Hot Tips For The Fort Wayne Sealcoating Summer

When the intense heat of summer rolls around in Indiana, proper asphalt maintenance should be a top priority. The increased UV exposure and excessive heat can put your asphalt parking lot or driveway at risk. Fort Wayne sealcoating summer services can safeguard your pavement, allowing it to beat the heat and make it through the season unscathed. However, the right approach can make or break the success of your maintenance efforts. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Can Contractors Provide Fort Wayne Sealcoating Summer Services?

Sealcoating companies typically prefer to provide service in the spring. That's what many in the industry refer to as "sealcoating season," and there are a few reasons why. Successful parking lot and driveway sealing requires warm and dry conditions. The ideal temperature range is about 60 to 70 degrees. If temperatures are too cool or hot, issues can arise. At the upper end of the temperature spectrum, Fort Wayne asphalt sealcoating can encounter problems such as "flash curing."

Flash curing occurs when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. The sealer can dry too rapidly as water evaporates when it comes into contact with the hot asphalt. On particularly hot days, flash curing can happen in seconds! For this reason, asphalt sealcoating companies often recommend obtaining this service well before the summer season arrives.

All that said, it is possible for sealcoating companies to provide service in the summer. Reputable companies will closely monitor the forecast, selecting a window of time when conditions are suitable for sealing. They'll look for a period of about three days when temperatures are below 90 degrees, humidity levels are lower than 50 percent, and there is no chance of rain. They pay attention to the conditions of your scheduled application day and the days that follow to account for the 24- to 48-hour curing period.

If you're planning for driveway or parking lot sealcoating in the summer, be prepared for delays. Seasoned contractors will reschedule if conditions change, ensuring you get optimal results.

How Can I Keep My Pavement Cool Enough for Fort Wayne Asphalt Sealcoating?

There are many ways to keep your pavement cool when sealcoating parking lots. Asphalt sealcoating companies employ various techniques to mitigate the challenges of excessive heat during the summer. One is to apply more coats of asphalt sealer than normal. Many contractors will treat that initial flash-cured layer as a primer, applying additional coats as necessary to give your pavement the protection it needs.

Others will use a technique known as "fogging." It involves spraying the pavement down with water. When sealcoating parking lots and driveways, fogging can prevent flash curing. This technique can also be used throughout the summer to enhance the longevity of your asphalt sealer, thereby preventing issues such as softening, tracking, and rutting.

Contractors may also modify the asphalt sealer formula when sealcoating parking lots or performing driveway sealing. Adding extra water to the mix may help with bonding and curing, compensating for the rapid moisture loss that occurs when applying sealer to hot asphalt.

How Many Coats Are Necessary for Successful Fort Wayne Sealcoating Summer Care?

Driveway and parking lot sealcoating projects typically need more than one coat. As mentioned earlier, many sealcoating companies apply multiple coats to overcome issues such as rapid curing. However, there are also many practical reasons to apply multiple layers.

Fort Wayne asphalt sealcoating can wear down with traffic, and some areas of your parking lot or driveway may encounter more wear than others. Experienced asphalt sealcoating companies will consider the amount of traffic your pavement receives, adjusting their approach to ensure you get long-lasting protection. High-traffic areas, such as entrances and exit points, may require two or three coats. The same could apply to areas that receive substantial sun exposure. Every property is different, and parking lot sealcoating companies will assess your needs to deliver results that make a difference during the busy summer season.

When you need parking lot or driveway sealing done correctly, turn to Asphalt Authority. We've served Fort Wayne and the surrounding communities since 2022. However, in just a few short years, we've already developed a reputation as being one of the most trusted service providers. We've even earned national recognition, demonstrating our commitment to delivering quality results and exceptional five-star customer care. You can turn to us for all your pavement maintenance needs. We offer services like crack repair, new paving, repairs, asphalt resurfacing, striping, signage installation, ADA compliance, and more.

Contact Asphalt Authority today to learn more and get a free project estimate. You can reach us via phone at (260)450-4976, use our online contact form, or email info@asphalt-authority.com to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!