If you’re planning on sealcoating pavement, it’s important you understand the process. Whether it’s brand-new or recycled asphalt, the sealcoating procedure will remain the same. In fact, according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, “More than 99% of asphalt pavement reclaimed from roads and parking lots was reclaimed for use in new pavements instead of going into landfills.” This means the chances are high that the driveway or parking lot you are sealcoating contains recycled material. As such, they’ll require protection.
At NAC Supply, we offer more than sealcoat supplies—we have the industry knowledge to answer all your sealcoating questions. Our team of experts will make sure you get what you need for every job, no matter the scope of work. Below we answer some of the more common sealcoating questions.
The drying and curing time of sealer depends on the humidity level, temperature, and how much sunlight there is. The ideal weather conditions include low humidity, high temperatures, and lots of sunlight—this will speed up the process. Under these perfect conditions, we recommend staying off the pavement for a minimum of 24 hours. As such, you should plan to not be able to use the space for a few days depending on the environment.
The single most important factor in deciding when to start a sealcoating project is the weather. The ideal temperature is 70 degrees and rising, meaning you want to perform this task early on so it gets warmer as the day goes on. Never start a project if it might or has recently rained. Water will keep the coating from adhering and drying properly. You want plenty of sunshine to speed up the drying.
Since asphalt receives regular exposure to the elements, it needs some protection. That’s what sealcoating does—it provides an extra layer of protection to the asphalt. This protective coating prevents water, oil, and UV rays from damaging the asphalt. Regular sealcoating will extend the life of the asphalt and decrease the odds of needing a replacement early on.
The general rule is every other year, but that is only a guideline. There are a lot of factors that you should note when making this decision. If there are a lot of heavy-duty vehicles, high traffic, and scraping from snowplows, you may need to sealcoat more often. The damage that occurs to a lot or driveway will determine how often it needs protection.
There are a few precautions you’ll want to take before sealcoating. The following actions will ensure your asphalt receives the proper protection:
If you any questions that we did not answer above, please contact our team. We will be happy to answer and ease any of your concerns.
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