If you have a correctly engineered, properly constructed asphalt pavement, you can expect many years of service from it if you take care of it. Routine maintenance is the key to a pavement’s long life and lifetime cost. Although there are several valuable maintenance procedures you should consider, the most valuable one is asphalt sealcoating.
What Is Sealcoating?
When parking lot maintenance companies sealcoat an asphalt pavement, they apply a liquid mixture that contains the sealant, water, and sand. The sealant is applied after any asphalt repair procedures and pavement cleanings have been performed. The water in the sealant mix evaporates, and what remains is a hard barrier that is bonded with the pavement. Because the water in the sealant must evaporate for this barrier to form, anything that impacts the rate of evaporation will affect the sealant’s curing time. Weather conditions, primarily the temperature, humidity, and wind, can accelerate or delay the curing of the sealant. Sealants also need to receive several hours of direct sunlight while they are curing.
What Is the Temperature Required for Asphalt Sealcoating?
Sealcoating manufacturers state that 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for applying sealants. However, experienced asphalt sealcoating contractors can successfully apply sealants at temperatures as low as 50 degrees or so if the other conditions are acceptable. Furthermore, the temperature should not dip below 50 degrees throughout the application and curing process.
How Does Humidity Impact Asphalt Sealcoating?
When the air contains a lot of moisture, the water in the sealcoating mix will have trouble evaporating. The humidity level reflects the percentage of moisture that is present in the air at the time of the reading. Sealant manufacturers state that a humidity level below 50% is ideal for applying their sealcoating, but when sealcoating Atlanta pavements, contractors know that it is more likely that the humidity will often be closer to 70%. If all other factors are acceptable, parking lot maintenance companies can successfully apply a sealant when the relative humidity is up to 90% or more.
How Does the Wind Affect Asphalt Maintenance Contractors When Sealcoating?
A little air circulation can expedite the sealant’s curing process, so asphalt maintenance contractors prefer a wind velocity of at least 4 mph. However, they do not want the wind velocity to be so great that it disrupts the spray pattern during the application.
Why Does Sunlight Matter When Sealcoating Parking Lots?
Sunlight assists with the curing process. If the day is heavily overcast, less sunlight will reach the sealant, so the curing will be curtailed. Sunlight is especially important when sealcoating parking lots or other large pavements that require two thin coats of sealant or stripes and markings. When all weather conditions align, a sealcoating contractor can often apply both coats of sealant as well as the lot striping and pavement markings over the course of a single workday.
The Surface Masters: The Company to Trust for Your Paving Needs
The Surface Masters is a respected asphalt paving company with a strong commitment to helping our clients get the most value for their paving dollars. We specialize in asphalt maintenance procedures, including sealcoating, asphalt crack repair, parking lot striping, asphalt paving, and pavement markings, and we also install and repair concrete. We are known for delivering exceptional work and superior service at competitive prices. We offer free quotes, so submit our online request form today. If you would prefer to call, our number is 770-250-6392.
