Learn how you can save dollars on road sealing.
Road sealing involves the application of a liquid mixture on the road to protect the layers beneath from everyday wear and tear. It is a road resurfacing technique that helps extend the life of a road or pavement. For asphalt and bitumen roads, cost-effective road sealing techniques are available to ensure that the roads are shielded from harsh weather conditions, chemical spills, and heavy traffic, among others.
What are the benefits of road sealing?
Road sealing extends the lifespan of the pavements without the need for a large budget. Why is this so? Because it does not require major renovation or reconstruction of the roads, pavements, and driveways. In fact, it can be done by homeowners on their driveways with the proper equipment and materials.
Other benefits of road sealing include:
- Provides long-term protection from the sun’s harmful rays
- Prevents moisture from seeping down to the base material
- Improves and maintains the appearance of the road
- Protects the pavements from chemical spills like oil and gasoline
- Helps minimise damage to vehicle tyres
Asphalt and Bitumen: Is there a difference?
When people talk about asphalt and bitumen, they often refer to the same thing. However, there is a marked difference between the two.
Asphalt is produced and processed in a plant at a high temperature. It is a combination of gravel, sand, and other aggregates that are heated up and mixed together. The bitumen acts as the is the liquid binder to keep the asphalt together.
A bitumen-sealed road contains a layer of sprayed bitumen and then covered with an aggregate.
Asphalt creates a smoother and more durable surface compared to a bitumen-sealed road. Asphalt is a popular material used in driveways, roads, and parking lots because it is durable and affordable.
A well-built asphalt pavement usually lasts between 10 to 25 years, although this will still depend on several factors, such as:
- Intensity of traffic
- Quality of installation
- Weather conditions
- Types of materials used
- Proper maintenance
What are some cost-effective road sealing techniques for asphalt and bitumen?
As mentioned, road sealing can extend the lifespan of a road. Generally, road sealing is budget-friendly compared to a total renovation. However, it is best to note that the actual cost will depend on the area of the road to be sealed and how damaged the road is.
Here are some of the cost-effective road sealing techniques for asphalt and bitumen:
Use of spray sealant
In using spray sealant in road sealing, a thin layer of bitumen is sprayed over a base. Afterwards, an aggregate is evenly spread on top of the sprayed coat. This bituminous binder creates a waterproof layer, which prevents moisture from entering the underlying layers of the road structure. This thin layer of bitumen also protects the road from damage caused by vehicle tyres. A driveway or road coated with a spray seal creates a skid-resistant, dust-free exterior.
Hot bitumen spray sealing
In this technique, the liquid bituminous material is usually first heated to a certain temperature and then combined with a binder, usually kerosene, before spreading on the road surface. This mixture often creates a thin waterproof membrane, which makes the liquid adhere to the surface and the aggregate that will be spread on top of the mixture.
Asphalt emulsion sealing technique
Asphalt emulsion seal combines asphalt, water, and a small amount of emulsifying agent to create the sealant. This sealant is usually applied within three to seven years after the road is built, re-constructed, or re-paved to protect the road from deterioration. The sealant puts a thin layer of asphalt and polymers on the small cracks and joints. It can also be used to improve the adhesion of asphalt and aggregate materials or to provide waterproofing protection on the road to avoid moisture from infiltrating the tiny cracks on the road.
Bitumen emulsion road sealing
A liquid mixture of water and bitumen is added with an emulsifier to keep the components together. Using this as a sealant is best in areas with lower temperature.
Hot mix asphalt
In using hot mix asphalt as a sealant, the hot mixture composed of sand and stone aggregates and bound together by bitumen gets poured over a prepared base. The mixture is heated to a certain temperature in order to increase its viscosity and flexibility. At the same time, being heated to a high temperature makes the mixture easier to pour and spread. When spread onto a surface, the hot mix asphalt creates a smooth and durable finish.
Dust sealing
This is ideal for dirt and gravel roads because it is designed to prevent or restrict the dissemination of dust particles. The seal is applied to the existing road, usually in low-traffic areas.
Primer sealing
Using a primer seal involves applying a spray treatment in one application. The primer binder is first sprayed onto a prepared gravel or rock surface and afterwards covered with a layer of aggregate. This primer binder seeps into and sticks to the road’s surface and holds the aggregates together.
Northern Highways Bitumen is Ready to Help with Your Road Sealing Needs.
For those who are not familiar with road sealing, this can be daunting. To help you decide which road sealing technique to use or if you want to know more about road sealing, contact us now and we will gladly answer your queries.
Our experts have years of experience when it comes to road surface sealing. Whatever your needs are when it comes to road sealing, we can assure you that our experts will give you reliable advice to help you come up with the best decision when it comes to your needs.
To find out more on how we can be of help, call us at 1300 858 751. You may also send us an email at sales@northernhighwaysbitumen.com.au.
