key to keeping your asphalt parking lot safe. When performed routinely, sealcoating will properly maintain your parking lot and help delay future damage. The fewer chips, cracks, or holes in your asphalt parking lot, the safer it will be for pedestrians and vehicles.
  1. Snow: After a long, snowy Minnesota winter, your asphalt parking lot may desperately require a fresh sealcoat application. A quality sealcoat enhances the dark color of your asphalt parking lot, allowing the sun to naturally assist with melting snow and ice. A fresh sealcoat saves you time and money in many ways!

In the Twin Cities, MN area, it’s important to ensure your asphalt parking lot is professionally and correctly protected from the assault of winter weather. Investing in a quality sealcoat protects your investment from winter weather damage and the worst nature and traffic can inflict throughout the year.

Just because it’s the dead of winter doesn’t mean it’s too early to schedule spring sealcoating for your asphalt parking lot. Interested in a free estimate? Give the team at Gopher State Sealcoat a call today at (952) 931-9188!