Many people ask if or when is the best time to reseal or sealcoat asphalt? When it comes down to the best time to reseal asphalt, there are a number of different factors that determine the answer to this question. Asphalt does require resealing to prevent cracks and other damages as well as to extend the life of the asphalt. For those who want to know when the best time is, Andersen Asphalt & Striping will share some answers.
Summer has Best Temperature & Humidity to Seal Asphalt
Asphalt is used for roads, driveways, parking lots, courtyards and more. Fresh asphalt is black and smooth. As asphalt ages, it will lighten up and become more rough. When the time comes to reseal asphalt you will want to pick the best time to ensure the quality of the services. Essentially, asphalt can be resealed any time of the year. However, professionals prefer to reseal asphalt in the summertime. The warmer temperatures and lower humidity makes the resealing process go more smoothly and is generally quicker. The sealer must dry fully before the asphalt can be driven or walked on. During the summer, or in warmer temperatures, it can take only 24 hours for the sealer to dry. In colder temperatures, such as those under 50 degrees, it can take 48 to 72 hours to dry or fully cure.
Types of Asphalt Sealer
Another major consideration is the type of sealer that is used. There are many different types of asphalt sealers used such as: asphalt emulsion, coal tar, or an acrylic sealer. All of these sealers must be applied in temperatures of 40 degrees or higher. Weather that is too cold can make it freeze before the sealer can properly cure. The only type of sealer that can be used in colder temperatures is a gilsonite sealer which is a solvent based sealer.
Sealing Asphalt During Business Closure
When sealing asphalt, know that there are different stages to the drying process which will prevent traffic. If you allow traffic too early, the sealer can stick to tires or shoes. When deciding when the best time is to undertake the process, it may also depend on opportunity. As the asphalt will need time to be applied and then dried, you can plan to reseal the asphalt during periods of closure. For example, a school will have little to no traffic during the summer. A business may need to shut down parking lots in sections as most businesses cannot shut down for one to three days at a time.
Rain Can Damage Asphalt Sealer
The weather also plays a major role in deciding when is the best time. You never want to reseal asphalt during the rainy season. Rain, snow or even fog can interfere with the sealer. The sealer should never be exposed to high levels of moisture for the first 24 hours. If the sealer doesn’t cure properly, the sealer is ruined. When scheduling a resealing, it should be scheduled around the weather. During the rainy season, the sealing should be completely put off until dryer times.
Shaded Asphalt Driveway or Parking Lot Takes Longer to Dry
When sealing asphalt, clients must keep in mind the shade. Shaded areas will cool down the sealer. Even though other portions of the asphalt is dry, shaded areas may require longer time. On commercial properties you may need to cone or tape off heavily shaded areas to give these areas more time to dry.
Asphalt Pavement Sealing Services & More in Reno, Elko, Henderson, North LV, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Las Vegas, NV | State of Nevada
The best time is no doubt the summer season. As the summer season is coming ever closer to fall, now is the time to have your asphalt resealed. For asphalt resealing and more, contact Andersen Asphalt & Striping today.
