If you want your asphalt pavement to have an attractive, long life without constant repairs, the best way to get what you want is to sealcoat it at regular intervals. However, asphalt sealcoating can be somewhat finicky about the weather conditions. Sealcoat manufacturers specify that their products should not be applied if the temperature is below 50 degrees or so, the humidity is above 50%, or the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have spent more than a couple of days in Houston during the summer, you can probably spot an obvious challenge that asphalt sealing contractors must overcome. Fortunately, there are solutions to the issues presented by high temperatures.
Why Is Extreme Heat a Problem for Asphalt Sealcoating Applications?
Asphalt parking lot sealcoating typically lasts about two years if correctly applied. To perform as intended, it is vital that the sealant and the pavement form a strong bond, and this bond is established during the curing process. Sealcoats are formulated to cure at a certain rate and from the top down to give the bond time to form. When sealcoating Houston pavements in extreme heat, flash drying can occur. Flash drying means that the sealant dries almost the instant that it encounters the hot pavement, forcing the sealant to cure from the bottom up. While this rapid drying may seem beneficial, it is far from a good thing. If the curing process is turned upside down, the sealant will dry before it has time to adhere properly to the pavement. At best, the sealant will have a shorter life; at worst, it might fail immediately. Fortunately, experienced asphalt paving maintenance contractors know several ways to counteract the impact of excessive heat when sealcoating parking lot pavements or streets.
What Steps Might a Contractor Take When Applying Sealcoating in Extreme Heat?
One possible adjustment that your sealcoating contractor might make is to apply the sealant very early in the morning before the pavement has time to absorb more heat from the sun. Other possible steps are listed below.
1. Your asphalt maintenance contractor could cool the pavement by misting it with water immediately before applying the sealant.
2. Your sealcoating contractor could apply a thin coat to act as a primer, which can help ensure proper bonding.
3. Some experienced contractors tweak the sealant mix by using different aggregates in hot-weather mixes than they use when the temperatures are cooler.
4. Certain additives can be incorporated into the mix to slow the rate at which the sealant will dry and cure.
5. High winds accelerate the rate of evaporation, and high humidity levels slow it down. Therefore, your paving maintenance contractor may prefer to sealcoat your pavement on days with little or no wind and high humidity levels.
At Marathon Solutions Group, we know all about the weather in the Houston area because we have experienced it firsthand before and after the company was founded in 2005. In the intervening years, we have established an impeccable reputation for exemplary results and extraordinary service at competitive prices. Marathon Solutions offers an extensive range of paving services, including sealcoating, parking lot maintenance, asphalt paving, pavement repair, asphalt resurfacing, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, thermoplastic markings, concrete repair, asphalt crack repair, bollard installation, concrete installation, parking lot signage, and marking removal. If you are interested in receiving a free quote, you can contact us at 800-879-1147, or you can submit our convenient online request form.
