Asphalt Maintenance Questions

  

Q: What is Hawk-Seal-E?

A: Hawk-Seal-E is a cross-linked blend of naphthenic emulsion and co-polymers.
This unique combination gives Hawk-Seal-E its ability to penetrate,
waterproof and protect an asphalt surface. This product combination is
also highly resistant to oxidation.

The copolymers add surface strength.


Q: Is Hawk-Seal-E like a chip seal, micro-surface,

asphalt emulsion or coal tar sealer?

A: Absolutely not. Hawk-Seal-E is in no way related to these types of surface
treatments. Hawk-Seal-E is like no other emulsion.

In fact, Hawk-Seal-E should definitely be applied to surfaces that have
received these types of treatments.

Hawk-Seal-E is designed to penetrate, not merely sit on top of an asphalt
surface. Also, the above treatments inhibit the natural escape of moisture
vapor (steam). Hawk-Seal-E allows steam to escape while maintaining a
waterproof barrier.


Q: How does Hawk-Seal-E work?

A: There is a very strong attraction between the Hawk-Seal-E naphthenic
emulsion and any asphalt surface that has lost its naphthenic acid fraction due
to damage from water and oxidation. The asphalt surface rapidly absorbs the
Hawk-Seal-E naphthenic emulsion, thus dragging in the copolymers and
filling the surface voids in the asphalt. Once the surface voids are filled and
the asphalt binder treated, the surface is waterproof and oxidation is reduced.



Q: How much Hawk-Seal-E is used per square yard of surface?

A: Hawk-Seal-E is diluted with water at a 10:1 ratio. The standard application is
0.12 gallons of mix per square yard per application. A minimum of three
applications is made for a total of 0.36 gallons of mix per square yard. If the
asphalt surface is extremely porous, additional applications may be needed.



Q: How long will it last?

A: For well installed asphalt, early in its oxidation cycle, a treatment can
conservatively extend the life by 50%. If the working life of an asphalt surface
can be extended for several years, big budget dollars can be saved. This frees
up more funds to be invested on surfaces that are not worth saving and
need to be overlaid with new asphalt.


Q: Do streets have to be closed during application?

A: No. Traffic has been known to follow directly behind the application
equipment. We strongly advise that signs or personnel warn motorists to drive
no more than 7 MPH if the surface is wet. Usually within 15-45 minutes
traffic can resume normal speed


Q: How do you know when the asphalt surface is properly sealed?

A: The surface will turn dark or black. The asphalt will stop absorbing
Hawk-Seal-E. Puddles will remain on the surface.


Q: At what time in the life of asphalt will you receive the maximum benefit?

A: The earlier in the oxidation cycle, the better. Usually 4 to 6 months after lay
down. We recommend that a new overlay go through one summer.


Q: What about older surfaces?

A: If a surface is old and in still in good condition, it will benefit significantly
from a Hawk-Seal-E treatment. It has been applied to surfaces 15+ years old.


Q: Can you use Hawk-Seal-E on concrete?

A: Yes. It will waterproof it, but will turn the surface dark. Not recommended.


Q: Do you have to re-stripe immediately after applying Hawk-Seal-E?

A: You will usually be able to see the existing stripes. Re-stripe when
economically feasible.


Q: Why is Hawk-Seal-E the best option?

A: Water, water, water. The longer you keep water out of asphalt, the longer it
will last. Also, oxidation from the sun dries out asphalt, causing it to
deteriorate. Hawk-Seal-E keeps the water out of asphalt and components in
Hawk-Seal-E protect it from oxidation.


Q: Are all asphalt surfaces alike?

A: No asphalt surface is the same, even on the same stretch of road. During the
lay down process, there are weak areas that Hawk-Seal-E can locate. You will
discover that Hawk-Seal-E pinpoints areas of low compaction. These areas
are subject to more rapid deterioration because they contain more voids.
You will observe more Hawk-Seal-E penetrating into these areas.


Q: When is the best time of the year to apply Hawk-Seal-E?

A: When overnight temperatures are above 65 degree F.



Q: What does the surface look like immediately after treatment?

A: Most surfaces look and wear like a new asphalt overlay.


Q: Will the final, treated surface remain black?

A: The surface will eventually turn gray just like new asphalt, usually within
12-18 months. Long-term, a gray surface is preferable because black
surfaces hold and intensify the effects of heat. Gray is a much better
reflector of UV rays.



Q: After the surface turns gray, is it still waterproof and protected?

A: Yes. The waterproofing remains long after the initial beading action is gone.


Q: During or after application, is the surface slick?

A: No. During application the surface should be treated as you would
a rain-slick surface. After penetration, the traction is excellent.


Q: Does Hawk-Seal-E track?

A: Once dry, 15-45 minutes after application, it does not track.


Q: How much time does it take to make the three applications?

A: Under dry, sunny conditions all three applications can be made the same day.
Conservatively, allow 1-½ hours between applications for complete
penetration and drying. Some asphalt surfaces require less time.


Q: If only one or two applications are made in one day, is this a problem?

A: No. You can make the applications a day, week or month apart.


Q: What happens if it rains during treatment?

A: If the application has already penetrated, no problem. If the treatment was still
wet (i.e. not penetrated), it will be washed off and will need to be re-applied.
We normally allow a surface to dry for at least one day before resuming work.

 

Index Page

Contact Form Home