Can Sealcoating in Atlanta Take Place In The Winter
Asphalt sealcoating is key to maintaining long-lasting pavement. When done correctly every three to five years, sealcoating can protect paving from the elements and regular wear, avoiding major repair issues while prolonging the life of your investment. Generally, the best time for sealcoating in Atlanta is during the spring and summer when temperatures are warm. But what if you need last-minute sealing after the winter season arrives?
Is It Possible to Perform Sealcoating During the Winter?
Theoretically, skilled contractors can do Atlanta asphalt sealcoating during the winter. However, the success of those maintenance endeavors depends on weather conditions. A reliable Atlanta sealcoating contractor will pay close attention to the forecast and take extra precautions to ensure success.
Winter temperatures in Atlanta vary. In the year’s coldest months, ambient air temperatures cause frost and freezing. But, there are also warmer days with conditions that are viable for sealcoating. It all depends on the weather on the day of application and those that follow.
Why Is Temperature Such a Big Deal for Atlanta Sealcoating Contractors?
To understand why asphalt sealcoating is so challenging during winter, you must understand the mechanics of sealing products. Atlanta sealcoating contractors use an asphalt emulsion sealer to cover every inch of your pavement. The emulsion contains water that must evaporate. Evaporation occurs during curing, allowing the binders and bitumen to bond tightly with the asphalt below.
Therein lies the problem with winter asphalt sealcoating in Atlanta. Evaporation becomes highly inefficient as temperatures drop. The curing process already takes between 24 and 48 hours. In cooler environments, it can take even longer! Furthermore, winter temperatures could cause the sealer to freeze instead of cure, resulting in a weak bond, peeling and other unsightly issues.
What Conditions Are Best for Asphalt Sealcoating in Atlanta?
The products contractors use for Atlanta asphalt sealcoating have unique formulas. Every manufacturer has guidelines on environmental conditions required to get the best results. However, most sealers need ambient and ground temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to cure.
The success of asphalt sealcoating hinges entirely on the curing process. Therefore, it’s not just application day that matters. Temperatures could drop after the sun goes down, ruining the curing process. Atlanta sealcoating contractors must be mindful of the weather from start to finish, only providing this service when temperatures are stable enough to ensure great results.
What Other Factors Might Impact Sealcoating?
Temperature is only one factor that could affect sealcoating. Wind, sun exposure and humidity also come into play. Ideal humidity levels for Atlanta asphalt sealcoating are under 60 percent, and most products do best when there’s a gentle breeze to maintain air circulation.
Sun exposure is another major challenge for wintertime sealcoating. There are fewer hours of sunlight in the winter. As a result, contractors must apply asphalt sealcoating in Atlanta as early as possible to maximize the amount of sun your pavement gets.
When you want sealcoating done right in any season, turn to MH Greeson Paving. We’re an asphalt maintenance company with years of experience serving property owners and managers in Atlanta and the surrounding communities in North Georgia. We have a team of highly trained maintenance professionals working diligently to deliver great results while providing the customer service and reliability you deserve. Your satisfaction is our top priority. MH Greeson Paving is available for all your paving and maintenance needs. We do new asphalt paving, sealcoating, crack repair, parking lot striping, maintenance, ADA compliance and more. Our team also installs traffic bollards, stops and signs.
Let us show you what we can do. Call MH Greeson Paving today at (770)335-2983, email tripp@mhgreesonpaving.com or use our online contact form to reach out and get your free project quote.
