If you are in Colorado Springs and you need your pavement or parking lot to last longer, getting asphalt sealcoating Colorado Springs CO is a smart move. This is not a topic to put off, especially when weather beats up your surface every single season. So, yes, sealcoating works. But it is not magic and it is not just for appearances.
What Is Asphalt Sealcoating?
When you use sealcoating Colorado Springs, you are adding a layer over your pavement that locks out things that want to break it down: rain, sun, oil, and even those annoying weeds. A professional lays down a protective coating, kind of like painting, but it is much more than that. It slows down the damage so you do not need to repair the pavement every few years.
Why Is Sealcoating So Important in Colorado Springs?
If you live here, you already get it. Colorado weather goes from icy to blazing hot in a matter of days. Those swings crack and erode pavement way faster than you might expect.
The freeze-thaw cycle in Colorado Springs causes cracks to open and close constantly, leading to faster breakdown of unprotected asphalt.
Even sunlight is rough on asphalt. Over time, UV light dries out the pavement, making it brittle. Water leaks into the tiniest cracks, freezes, and suddenly you have a big ugly pothole one morning.
Common Myths About Asphalt Sealcoating in Colorado Springs
- Some people say sealcoating is just to make asphalt look dark and pretty, but really, it is about long-term maintenance.
- One coat does not last a lifetime. It is not a forever solution. You need to do it again every couple years.
- Not all sealers are the same. Some cheap products can actually hurt your pavement, not help it.
I once heard someone say that sealing your own driveway is just as good as hiring a pro. Maybe for a tiny fix, but not for a whole parking lot. I have seen too many do-it-yourself jobs peel off in sheets after the first winter.
What Makes a Good Asphalt Contractor in Colorado Springs?
You will see ads everywhere, some offering the lowest price in town. But when it comes to asphalt contractor Colorado Springs, being cheap often means cutting corners. I like to look for contractors with:
- References from real projects in Colorado Springs
- Proof they use quality materials
- Up-to-date equipment
If a company cannot show you recent work, or brushes off your questions, that is a sign to move on.
Strategic sealcoating, done right, survives harsh weather. When corners are cut, your pavement just will not last.
What to Expect: The Sealcoating Process in Colorado Springs
The process is not complicated, but it is rarely done step-by-step by the average homeowner. Here is what should happen:
- Clean the surface. Pressure washing and sweeping removes old debris and oils.
- Repair any cracks or potholes. This is non-negotiable. Sealing over damaged areas just leads to more problems.
- Apply the sealant with the right tools, usually squeegees for edges and spray for large surfaces.
- Let it dry. This can take 24-48 hours, sometimes longer if weather is humid or cold.
Never rush the drying stage. Sealcoating that does not cure properly just peels up, wastes money, and exposes your asphalt again.
How Often Do You Need Sealcoating in Colorado Springs?
You cannot set your calendar by it, but in most cases, every 2-3 years works, possibly sooner for high-traffic parking lots. Less often for quiet residential driveways. It depends on weather, traffic, and quality of your last job.
Sometimes people ignore their asphalt until it turns light gray and cracks everywhere. If your lot is at that point, it will need more than just sealcoating Colorado Springs, probably patching or full repaving. Waiting too long is risky and often costs much more.
Why Parking Lot Sealcoating Gets Even More Critical
Commercial parking lots get way more traffic than a home driveway. Cars, trucks, and even delivery vans all add constant pressure and oil spills. If you manage a business, parking lot sealcoating Colorado Springs CO is not just a maintenance line item. It sets first impressions, prevents bigger repairs, and keeps customers happier.
Well-maintained parking lots tell your customers the business cares about safety and quality. That can be more valuable than you think.
Sealcoating or Asphalt Repair? Understanding Both
People sometimes get confused about what they need: asphalt repair Colorado Springs or new asphalt sealing Colorado Springs. Quick comparison:
Situation | Best Option | Why |
---|---|---|
Shallow cracks, no major potholes | Sealcoating | Protects surface and slows future damage. |
Larger Cracks, early potholes | Asphalt repair then sealcoating | Repairs must go first, sealing last. |
Major cracking, alligatoring | Full repair, then sealcoating | Sealing cannot fix badly damaged pavement. |
You will know the difference after someone with experience like Asphalt Advanced Services or Asphalt Advanced Services LLC checks your surface.
Should You Use Asphalt Sealing on Older Pavement?
Pavement that is already decades old, full of cracks, may not benefit much from just sealing. Sometimes sealing works like a short-term bandage, but sooner or later, you might face repaving.
Asphalt repairs first, then sealing, is a better long-term approach. Old, brittle asphalt just does not hold sealant as well. If you are reading this and your pavement looks faded with deep cracks, do not expect miracles from one coat.
Hiring the Right Service in Colorado Springs
You probably want someone with experience, not the first person who shows up in a search. Look for companies with local reviews, proper insurance, and answers to your questions. Asphalt Advanced Services LLC has worked on both homes and business projects, which means they know the difference in material and process for a high-traffic space versus a simple driveway.
Cheap jobs often leave lines, puddles, and uneven coverage. That means calling someone else later to fix it.
Do Not Cut Corners on Seal Asphalt in Colorado Springs CO
The temptation to save a few dollars by choosing watered-down materials or skipping repairs is real. But, the damage can cost you ten times later.
- Use contractors who repair cracks and holes first.
- Make sure you check references and recent projects.
- Be patient with drying times. Weather here changes fast.
If you are not sure, ask for details on their method. Some may promise same-day driving on a freshly sealed lot. That rarely happens in Colorado weather.
Cost Breakdown: Is Asphalt Sealing in Colorado Springs Worth It?
The cost makes some owners hesitate. Here is a rough idea of what impacts the price:
- Square footage: larger areas do cost more
- Current damage: more repairs, higher cost
- Material type: top brands last longer
- Labor: experienced teams work faster and better
But keep in mind, skipping a seal asphalt Colorado Springs CO job saves money at first and costs more later due to worsening cracks and potholes.
Why Choose Asphalt Advanced Services?
You might find a few names in your research, but Asphalt Advanced Services is mentioned often locally for a reason.
- They stand behind their work
- They use equipment that gives even coverage
- They repair, not just cover up, existing damage
I have seen lots where repairs went unseen and were simply coated over. Those patches just failed a year later.
Key Signs You Need Asphalt Repair in Colorado Springs
- Deep, wide cracks form
- Potholes appear after every freeze
- Surface turns gray, looks faded
- Water pools longer than before
When these problems show up, do something soon. Waiting invites worse damage and leads to more expensive repairs.
Prepping Your Pavement for Sealcoating
Small details matter. Remove cars, debris, and oil stains before your contractor shows up. If you do not get rid of oil, the sealant will not stick. Sweeping alone is not enough for layered dirt. Pressure washing works best. That is one reason pro jobs last longer.
Questions to Ask Your Asphalt Contractor
- How long will the sealcoat last?
- What repairs are needed before sealing?
- What type of sealer do you use?
- What prep work is included?
- How do you handle weather changes?
- Do you back up your work if there is a problem after?
If the answers are vague, it is time to check other contractors.
What Happens If You Ignore Sealcoating?
It is tempting to skip maintenance until there is an obvious problem. But when you skip asphalt sealing Colorado Springs, nature usually wins. Water, sun, and car weight eat your pavement from the inside out.
Over time, repairs get more frequent, and your parking lot or driveway starts to look worn down. Homes can lose curb appeal. Businesses see safety complaints. Avoiding sealcoating ends up being a gamble, and it usually does not end well.
Picking the Right Time of Year for Sealcoating
Spring and early fall work best. The ground is not frozen. It also is not too hot for the sealer to dry right. Contractors schedule far ahead during these windows. Last year, a friend waited too long, and they were told to wait another season entirely.
How Long Should a Good Sealcoat Last?
Expect two or three years in Colorado Springs. Sometimes less for busier lots, sometimes more for shaded home driveways with less use. Watch for fading to gray and fine cracks. That is your signal.
Comparing Do It Yourself Versus Professional Service
- DIY: Cheaper up front, lower-quality tools, higher chance of mistakes
- Professional: More expense, but usually pays off in longer lifespan and no missed repairs or shortcuts
For anything larger than a very small driveway, do not risk it. Even rental gear rarely matches pro results.
Case Study: An Overlooked Parking Lot
A local shop in Colorado Springs held off sealcoating for years. Their surface cracked, faded, and developed three new potholes after a tough winter. After bringing in Asphalt Advanced Services LLC, they cleaned, patched, and sealed the lot. The business saw fewer puddles, fewer trips and falls, and, surprise, no new potholes over the next year.
Finishing Thoughts
There are a lot of choices when it comes to asphalt sealcoating Colorado Springs CO and repairing pavement. Some things sound simple, but experience helps avoid bigger mistakes. Do not get caught off-guard by seasonal changes or unreliable contractors. Try asking questions, check up on reviews, and avoid rushing to the cheapest bid. The right process, at the right time, with solid materials extends the lifespan of your surface and, honestly, just helps you worry less about it next spring.