Why do streets not get a coat of sealant like parking lots do?

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Why do I see entire parking lots get a coat of sealant, but never really see streets or highways get a large coat of sealant?

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For example: [https://youtu.be/Lmd1r0P0GWE?t=192](https://youtu.be/Lmd1r0P0GWE?t=192)

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Anonymous 0 Comments

It’s because it would cost too much and the value that the coating gives is miniscule at best even for a driveway or parking lot.

The only real benefit that asphalt coatings provide is a crisp, uniform, black look. This look will only last a year or two under light use as the UV in sunlight breaks it down and the top aggregate is exposed again. Under heavy use the look would last weeks at best before the preferred grooves are worn down again.

If an asphalt surface is never sealed it will UV degrade only a finite amount before it goes steady state. The seal coat doesn’t prevent cracks and cracks are what destroy the surface which is why you’ll see the road services putting a tar/rubber caulking into the cracks on the roadway if it’s in a climate zone that experiences frequent freeze/thaw cycles.

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