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Can Extreme Heat Affect an Asphalt Sealcoating Application?

In many parts of the country, the biggest concern with asphalt sealcoating application is cool weather. However, with temperatures in Houston sometimes exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, we must deal with the potential impact of extreme heat! Asphalt sealcoating is a vital maintenance service that can prolong the life of your pavement while maintaining its beauty. To achieve fantastic results, it is essential to understand the effects of heat on asphalt sealcoating in Houston.

Why Is Temperature an Important Factor for Sealcoating Application?

To understand why temperature and weather matter, you must learn how sealcoating works. Sealcoating contractors protect your pavement by applying thin coats of specially formulated sealer that contains coal tar or asphalt emulsion. Asphalt sealcoating companies prepare the sealer before application, creating a final formula that can contain around 60 percent water by volume.

After asphalt sealcoating application, the moisture content in the sealer evaporates, leaving the asphalt emulsion behind to form a protective layer over your pavement. Successful sealcoating depends entirely on proper water evaporation and curing. Because the weather and temperature directly impact the rate of evaporation, they are essential factors in the equation. Applying sealers when the temperature is too hot or too cold can prevent the product from curing properly, resulting in inadequate protection, a significantly shorter lifespan, and an unsatisfactory finish.

What Are the Ideal Conditions in Houston?

Houston asphalt sealcoating contractors should be mindful of weather conditions. Every sealer manufacturer has unique application guidelines. However, most products require conditions to be warm and dry. Generally, the best time to perform sealcoating is when temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. On the lower end, contractors can apply sealer when temperatures are around 50 degrees. However, it’s never a good idea to attempt asphalt sealcoating when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

In addition to temperature, you must consider the chance of precipitation and humidity. There can be no chance of rain during application day or the days that follow for curing. If the forecast indicates inclement weather, experienced asphalt sealcoating companies should consider rescheduling. The same goes for days with high humidity. In humid environments, evaporation slows down significantly. For the best results, humidity levels should be no higher than 50 percent.

What Could Happen If Asphalt Sealcoating Application Occurs When It’s Too Hot?

Sealcoating companies in Houston face a few challenges in hotter weather. As the temperature rises closer to 90 degrees, issues such as flash curing can occur. Flash curing happens when the sealer dries too quickly. It might dry within seconds, leaving no time for the sealer to penetrate the pavement’s pores. The result is a weak bond and poor longevity. Additionally, the surface might dry just as fast, leaving a thin layer of moist sealer trapped between the flash-dried bottom and top.

While a flash-cured sealer may appear ready for traffic, the trapped moisture will cause peeling and tracking. Houston asphalt sealcoating should provide long-lasting protection, but issues like flash curing will only create more problems that need addressing.

How Do Sealcoating Companies in Houston Combat Excessive Heat?

Luckily, sealcoating companies in Houston have a few workarounds for extreme heat. In addition to rescheduling for days with more ideal conditions, asphalt sealcoating companies can take a few precautions to avoid issues like flash curing.

One is to apply a thin primer coat. That layer will cure rapidly, but it can also cool the pavement, creating better conditions for subsequent layers. Some contractors will also water down that initial layer. The extra moisture will compensate for flash curing while cooling the surface.

Another method for asphalt sealcoating in hotter climates is to fog the pavement. This process involves lightly misting the pavement with water to cool it down. The water evaporates and dries quickly, cooling the pavement in the process and readying it for asphalt sealcoating in Houston.

Let Pelagic Paving be your go-to source for Houston asphalt sealcoating. We’re a trusted asphalt paving contractor with over 25 years of proven success. We’re available for all your repair and maintenance needs. Our services include new paving, sealcoating, repairs, crack sealing, concrete repairs, ongoing parking lot maintenance, striping, and more. No matter your needs, you can expect five-star service and results you’ll be proud to show off.

Call Pelagic Paving today at (346)200-9537 to get a free quote. You can also submit your information through our online form or email the team at Info@pelagicpaving.com.