Sealcoating

Sealcoating places a thin asphalt-emulsion film over sound pavement to reduce oxidation and surface water entry and to provide a uniform surface for markings. It is a preservation treatment. It does not increase base capacity, remove ruts, stop settlement, or repair fatigue cracking. Harrowgate screens and repairs the pavement before coating.

We look for stable asphalt with surface oxidation but without widespread alligator cracking, pumping, deep ruts, loose aggregate, active settlement, or extensive oil contamination. We also check drainage, previous coatings, patch cure, and crack condition. Unsuitable zones are patched, resurfaced, or excluded so the coating is bonded to a useful substrate.

Yes. Potholes and failed patches are reconstructed to stable support, and suitable working cracks are cleaned and sealed with dedicated material. Sealcoat cannot fill deep voids or bridge moving cracks. Repairs must also cure and be compatible with the selected emulsion before the surface coats are applied over the coordinated area.

The approved system and pavement condition determine the number and rate. Commercial specifications often call for two controlled applications, but more material is not automatically better. Harrowgate measures area and volume, maintains agitation, and allows the first coat to cure before the next. Thick puddled material cures poorly and tracks under traffic.

Closure depends on coat count, product, application rate, air and pavement temperature, humidity, shade, wind, and expected vehicle load. Each coat needs a dry interval and the final film must resist pickup before marking and traffic. Harrowgate phases the lot and confirms field cure instead of setting one fixed reopening time.

Not without preparation. Petroleum softens asphalt and prevents water-based emulsion from bonding. We scrape and clean affected zones, apply a compatible treatment where approved, perform adhesion checks when needed, and patch severely softened pavement. Coating over a glossy oil spot usually produces peeling or a wet area that never cures uniformly.

It reduces surface permeability on sound asphalt, but water can still enter through untreated cracks, open joints, failed edges, drains, utility cuts, and ponded depressions. Harrowgate combines sealcoat with crack sealing, patching, joint work, and drainage correction. It is one layer in a maintenance plan, not a substitute for a watertight pavement structure.