Whether for your commercial parking lot, residential street, or local municipality, consider these tips to help ensure your sealcoat project doesn't hit any unexpected roadblocks.
A sealcoating project can be a big undertaking. Residents and customers are affected by the time sealcoating projects take, whether they have to move their cars at certain times, avoid parking in their garages, or avoid certain parking spots. So, when undertaking a project of this magnitude, it’s important to plan ahead and think through factors that could impede or undermine your sealcoating efforts. Here are a few prep points to help ensure your sealcoating success.
The Month Matters
The time of year can make a tremendous difference in the success of your sealcoating project. According to GuardTop Sales and Marketing Manager, Ryan Strzalka, the general rule of thumb in Southern California is to sealcoat in the months between time changes. So, that would mean aiming for mid-March through early November. Sealcoating in cold weather is one of the biggest sealcoating pitfalls to avoid, so this rule of thumb should help you avoid the coldest days of winter.
Check the Forecast
Before setting the date for your sealcoating project, check the forecast. The ideal temperature for sealcoating should be at least 55 degrees and rising throughout the day, with as much sunlight as possible. Also, be on the lookout for rainy days, another hazard to sealcoating success.“You do not want to sealcoat when rain is in the forecast 24 hours before or after you plan to apply sealcoat,” Strzalka advises.
Time is Ticking
Believe it or not, even the time of day can make a big difference in the success of your sealcoat. According to Strzalka, sealcoat should be applied during the day, when you’ll have the most sunlight and the temperatures are rising.“Avoid sealcoating at night unless you’re going to be able to keep the asphalt closed for additional time to allow it to cure once the sun comes out,” he says.GuardTop Vice President of Sales, Jeff Luzar recommends applying sealcoat starting at sunrise and finishing by about 2:00 PM so that materials can dry before sunset.When planning the timing of your sealcoating project, think about areas of your road, street, or parking lot that may be affected by shade from trees or buildings. Areas with a lack of sunlight throughout the day may need additional time for curing.
The Waiting Game
After your sealcoating project is done, the waiting begins. Sealcoat should be allowed to dry at least 24 hours before heavy traffic is allowed. If the asphalt is cold, shaded, or the air temperature is below 75 degrees, the drying time may need to be extended.Also, don’t forget to check any landscaping sprinklers in the area of your project, so you can turn them off before and after your sealcoating efforts. Think about any other scheduling factors that may affect your parking lot, street, or roadway, such as trash collection or street sweeping.For additional guidance in planning your next sealcoating project, reach out to GuardTop. We can answer your sealcoating questions and help you plan the ideal timing for your commercial parking lot, residential street, or local roadway sealcoating project, avoiding potential roadblocks along the way.[ARForms id=100]
