Timing your parking lot sealcoat application right starts with knowing what sealcoat needs before it can cure properly. Weather, temperature, and time of day all affect the final result. A parking lot can look ready at first glance, but the conditions around the job decide how well the coating bonds.
Late spring through early fall gives crews the best window for parking lot sealcoating. During this stretch, temperatures stay warm enough for the material to cure, and longer daylight hours give crews enough working time.
Summer gives crews plenty of warmth and daylight, but extreme heat can dry the surface too quickly. Early fall can work well, too, as long as cooler nights don’t slow the curing process. Winter and early spring create problems because cold pavement and moisture stop sealcoat from setting the way it should.
Check the forecast before you and your crew start any sealcoat job. The weather needs to be clear on the day of the application. Rain can wash away fresh material, leave streaks, or weaken the coating before it bonds to the asphalt.
Sealcoat needs warm air and warm pavement because water has to evaporate from the coating as it cures. Most applications need temperatures of at least 50 degrees and rising. When the air or pavement stays cold, the water in the mix evaporates more slowly, and the coating can stay soft longer than it should.
Pavement temperature is just as important as air temperature. Cool mornings can leave the surface damp, especially in shaded areas. Hot afternoons can create another problem because the coating can start drying before crews spread it evenly. Warm, stable conditions help the material bond, cure, and form a smooth finished surface.
Mid-morning through early afternoon works best for most parking lot sealcoat jobs. By then, the pavement has warmed up, and dew has had time to evaporate.
Starting too late can create curing problems as temperatures drop. Evening applications leave less daylight and less warmth for the coating to set. Crews need enough daylight after application for the coating to dry before the surface reopens to cars, foot traffic, and regular business use.
Now that you know how to time your parking lot sealcoat application right, all that’s left is to stock up on supplies so you’re ready to go when the right weather rolls around. At NAC Supply, you’ll find high-quality, affordable asphalt sealcoating products, from sealcoat spray systems to squeegees. Grab what you and your team need to leave every parking lot you touch with a smooth, even finish.
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