Can It Be Too Hot For Sealcoating In Pulaski County?
Regular sealcoating in Pulaski County is key to beautiful, long-lasting asphalt paving. While you only need to invest in sealcoating every three to five years, on average, it’s essential to plan this service around the weather forecast. Considering how asphalt seal coating cures and bonds to the pavement, performing this service in inclement weather can be disastrous. Most property owners and managers are aware that they need clear skies and a zero chance of rain for successful asphalt sealcoating. But what about temperature? Can summers become too hot for asphalt sealing in Arkansas? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Does Temperature Matter in Pulaski County?
Asphalt seal coating works through evaporation. The sealers that Pulaski County sealcoating companies utilize to protect your pavement contain around 60 percent water by volume once prepared. After application, the water content slowly evaporates as the sealer cures, leaving the asphalt emulsion or coal tar in the formula behind. That evaporation is pivotal to proper curing, allowing the product to bond to asphalt surfaces and form a protective barrier.
Because temperature directly affects evaporation, asphalt sealcoating companies must be mindful of the conditions during and after application. Keep in mind that sealcoating typically takes 24 to 48 hours to cure, and temperatures must be ideal throughout the curing period to achieve optimal results.
What Do Contractors Consider Too Hot for Seal Coating?
Pulaski County sealcoating companies typically prefer temperatures of around 70 degrees. Sealer manufacturers provide application guidelines and recommendations; however, most formulas are designed for use at temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Approximately 70 degrees is a suitable middle point that facilitates smooth, even curing.
Asphalt sealcoating can suffer as temperatures approach and exceed the 90-degree mark. In extreme heat, sealers can flash cure. The water content evaporates rapidly, making the product dry to the touch in mere minutes. While that might seem beneficial, flash curing prevents the asphalt seal coating product from penetrating the asphalt. It ruins the curing process, resulting in lackluster protection and an ugly finish.
In many cases, flash curing also traps moist sealer. Even after a few days, that trapped moisture can’t evaporate. As a result, any traffic you allow on your pavement will leave track marks and peeling behind.
Are There Any Other Weather-Related Concerns for Sealcoating?
It’s not just high temperatures that Pulaski County sealcoating companies worry about. Humidity levels can also impact evaporation. When relative humidity is above 50 percent, the sealer will take significantly longer to cure. For optimal results, asphalt sealcoating professionals typically prefer to complete jobs when there are several days of stable warmth, low humidity, and a gentle breeze. Of course, there is also no chance of precipitation on application day and during the subsequent curing period.
How Do Pulaski County Sealcoating Contractors Overcome the Summer Heat?
There are a few ways to overcome heat when asphalt sealing in Arkansas. Contractors can fog the pavement by lightly misting it with water. The water will evaporate quickly, but it also cools the pavement down to prepare it for sealcoating.
Many asphalt sealcoating companies will also apply additional coats, treating the initial layer as more of a primer. The first layer may flash cure, but it can also cool the pavement to ensure that the following coats bond correctly.
Pulaski County sealcoating companies can also use special additives to slow evaporation and curing. Aggregates and additives slow the rate of evaporation, compensating for higher temperatures.
Brice Contracting is one of the most trusted asphalt sealcoating companies in Little Rock and the surrounding areas. With years of experience and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality, we have what it takes to meet your needs. Our goal is to uplift our community, serve our clients with honesty, and provide five-star customer service. In addition to performing asphalt sealing in Arkansas, we offer a range of services, including new paving, repairs, lot striping, power washing, surface cleaning, and more.
Give Brice Contracting a call today to get your free quote. You can reach us at (501) 817-9280, email BriceContractingAR@gmail.com, or use our online contact form.
