Can Extreme Heat Affect an Asphalt Sealcoating Application?

Are you planning for an asphalt sealcoating application this summer? Before you do, it's essential to understand the effects that extreme heat can have on the sealcoating process. For most property owners in Indiana, the biggest concern for pavement maintenance is winter cold. However, excessive heat in the summer can also impact the success of maintenance services like driveway sealing. Read on to learn how.

How Does Weather Impact Asphalt Sealcoating Application?

Ask any sealcoating or parking lot striping company, and they'll tell you that temperature and weather are vital factors in the services they provide. Successful asphalt sealcoating hinges on efficient evaporation during the curing process.

You see, the sealers that Fort Wayne sealcoating companies use to protect your asphalt can contain up to 60 percent water by volume after preparation. Once applied to your pavement, the water content will slowly evaporate, leaving the asphalt emulsion or coal tar behind to bond with your asphalt.

In inclement weather, efficient evaporation isn't possible. Therefore, the results you get will be lackluster. Your pavement won't have the protection it needs, and the final finish may not improve your curb appeal in the ways you want it to.

What Conditions Do Fort Wayne Sealcoating Companies Prefer?

Like parking lot repair and other services, the best time to do driveway sealing is when the weather is warm and dry. The perfect conditions are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with less than 50 percent humidity, a zero percent chance of rain, and a slight breeze. However, contractors can perform parking lot repair and sealcoating in temperatures ranging from around 50 to 90 degrees.

What Happens During Asphalt Sealcoating Application in Extreme Heat?

As the temperature rises closer to 90 degrees in the summer, contractors may encounter issues when performing services such as Fort Wayne driveway sealing, parking lot striping, and other tasks. During asphalt sealcoating, a phenomenon known as flash curing may occur. It's what happens when evaporation is too fast. Instead of curing slowly, Fort Wayne driveway sealing will dry almost instantly, preventing the product from penetrating the asphalt and forming a tight, protective bond.

Flash curing results in poor durability and inadequate protection. This issue can also trap moist sealer between layers of dry product, preventing the surface from curing entirely.

Once traffic is allowed back on your pavement, wheels can create track marks. That trapped moisture will also prevent your parking lot striping company or parking lot repair contractors from performing additional work.

How Can Contractors Overcome Heat When Performing Fort Wayne Driveway Sealing?

The easiest way for a sealcoating and parking lot striping company to avoid heat-related issues is to reschedule. A reputable contractor will closely monitor the forecast, scheduling application dates when conditions are ideal.

If that's not an option, there are some extra measures that Fort Wayne sealcoating companies can take. One is to create a primer by preparing a more watered-down sealer mix for the first coat. The added moisture will compensate for flash curing while also cooling the asphalt to a more acceptable temperature.

Many contractors will also fog surfaces before proceeding with driveway sealing. Fogging involves misting the pavement with water. The heat causes the water to evaporate quickly, but it also cools the pavement, ensuring that your asphalt sealcoating is successful.

Asphalt Authority is Fort Wayne's top provider of driveway sealing services. We've been in business since 2022. However, in just a few short years, we've built a reputation that's earned us national recognition as a top pavement maintenance contractor. We work diligently to deliver the results you deserve, taking all necessary precautions to ensure success during parking lot repairs, driveway sealing, and any other service you may need. You can turn to us for asphalt paving, repairs, resurfacing, striping, traffic signage, ADA compliance and more.

Let us show you why we're the best! Contact Asphalt Authority today at (260) 450-4976, email info@asphalt-authority.com, or use our online form to learn more about our services and receive a complimentary quote for your sealcoating project.