Asphalt pavement requires regular care to maintain its structural integrity, functionality, and smooth look. Sealcoating is an essential part of maintenance. Seal coating works best at specific periods of the year and in certain climates. In Ontario, the commercial asphalt seal coating window is small. In mild weather, most seal coating manufacturers advise property managers to do this asphalt maintenance. So, between May and August, when temperatures range from mild to severely hot, is the perfect time to do it.
Sadly, this is also the busiest season for asphalt seal coating contractors. During the spring and summer months, seal coating projects are scheduled dependent on availability. What does this mean?
Is Commercial Asphalt Sealcoating Possible in Hot Weather? In the summer in Ontario, temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius are optimal for seal coating. Cooler temperatures allow seal coating contractors to operate more efficiently and allow the seal coat to penetrate and cure thoroughly. So seal coating contractors usually start early in the morning and finish late in the evening. These times of day are ideal for seal coating due to temperate temperatures.
That doesn’t mean it can’t be done in great heat. Even if it’s not ideal for the project or the contractors, working in hot weather is sometimes unavoidable. Professional sealcoating contractors have challenges during peak sun and heat hours. But not impossible. If they’re skilled enough, they should overcome these obstacles by modifying their skills and practices. Maintenance of equipment is also critical.
Two Sealer Coats Flash curing is a major issue for commercial asphalt contractors when putting seal coats in hot weather. Asphalt pavement quickly absorbs heat from the sun. The initial application of sealer dries too rapidly on the surface before it has a chance to enter the pavement, rendering it ineffective thoroughly.
In hot weather, apply a thin primer coat of seal coat to lower or stabilize the asphalt’s temperature and prepare it for the second coating, which should be thicker. This method of priming the pavement guarantees that the second coat adheres to it and gives it a very smooth finish.
Pavement Fogging Spraying hot asphalt with a slight water mist also works well to cool it down before sealing it. Asphalt installers call this fogging. To avoid puddles, make sure the fog is uniformly scattered throughout the pavement. To keep the pavement from drying off too soon, more significant properties may require many loggers. It’s critical to move fast from fogging to sealing.
The water will thin the seal coat and make it runny. This helps the seal coat penetrate the asphalt surface and adhere to the binders within.
50/50 Sealer/Water
You can alternatively omit the fogging step and make a combination of equal parts water and sealant. This thins the sealer enough to penetrate multiple layers of asphalt and adhere to the existing sub base. But you’ll still need two coats of sealant. The initial layer is diluted with 50% water and 50% sealant.
The second coat should be only sealer, no water. In comparison to the diluted sealer mixture, it is thicker. But once fully cured, it’ll provide a solid external barrier for your pavement.
This method requires two mixing tanks. Regrettably, most contractors only utilize one. So it’s not as common as fogging.
Commercial Asphalt Sealcoating in Extreme Heat: What Challenges? Asphalt contractors must overcome specific hurdles when working in intense heat to complete their operations correctly. Some of these issues concern their safety and well-being, while others affect the profession itself.
SECURITY MEASURES Work in the hot sun during the summer months might cause heat exhaustion. On hot days, asphalt contractors should take the following precautions to avoid overexposure to harmful UV rays and dehydration:
Optometrists Put on masks Gloves Wear breathable long-sleeve shirts and pants. Keep hydrated all day. Flash Surface Curing Marks Due to the intense heat, the sealer dries on the pavement surface rather than penetrating the subbase. This invalidates the application, which must be repeated. Because the sealant is only dry on the surface and still wet underneath, vehicles leaving tracking and steering traces on flash-cured asphalt surfaces.
Hire Concrete Parking Solutions Commercial Asphalt Pavement Contractors to Sealcoat Your Building No need to look for a “commercial asphalt sealcoating contractor near me.” For over 25 years, Sure-Seal Pavement Repair Inc. has been one of the Concrete Parking Solutions best asphalt maintenance providers. We provide expert, high-quality seal coating treatments that will guarantee a 20-30 year pavement lifecycle. Contact us today for more information and a free quote. Call us at (509) 844-9223
