Asphalt pavements are famous for their good looks, economic cost, and construction speed. They have the ability to shed ice and snow faster than similar concrete pavements, and they provide better traction. If given the proper attention, an asphalt parking lot or other pavement can have a very long life. One of the best things you can do to ensure that your pavement has a long, healthy, beautiful life is to have a reputable contractor apply asphalt sealcoating at regular intervals. However, you should be aware that asphalt sealcoating should only be applied when the weather conditions are within certain tolerances.
What Weather Conditions Are Tolerable for Asphalt Sealcoating?
The manufacturers of sealcoating products specify both ideal and acceptable conditions. Ideal conditions include a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a humidity level of less than 50%, and a steady breeze of at least 3 mph. The humidity level can virtually never be too low for sealcoating parking lot pavements or streets, but winds of over 12 or 15 mph can be problematic for an even application of sealant. The major issue is the temperature. There are actually two temperatures that sealcoating contractors must monitor: the air temperature and the surface temperature. Although both temperatures are typically quite close to each other, there can sometimes be a significant variation between them. Many people know that asphalt parking lot sealcoating should never be applied unless both temperatures are at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and rising. However, fewer people know that extreme heat can sometimes pose problems for sealcoating Long Island pavements.
How Does Extreme Heat Affect Asphalt Sealcoating Applications?
At the time of application, sealcoating mixes are roughly 70% water; the balance is the concentrated sealant, sand, and any additive deemed necessary for the particular job. The water in the mix must evaporate so that the sealcoat can dry, cure, and establish a strong bond with the pavement. Sealcoating is designed to cure from the top down at a predictable rate so that the bond has time to form. However, if parking lot maintenance contractors apply a sealant to an excessively hot pavement, the sealant can dry almost immediately. The bond does not have time to develop, so the best you can hope for is that the life of the sealant will be shortened. The worst-case scenario is that the entire application will fail within a matter of days.
How Hot Is Too Hot for Sealcoating Islip Pavements?
Manufacturers recommend that their sealcoating not be applied if the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit unless the contractor takes steps to counteract the heat.
1. Because the rate of evaporation is also influenced by humidity and wind speed, contractors may choose days with high humidity levels and low winds to slow down evaporation.
2. Sealcoating contractors may schedule an application to begin at dawn. At sunrise, the pavement has not had time to absorb heat from the sun, so it is typically at its coolest point.
3. The pavement temperature can sometimes be lowered sufficiently by misting it with water just before applying the sealcoat.
4. Contractors can apply a thin coat of sealant to act as a primer.
5. Certain additions can be incorporated into the mix to slow the rate of evaporation.
Royal Pavement Solutions is an asphalt paving company that provides exceptional work to commercial clients on Long Island. Our services include sealcoating, site work, asphalt paving, building maintenance, asphalt repair, sweeping and portering, lot striping, asphalt crack repair, and concrete work. We are known for our superior craftsmanship, professional project management, and exemplary customer service. Contact us to request a free quote by filling out our online form, calling 844-777-7924, or emailing Kenny@RoyalPavementSolutions.com.
