Seal Coating

The Importance of Seal Coating in Airfield Pavement Maintenance

In the world of airfield pavement maintenance, the age-old adage "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" rings true. Investing in preventative maintenance solutions like seal coats, rejuvenation, fog seals, and micro-surfacing not only preserves the integrity of your pavement but also proves to be a smart financial move in the long run. Hi-Lite understands the value of these services and offers unparalleled experience and expertise in this field.

The Cost-Benefit Advantage of Seal Coating

Regarding cost-effectiveness and long-term value, few airfield pavement maintenance services can compete with seal coating. Sealcoating costs pennies per square foot compared to the dollars needed to repair or replace damaged asphalt. By filling surface voids, seal coating reduces exposure to oxygen and UV rays and minimizes the depth to which oil or gas can penetrate the asphalt. Additionally, seal coating acts as a waterproofing agent, preventing the seepage of water and moisture from rain and snow, thus protecting your airfield from damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles – a common cause of seam cracks and alligator cracks.

Hi-Lite's Comprehensive Seal Coating Services

Hi-Lite offers a wide range of seal coating services designed to meet the unique needs of your airfield:

Coal Tar Seal Coating (P-630, P-631)

• P-630/P-631 seal coats are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specifications for a refined coal tar emulsion with additives, and slurry seal surface treatment commonly used for airport seal coating.
• P-631 should only be applied to unsealed asphalt or surfaces previously sealed with either Asphalt Emulsion or Refined tar-based sealers, not over surfaces sealed with gilsonite or other solvent-based seal coatings.

Emulsified Asphalt Seal Coating (P-623)

• FAA Item P-623 is a specification for an emulsified asphalt spray seal coat, a polymer-modified emulsion of binders made from crude petroleum, mineral fillers, water, and polymer, applied to existing asphalt surfaces.
• P-623 may be applied to pavements in fair or better condition and low to moderately weathered surfaces.

Asphalt Rejuvenation (P-632)

• FAA P-632 has bituminous pavement rejuvenation specifications that differ from coal tar and asphalt emulsion seal coats.
• Asphalt rejuvenators restore the original properties of aged asphalt binders by penetrating the asphalt, restoring essential oils, and repairing damage within the asphalt matrix.
• Rejuvenators reduce the damaging effects of surface oxidation, seal hairline cracks, and protect the pavement from water penetration and further deterioration.
• Intended for aging pavements in fair condition.

Asphalt Microsurfacing (P-629)

• P-629 is a specification for thermoplastic coal tar surfacing materials like GRIP-FLEX.
• Micro-surface is a mixture of asphalt emulsion and aggregate, modified with polymers and other ingredients for quicker curing and applied to previously prepared asphalt surfaces.
• Micro-surfacing using P-629 is a low-impact pavement preservation process for existing raveled or smooth pavements, typically placed between 1/4" and 3/8" thick.

Gilsonite Asphalt Emulsion (P-608, P-608R)

• P-608 is an FAA specification for an emulsified asphalt seal coat containing at least 20% gilsonite applied to airport runway and high-speed taxiway surfaces.
• P-608-R is a rapid-cure gilsonite-asphalt surface treatment alternative to P-608, containing at least 40% gilsonite.
• Gilsonite-based sealers extend the life of asphalt pavements by mitigating the effects of surface oxidation and moisture damage.
• Best applied to pavements in fair or better condition, low to moderate weathered surfaces, and new asphalt pavement.
• Not compatible with pavements previously treated with coal tar sealants or rejuvenators.

Trust Hi-Lite for Your Airfield Seal Coating Needs

With decades of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, Hi-Lite has become the go-to for airfield sealcoating and pavement maintenance services. Our team of experts understands the unique challenges and requirements of maintaining safe and efficient airfield pavements, and we are committed to delivering the highest quality services to our clients.

Don't wait until costly rehabilitation and construction become your only options. Invest in preventative maintenance solutions like seal coating to preserve the integrity of your airfield pavements and save money in the long run. Contact Hi-Lite today to request a quote and learn more about how our pavement maintenance services can benefit your airfield.