In Indiana, the freezing temperatures of winter take a toll on asphalt paving. Snow, freeze/thaw cycles and the rigors of snow plows and road salt can be particularly challenging for your pavement. By the time spring rolls around, you may notice serious signs of distress that require attention. But when can you seek services like Fort Wayne asphalt sealcoating? Read on to find out.
Why Is Wintertime Fort Wayne Asphalt Sealcoating Difficult?
Asphalt sealcoating companies don't seal paved surfaces during the winter season. Depending on conditions, many will perform asphalt sealing during the late fall, and some may work into the early winter. However, once the coldest part of winter arrives, asphalt sealcoating becomes impossible.
Sealcoating products can contain as much as 70 percent water by volume. Formulations vary, but asphalt sealing products contain a significant amount of water. After application, sealers cure for up to 48 hours. The water content slowly evaporates during that time, allowing the asphalt emulsion to bond with your pavement.
Therein lies the problem with wintertime driveway sealing. As temperatures drop, evaporation slows significantly. If temperatures dip below freezing, the sealer won't cure at all. Instead of bonding to your pavement, it'll freeze in place. Reputable asphalt sealcoating companies understand this and won't even attempt to treat your pavement when conditions aren't right.
With low temperatures, unpredictable conditions and a high chance of snow, successful asphalt sealcoating isn't possible in the winter. Therefore, sealcoating contractors must put this service on pause until things warm up in the spring.
What Are the Ideal Conditions for Local Asphalt Sealcoating?
For successful local asphalt sealcoating, conditions must be warm and dry. Asphalt sealing product manufacturers provide their distinct recommendations to contractors. However, most require temperatures of around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer for the best results. On the upper end of the spectrum, sealcoating contractors prefer temperatures no higher than 85 to 90 degrees to prevent the sealer from curing too rapidly. Slow and steady is the way to go.
Keep in mind that temperatures must be stable during application and curing. That means conditions can't sour once the sun goes down. Otherwise, the driveway sealing product can't cure properly.
Sealcoating contractors are also mindful of humidity and sun exposure. Ideal conditions for sealcoating include a full day of warm sun and a relative humidity of no more than 60 percent.
When Do Contractors Resume Offering Fort Wayne Asphalt Sealcoating?
Asphalt sealcoating usually begins around late April or early May. There's no exact date when asphalt sealcoating companies will start providing this service. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and conditions are unique every year. Sealcoating contractors turn to historic weather data and closely monitor the weather forecast to determine when conditions are right for asphalt sealing.
Once spring arrives, driveway sealing companies get busy serving clients like you. The sealcoating season lasts throughout the warmer months, typically ending in late fall when temperatures drop once again.
When you need local asphalt sealcoating done right, Asphalt Authority is ready to serve. Our dedicated pavement maintenance company proudly serves clients throughout Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas. We work hard to meet your needs while providing customer service that exceeds all expectations. In just a few short years, we've earned national recognition for delivering quality results, and we're eager to add you to our list of happy clients!
Asphalt Authority is available to meet all your paving needs. We offer asphalt paving, crack repair, resurfacing, striping, sealcoating, signage and more. Call the Asphalt Authority team today at (260)297-7938, email info@asphalt-authority.com or use our online form to get in touch and receive your free project quote.
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