Why Summer Is the Best Time for Asphalt Sealcoating

California has a reputation for having beautiful weather during every season, and the reputation is well-deserved. It is often possible for asphalt and concrete paving companies to construct new pavements virtually year-round, but it can be a different story when it comes to applying a sealant to an asphalt pavement. Asphalt sealants are notoriously reliant on the weather for proper curing. Even in Southern California, there are days on which asphalt sealcoating applications are ill-advised or doomed to failure. A review of the conditions that affect asphalt sealants can help explain why summer is the preferred season for their application.

Why Summer Is the Best Time for Asphalt Sealcoating

What Weather Factors Affect Asphalt Sealcoating?

When planning an asphalt sealant application, paving maintenance contractors must consider three critical factors that are related to the weather.

1. What will the temperature be at the time of application and for the subsequent 24 hours? Asphalt sealcoating should never be applied unless the temperature is at least 50 degrees, and the temperature cannot dip below 50 degrees for at least 24 hours. It is highly unlikely that the overnight low will drop below that point during the summer months, but it could easily happen during the winter, and it is quite possible that it could happen during the autumn and spring.
2. What are the chances of rain? At the very least, rain can mar the appearance of asphalt sealcoating, but it can also remove any sealant that has not dried sufficiently. No rain should be forecast for the day of and the day following the application. Statistically, Orange County averages the least rainfall from June through September.
3. What is the relative humidity? Sealants contain a great deal of water that must be evaporated during the curing process. The rate of evaporation is heavily influenced by the humidity and the temperature; humidity slows the rate, and heat increases it. The ideal relative humidity level for sealcoating is 50%, but this level is often exceeded in Southern California. Summer temperatures serve to counteract the humidity levels.

Why Do Paving Companies Recommend Asphalt Sealing?

Asphalt paving is remarkably flexible, so it can rebound from loads and temperature fluctuations. However, to retain this flexibility, the pavement needs to be protected against premature deterioration and damage. The three greatest enemies of an asphalt pavement are the sun, vehicle fluids, and water, and sealcoating helps shield your pavement from all three. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation that steals moisture from the binder holding the asphalt paving together, so the pavement becomes brittle and more prone to cracking. Vehicle fluids soften asphalt paving, making it more likely to suffer damage from normal traffic. Water that infiltrates beneath the surface can erode and destabilize the pavement’s foundation, increasing the likelihood of alligator cracking, potholes, and depressions. Most water infiltration occurs through unrepaired cracks or other pavement breaks. By helping to prevent cracks and potholes from developing, sealcoating also helps prevent water infiltration. Furthermore, sealants enhance the natural water-resistant properties of asphalt to offer additional protection.

How Quickly Do Paving Companies Recommend Sealing a New Asphalt Pavement?

Your paving company can tell you the recommended waiting period for your new pavement. The exact timing will depend on a number of factors, including the depth of the asphalt layers, the season in which it was installed, and the type of asphalt mix used. Your pavement could be ready to sealcoat in two or three months, or it may not be ready for seven or eight months. However, it is vital to wait no more than 12 months to sealcoat a new pavement for the first time.

For the Best in Parking Lot Repair and Maintenance, Contact Peterson Grading & Paving

Peterson Grading & Paving is the leading asphalt maintenance company in Orange County, but we are so much more. First of all, we have customers in all parts of California. Secondly, we offer an extensive range of paving services, including new pavement and concrete installations, parking lot striping, asphalt overlays, line removal, warehouse striping, shot blasting, bollard installation, sealcoating, ADA compliance, asphalt and concrete repairs, parking lot signs, epoxy coatings. and asphalt milling. We are known for our craftsmanship, dependability, professionalism, and customer service. If you wish to receive a free quote, just use the online request form to contact us. If you prefer, you can email Ryan@GradePave.com, or you can call 949-402-6979.