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The Risk Of Sealcoating In The Winter

Asphalt sealcoating in Houston is an important service that you should schedule regularly for maximum protection. However, it’s vital to complete routine maintenance during the warmer months. Sealcoating in the winter is risky. Inclement weather poses many challenges, making the task nearly impossible.

Why Is Sealcoating in the Winter Such a Bad Idea?

Asphalt sealcoating companies are more selective about providing service in the winter. They often reserve service for emergencies only, referring most clients to spring appointments. The reason is the application conditions for asphalt sealer in Houston.

There are many different types of sealer formulations available, but most only work in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower, and the product won’t cure and bond to the asphalt correctly. For that reason, asphalt sealcoating during the winter season isn’t recommended.

But will Houston asphalt sealcoating companies provide service on warmer winter days? While air and ground temperatures might be reasonable, things will change once the sun falls. Because Houston asphalt sealing takes several days to cure, cooler nighttime temperatures prevent contractors from providing service even on days that are warmer than 50 degrees.

How Do Conditions Affect How Asphalt Sealer in Houston Cures?

To understand why winter asphalt sealcoating isn’t ideal, you must understand how the process works. Once applied, the asphalt sealer in Houston will cure via evaporation. The moisture evaporates, leaving the asphalt emulsion behind.

The problem, however, is that evaporation slows down tremendously as temperatures drop. During warmer months, asphalt sealcoating in Houston takes up to 48 hours to cure. In the winter, it can take significantly longer, if it happens at all.

Can Unpredictable Weather Ruin Sealcoating in the Winter?

Houston asphalt sealcoating companies also have to contend with the unpredictability of Mother Nature. In the winter season, Houston experiences temperature swings, rain, fewer daylight hours, and stronger winds.

All those environmental factors affect the work asphalt sealcoating companies do. Asphalt sealcoating is a slow and steady process. Even after application, much of the job is about waiting for the product to cure.

With so much time between application and curing, there’s a greater risk of the weather turning and ruining the finish. That means lackluster protection and an ugly finish.

Will Attempting to Perform Houston Asphalt Sealing in the Winter Cost More?

Another thing to think about is the cost of asphalt sealcoating in Houston during the winter season. As mentioned earlier, asphalt sealcoating companies can provide service during the winter in exceptional cases. However, it often costs more.

There’s more prep work involved, and Houston asphalt sealcoating companies must take greater precautions. They even have to use more robust equipment. Those expenses add up, making this service much more expensive. It’s more practical to wait until spring in most cases.

When you need Houston asphalt sealing, turn to Pelagic Paving. We’re experts in all things asphalt, offering new paving, repairs, sealcoating, parking lot striping, and more. No matter your needs, we strive to deliver exceptional quality that lasts.

Call Pelagic Paving today at (346)200-9537 to receive your complimentary quote. You can also email us at Info@pelagicpaving.com or use our online form.