How Long To Stay Off The Pavement After An Asphalt Sealcoating Application?

Sealcoating is a quintessential piece of the asphalt maintenance puzzle! When done correctly, it can offer the protection your pavement needs to last decades! Generally, contractors recommend asphalt sealcoating application every three to five years. While the process is easy, sealers need time to dry and cure. In the meantime, you’ll have to keep pedestrians and vehicles off your pavement. But how long do you have to wait?

What Does the Sealcoating Application Process Entail?

Sealcoating in Georgia is a simple process requiring many precise steps and conditions. First, Atlanta asphalt sealcoating companies begin by properly cleaning and preparing the surface. The preparation process might involve cleaning out cracks, power-washing, pre-treating vehicle fluid stains, etc.

Once the surface is clean and dry, Atlanta asphalt sealcoating companies apply at least two thin coats of sealer. The only thing left is to wait for adequate curing.

How Long Does Sealcoating in Atlanta Take?

Despite the many steps involved, asphalt sealcoating application takes no more than a day to complete. Of course, many factors come into play. The two biggest are the size of your asphalt surface and the amount of preparation work involved. However, Atlanta asphalt sealcoating companies generally need no more than a full day to complete the application process.

What’s the Average Cure Time After A Sealcoating Application?

Asphalt sealcoating is typically dry enough to walk on two to four hours after application. At this point, the asphalt emulsion sealer is dry to the touch and won’t cause issues like tracking when walked on. Exact drying times vary. As a result, many contractors performing Atlanta asphalt sealcoating recommend no pedestrian traffic for at least eight hours.

It’s not long after application that sealcoating in Georgia is ready for foot traffic. However, it needs much longer to cure before you can open the pavement to vehicle traffic. Generally, asphalt sealers need 24 to 48 hours to cure enough for vehicles. Most are ready after 24 hours in ideal conditions, but most contractors will recommend waiting the full 48 hours to be safe.

Interestingly, asphalt sealcoating in Atlanta requires 30 days to cure fully. During that time, you must avoid damaging chemicals or harsh driving.

What Factors Will Impact How Long It Takes To Cure?

After sealcoating, the standard recommendation is to wait eight hours for foot traffic and a full 48 for vehicle traffic. However, there are instances in which asphalt sealcoating may require more time.

Asphalt sealcoating products vary in formula properties, but they all bond to the pavement via slow and steady moisture evaporation. Therefore, inclement weather could slow the curing process. Seasoned contractors offering Atlanta asphalt sealcoating know to avoid bad weather on the application day, and most will look at the forecast to ensure that conditions are ideal as the sealcoating cures. However, the weather can be unpredictable.

If you encounter high humidity levels, cooler temperatures or cloudy skies, Atlanta asphalt sealcoating can take significantly longer to cure. If that’s the case, waiting an extra 24 hours is best to avoid issues.

When you need sealcoating in Georgia, turn to The Surface Masters. We’re an award-winning paving company proudly serving property owners in and around Atlanta. We offer many services, including asphalt sealcoating, new paving, repairs, crack sealing, resurfacing, pavement markings, milling and reclamation.

We understand the importance of curing, but we also know that waiting up to 72 hours after your asphalt sealcoating in Atlanta to use your pavement can be disruptive to your life and business. To avoid major delays, we work closely with you to develop a schedule and approach that minimizes disruptions.

To learn more and request a free project quote, call The Surface Masters at (770)250-6392. Alternatively, email the team at Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com or use our online contact form.