A regular application of a high-quality sealcoat can often prevent damage that could lead to extensive repairs to, or the premature failure of, your asphalt pavement. For example, a parking lot that does not receive timely repairs and proper maintenance, including sealcoat applications, can frequently require a replacement within seven or eight years. Asphalt sealcoating is the most cost-effective maintenance procedure you can give your pavement, and spring is the best time to deliver your gift.
Why Is Spring the Best Time for Asphalt Sealcoating?
Winters can be hard on asphalt pavements in the Bristol area. Rain commonly falls approximately one day out of three, and snowfalls can average three inches in both January and February. Temperature fluctuations bring repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. Ice can form on pavements, requiring the use of deicing agents. Taken together, these can leave your asphalt pavement in rough shape by the time spring arrives. Sealcoating parking lots and other pavements in the spring lets people address the damage inflicted by winter weather. It also allows them to get their pavements ready for summer weather, which can pose its own hazards to asphalt pavements. Furthermore, spring is a good time to perform asphalt maintenance, including parking lot sealcoating, because the weather is often close to ideal conditions.
What Weather Conditions Are Needed for Asphalt Sealcoating?
Sealcoating companies that manufacture asphalt sealants perform extensive testing on their products to determine the ideal conditions for applying them. However, they also provide sealcoating contractors with guidance on acceptable conditions. One condition that is the same for both ideal and acceptable conditions is that rain must not fall during an application or within 24 hours of completion.
1. Ideal conditions include an ambient temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a wind speed of between three and four mph, and a humidity level of less than 50%. The day should be sunny and clear so that the sealant will be exposed to direct sunlight for at least four hours.
2. Acceptable conditions include an ambient temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a humidity level of no more than 90%, and a surface temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Surface and ambient temperatures should continue to rise throughout the application. The requirements for wind velocity and exposure to direct sunlight remain the same.
3. Sealcoating contractors must evaluate how the combination of conditions will affect the rate at which water will evaporate from the sealant. For example, a combination of cool temperatures and a high humidity level means that the water will evaporate at a slower rate. Therefore, even if the surface and air temperatures are within acceptable ranges, a sealcoating contractor may still not be able to sealcoat your pavement.
What Else Should People Know About Parking Lot Sealcoating?
Your asphalt maintenance or sealcoating contractor may need to take a few extra steps. Here are the most common of these.
1. Cracks and other breaks in your pavement will require repairs prior to sealing.
2. You will need to repaint your markings and line striping after sealcoating your parking lot.
3. When conditions are borderline, your contractor may be able to compensate for them by including an additive in the sealcoating mix.
For superior asphalt and concrete services in the Bristol area, contact Tri-State Asphalt Paving. In addition to sealcoating, we offer asphalt paving, parking lot maintenance, asphalt overlays, concrete paving, asphalt driveway paving, and parking lot paving. We are known for the high quality of our work, our commitment to customer service, and our integrity. We are a family company serving homeowners, businesses, builders, and municipalities since 1988. Request a free quote by submitting the online form, calling 276-451-1895, or emailing Admin@TriStateAsphaltVA.com.