How to Budget for Asphalt Maintenance Over Time (And Save Thousands)

Seal coating is one of the most affordable and effective ways to extend the life of your asphalt. But over the years, we’ve seen some persistent myths that stop property owners from taking action — and unfortunately, those myths lead to bigger repair bills down the road.

At We Love Paving, we’re here to set the record straight and help you make smart, long-term decisions for your pavement.


💣 Myth #1: “Seal Coating Is Just for Looks”

Yes, seal coating gives your asphalt a rich black finish that makes any property look clean and cared for. But it’s not just cosmetic.

👉 The real benefit? It protects the surface from:

  • UV rays (which dry out and crack asphalt)

  • Water intrusion (which erodes the base)

  • Oil, gas, and chemical stains

  • Oxidation and surface wear

Think of it like sunscreen for your parking lot — seal coating protects what’s underneath.


💸 Myth #2: “It’s Cheaper to Wait Until There’s Damage”

Waiting until there are cracks, potholes, or surface damage doesn’t save you money — it costs you more.

Seal coating is preventative. It keeps damage from happening in the first place.

✅ Average seal coat cost: $0.20 – $0.40/sq ft
❌ Average asphalt replacement cost: $3.00 – $6.00/sq ft

Seal coating every 2–3 years can double the lifespan of your pavement — and drastically reduce long-term costs.


📆 Myth #3: “I Don’t Need to Seal Coat New Asphalt”

We hear this one often:

“I just had it paved — I don’t need to do anything yet.”

Actually, new asphalt should be seal coated within 6 to 12 months of installation. That first layer locks in oils, adds weather resistance, and keeps your surface flexible.

Waiting too long allows oxidation to begin — and that leads to brittleness and early cracks.


🧱 Myth #4: “All Seal Coating Is the Same”

Not true. Like any trade, seal coating quality depends on:

  • The product used (coal tar vs. asphalt emulsion)

  • The prep work (cleaning, edge trimming, patching)

  • The application method (spray vs. squeegee)

  • The weather conditions on install day

At We Love Paving, we use high-quality, commercial-grade materials and follow a proven multi-step process. That means no shortcuts — just performance.


🛑 Myth #5: “Seal Coating Fixes Structural Issues”

Seal coating is a protective surface treatment — not a structural repair. It won’t fix:

  • Potholes

  • Base failure

  • Major drainage issues

  • Severe cracking

If your asphalt has these issues, you may need patching, resurfacing, or full replacement first — and seal coat after.

That’s why we always start with a site evaluation, so you get the right service at the right time.


🛠️ Bottom Line: Seal Coating = Smart Maintenance

Here’s what smart property owners and managers do:

✔️ Seal coat every 2–3 years
✔️ Combine it with routine crack sealing & striping
✔️ Use it as part of a long-term pavement maintenance plan

It’s the simplest way to avoid costly repairs — and keep your pavement looking brand new.


📞 Protect Your Investment with We Love Paving

From shopping centers to schools, HOAs to industrial yards — We Love Paving delivers clean, efficient seal coating services that extend pavement life and boost curb appeal.

📍 Serving all of California
📞 Contact us today for a free seal coat evaluation & quote!


Share

WHO IS FRED?

Fred, Regional Operations Manager, comes from a family of immigrant roots and a story built on sacrifice, discipline, and hard work. Growing up, Fred watched his parents work long hours and weekends to create a better future teaching him the values of perseverance, determination, and doing things the right way every single time.
We Love Paving began with Fred’s father, who started doing what he knew best: paving. Over the years, he built experience alongside respected professionals in the industry, refining his methods and developing a reputation for quality work that speaks for itself. As his clientele grew, so did the vision one built not only on skill, but on integrity and pride in every job.

Posts that might interest you

Paving Company Vendors Unearthed: The Hunt Begins for Property Managers

Paving Company Vendors Unearthed: The Hunt Begins for Property Managers

June 14, 2023

Unveiling the Path to Finding the Perfect Paving Partner Rev up your search engines and prepare for a thrilling expedition, property managers! The quest for the ideal paving company vendor requires a keen eye, a dose of resourcefulness, and a touch determination. In this article, we unveil the secret roadmaps to discovering the paving partners of

Unveiling the Asphalt Avengers: Essential Insights for Property Managers Seeking Paving Company Vendors

Unveiling the Asphalt Avengers: Essential Insights for Property Managers Seeking Paving Company Vendors

June 14, 2023

Navigating the Road to Excellence – What Property Managers Should Consider Greetings, property managers and guardians of asphalt-clad territories! Today, we embark on a quest to uncover the crucial factors that should guide your search for the ultimate paving company vendor. Much like the meticulous selection of a supercar, finding the right partner to tame and conquer your

the 5 most common struggles and frustrations of property managers when hiring vendors

the 5 most common struggles and frustrations of property managers when hiring vendors

June 14, 2023

Property managers play a crucial role in the smooth operation and maintenance of various properties. One of the significant responsibilities they face is hiring and managing vendors who provide services such as landscaping, maintenance, repairs, and renovations. However, this task is often accompanied by several struggles and frustrations. In this article, we will explore some

The Art of Timing: When Can You Safely Walk on Newly Paved Surfaces?

The Art of Timing: When Can You Safely Walk on Newly Paved Surfaces?

June 6, 2023

Walking on a freshly paved surface may seem like a simple act, but the timing of when it’s safe to do so is crucial. The process of paving involves multiple factors that affect the surface’s strength and durability, and knowing when it’s appropriate to walk on it can prevent damage and ensure optimal results. In

When does paving season end?

When does paving season end?

June 6, 2023

Paving season isn’t an abstract concept; it’s a concrete consideration for anyone embarking on a paving project, whether it’s for a residential driveway or a commercial parking lot. Knowing when to schedule your paving work can make all the difference between a smooth, durable surface and a potential headache down the road. Let’s explore the

How to improve your parking lot ratio!

How to improve your parking lot ratio!

May 4, 2023

The parking ratio of a commercial real estate property is the number of parking spaces available per square foot of leasable space. Having an adequate parking ratio is essential for attracting and retaining tenants, as it can impact their ability to conduct business and serve customers. If you own or manage a commercial property and

What is commercial Property depreciation?

What is commercial Property depreciation?

May 4, 2023

Commercial real estate investment holds immense potential for generating substantial returns over time. Beyond rental income and property appreciation, savvy investors employ various strategies to optimize their returns. One such strategy that often goes underappreciated is leveraging commercial real estate depreciation for tax benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how strategic depreciation can bolster

Can a Commercial Property be turned to residential?

Can a Commercial Property be turned to residential?

May 4, 2023

As cities evolve and populations grow, the demand for housing continues to rise. In response to this ever-present need, property owners and developers are exploring innovative ways to maximize the use of existing structures. One increasingly popular approach is the conversion of commercial properties into residential spaces. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies

A Paving Company near you!

A Paving Company near you!

May 4, 2023

When it comes to paving companies, there are a lot of options out there. But if you’re looking for a company that truly stands out from the crowd, look no further than We Love Paving. Here are just a few reasons why we believe our company is superior to our competition. Expertise and Experience At

when is the best season to pave?

when is the best season to pave?

May 4, 2023

Paving season is a pivotal period in the construction industry, demanding careful planning and consideration to ensure successful project execution. Understanding the ideal timing for paving is essential for contractors and project managers alike, as it significantly impacts project outcomes. Let’s delve into the factors that influence paving season and determine the best time to

Previous Next