CoolSeal from Start to Finish: A Look at the Full Life Cycle

Learn more about the full lifecycle of CoolSeal—how it cools streets, extends pavement life, and saves cities money sustainably.

In today’s cities, keeping streets cooler isn’t just about comfort. It’s about protecting infrastructure, cutting long-term maintenance costs, and making smarter, more sustainable investments.

Heat has a real impact on roads. Traditional asphalt expands in extreme heat—especially in temperatures above 90°F—and contracts rapidly after cooling events like rainstorms. This constant movement leads to cracks, buckling, and deterioration over time. That’s where CoolSeal makes a difference.

What Is CoolSeal?

CoolSeal is a water-based, highly reflective surface treatment that reduces pavement surface temperatures and helps slow deterioration. By reflecting more sunlight than traditional blacktop, it keeps streets and public surfaces cooler while helping preserve the pavement underneath.

In studies conducted by Arizona State University, CoolSeal-treated pavement (referred to as CP-A) was shown to be 9.6°F cooler than uncoated pavement in summer and 4°F cooler in winter, significantly reducing thermal stress that contributes to cracking and wear.

Lower Lifecycle Costs Start with Smart Materials

CoolSeal is made using recycled materials and is designed for long-term performance. Streets treated with CoolSeal show minimal wear even after several years, outlasting traditional sealants and coatings.

In Phoenix, field evaluations conducted five years after application found CoolSeal had maintained its reflectivity with no major cracking, delamination, or raveling—despite intense sun and traffic.
In Los Angeles, sites treated with CoolSeal remained in good condition after six years, requiring only light maintenance.

This extended performance translates to fewer applications over time—reducing the need for materials, labor, and operational disruptions. CoolSeal’s durability and long-term reliability offset its initial costs, providing a practical, cost-effective solution for cities focused on maximizing infrastructure value.

Application, Longevity, and Reapplication

CoolSeal is applied in two coats using a sprayer or squeegee, and it cures quickly in dry, warm conditions. It’s ideal for busy cities due to its efficient application and fast turnaround.

Unlike standard asphalt maintenance, which often requires sealing every 1–3 years to combat brittleness and cracking, CoolSeal lasts up to twice as long, requiring reapplication only every 5 to 7 years.

In Los Angeles, CoolSeal-treated streets showed excellent performance four years post-application, with no major cracking, delamination, or raveling.

At the end of its cycle, CoolSeal can be milled into the pavement or directly recoated, eliminating the need for full replacement and further reducing material usage and emissions.

Why CoolSeal Pavement Holds Up Better

CoolSeal offers long-term savings by shielding asphalt from the biggest threats: heat, moisture loss, and UV exposure.

By sealing in the natural moisture of asphalt and minimizing expansion and contraction, CoolSeal keeps pavement more flexible and intact over time. This results in:

Fewer cracks
Lower maintenance frequency
Increased intervals between full repaving

“CoolSeal extends the life of the pavement and helps cities reduce maintenance costs over time,” said Davis Koleas, Sustainability Project Manager at GuardTop. “By keeping surface temperatures lower and preventing early deterioration, CoolSeal allows communities to stretch their infrastructure budgets further while making smart, sustainable investments.”

Unlike untreated surfaces, which steadily degrade, CoolSeal-treated streets maintain higher condition ratings with basic routine upkeep.

Long-Term Thinking for Cool Streets

From its recycled materials to its performance benefits, CoolSeal is a smart choice for cities looking to stay cooler, spend less, and build smarter infrastructure.

CoolSeal delivers what modern cities need: