Spray sealers have become an essential component in concrete pavement preservation (CPP), offering a proactive solution to extend the lifespan of roads, highways, and runways writes the International Grinding & Grooving Association (IGGA). By serving as water repellents, pore blockers, or surface densifiers, these penetrating sealers act as a frontline defense against environmental stressors such as water intrusion, chloride penetration, and freeze-thaw cycles. A recent study by the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center (CP Tech Center) at Iowa State University (an ISCP partner) highlights their effectiveness, concluding that spray sealers can enhance concrete longevity and help mitigate premature deterioration.
Concrete infrastructure is constantly exposed to heavy traffic loads, deicing chemicals, and fluctuating temperatures, all of which contribute to scaling, cracking, and structural weakening. Without proper intervention, these issues can compromise safety and lead to costly repairs. Spray sealers address these challenges by forming an impermeable yet vapor-permeable layer that allows moisture to escape while preventing further absorption. This ability to regulate moisture levels helps protect concrete from distress mechanisms like freeze-thaw damage and chloride-induced corrosion.
The versatility of spray sealers extends across various applications, from highway preservation to airport runway maintenance and rural road resilience. Highways benefit from reduced moisture infiltration at critical joints, while runways rely on sealers to maintain surface friction and prevent weather-related damage. In rural areas, where concrete overlays are susceptible to freeze-thaw cycles, penetrating sealers provide an additional layer of durability, ensuring long-term pavement performance. The latest advancements in spray sealer technology now offer deeper penetration, eco-friendly compositions, and longer-lasting performance, significantly reducing maintenance frequency and costs.
As the demand for sustainable and resilient transportation infrastructure grows, spray sealers are emerging as a valuable tool for pavement preservation. Their ability to strengthen and protect concrete surfaces, while reducing wear rates and extending service life, makes them an attractive option for contractors and transportation agencies worldwide. By integrating spray sealers into maintenance programs, infrastructure owners can enhance pavement performance, improve cost efficiency, and ensure safer, more durable road networks for the future.
Read more here: https://www.igga.net/_files/ugd/f9cc6e_eac85f8d01d64236aeb1a6cf576959cd.pdf?index=true