Sealcoating is an economical asphalt maintenance procedure that is extremely effective at protecting your pavement from structural and cosmetic damage. However, sealcoating can be a touchy product to apply, especially when the weather conditions are less than ideal. Sealcoating should never be applied if the temperature is less than 50 degrees or so, but what many people do not realize is that a temperature in excess of 90 degrees can also be a problem. As you probably know, in Dallas, it is not uncommon for the average temperature to reach more than 90 degrees every day from June to September. Fortunately, experienced contractors have learned many tips for asphalt sealcoating during the heat of summer.
What Is the Problem With Asphalt Sealcoating in Dallas TX During the Summer?
The main problem with sealcoating in the summer relates to what your Dallas asphalt sealcoating company refers to as flash curing. Asphalt sealcoating is formulated to cure at a steady, predictable rate that allows it to adhere properly to the pavement. Flash curing occurs when the sealcoating dries too quickly for that bond to form. At best, the sealcoating will crack and have a short life. However, it is more likely that the entire application will need to be redone. Flash curing can also increase the likelihood of tracking and power steering marks.
Why Is Sealcoating Important?
Asphalt pavements are susceptible to automotive fluids and ultraviolent radiation. Automotive fluids, including oil, cause asphalt pavements to soften and deteriorate. UV rays turn asphalt dry and brittle, making the pavement more likely to crack. Asphalt sealcoating helps block UV rays and automotive fluids to prevent damage. Furthermore, sealcoating helps prevent the sun from fading the color of asphalt, and it can even bring back the pavement’s original dark color.
What Are Some Tips for Asphalt Sealcoating When the Weather Is Hot?
Asphalt sealcoating contractors know a variety of ways to counteract the effects of hot weather without compromising the quality of the job.
1. Start the job as early in the day as possible. The ground should have cooled down somewhat overnight, and the morning temperature should be more conducive.
2. When applying sealcoating in the summer, try to choose a day on which the wind speed is less than about 5 mph. Wind encourages the sealcoating to evaporate at a faster rate, which is not ideal if the heat is also excessive.
3. Your sealcoating contractor may also apply a very thin layer of sealcoating to act as a primer. This can lower the temperature of the pavement a bit, which helps ensure that the next coat can create a strong bond.
4. Sometimes, a Dallas asphalt sealcoating company may prepare a mix that is just water and sealant in equal proportions. This creates a thin mix that can penetrate deeper into the pavement. Sealcoating contractors use this mix for the first coat, but subsequent coats will use the standard mix.
5. When applying asphalt sealcoating in Dallas TX on an extremely hot day, contractors may mist the pavement to cool it down. This technique, which sealcoating contractors refer to as fogging, involves spraying a very thin layer of water onto the pavement.
To learn more tips for asphalt sealcoating in hot weather, contact the knowledgeable professionals at HI-TEK Paving Services. In addition to sealcoating, we provide customers in the DFW metroplex with asphalt crack repairs, asphalt paving and patching, asphalt overlays, parking lot maintenance, concrete repairs, and concrete installation. We have earned an exemplary reputation for extraordinary workmanship, professionalism, and exceptional customer service. For a free quote, call 214-908-9641, fill out our online request form, or email Kevin@HI-TEKPaving.com.