Some things sound much better in theory. For example, jumping off a cliff into a pool of cool water on a hot summer day sounds like a great idea — until you hit the rock hidden just beneath the surface. Similarly, it sounds like a great idea to have your contractor apply sealcoating at night so that your parking lot or street can be opened to traffic when the sun rises. Unfortunately, there are some hidden rocks, so before you jump into a nighttime application of sealant, you need to understand that although it might be possible, it really is not a good idea.
Can Sealcoating Be Done At Night? – Sealant needs Sunlight
Sealant must cure throughout its entire depth, and it needs the ultraviolet radiation that the sun emits to do this successfully. If the asphalt sealcoating does not cure properly, it will be much softer and wear out sooner. In fact, if you choose a nighttime sealcoating application, your sealcoating will probably have a life expectancy of 25 to 33 percent of the life expectancy for sealcoating applied during the day.
Sealcoating needs to Evaporate
Sealcoating has a high water content that must be evaporated to allow the sealant to dry. Drying time is shortest when the humidity levels are below approximately 50 percent and temperatures are around 70 degrees. Any increase in humidity or decrease in temperature can lengthen the drying time. A longer drying time could lead to an extended closing of your area. Since humidity levels are often higher and temperatures lower at night, applying sealcoating at night can be problematic.
Closings are not Reduced Substantially
Depending on weather conditions, the number of coats needed and other factors, your area will need to remain closed for at least four hours after sealcoating is applied. In many cases, the closure will need to be eight hours or more. This means that you are probably going to have to close the area to traffic for at least one full business day, no matter when the sealcoating is actually applied.
Other Options may be Available
Marietta sealcoating companies know a variety of ways to reduce the time that an area needs to be closed to traffic. You will need to discuss the specifics of your job with your paving contractor to see what alternatives he can offer. As an example, perhaps he can divide your work area into three sections, complete the sealcoating in each section and reopen it before moving to the next section. If your business will be closed for a holiday, perhaps he can complete the work on that day.
For More Information
MH Greeson Paving specializes in sealcoating and asphalt maintenance services, including asphalt repair, sealcoating and parking lot striping. We are committed to providing our customers with quality results at affordable rates. We serve the greater Atlanta region and most communities in North Georgia. You can call us at 770-335-2983 for more information, or use our online form to request your free quote.
