There is no question that sealcoating helps prolong the life of an asphalt pavement and keeps it looking its best. Numerous studies have shown that asphalt pavements receiving regular applications of sealant and timely repairs can last two or even three times as long as similar pavements that are neglected. However, not everyone knows the best season to schedule a sealant application in North Georgia. Given the hot, muggy days that are prevalent during the summer months, many people are surprised to learn that summer is actually the best season.
Why Summer Is the Ideal Time for Asphalt Sealcoating
Why Do Asphalt Maintenance Contractors Prefer to Sealcoat in the Summer?
Reputable contractors strive to ensure that every customer is completely satisfied with the work they perform. Good contractors want to provide exemplary work, minimize any difficulties that the customer might experience during the job, and leave the job knowing that they provided something of true value to the customer. Applying sealants during the summer allows contractors to realize all of these goals.
What Impact Does Summer Weather Have on a Sealant Application?
You may have heard that sealants should not be applied if the weather is too cool or at night. The explanation can be found in the following three points.
1. Sealants are liquids when they are applied and contain copious amounts of water. This water must be able to escape from the sealant for drying to occur. Evaporation occurs faster as temperatures increase, so the sealant will dry faster on a hot day than on a cool day.
2. Drying and curing are not the same. Until the sealant is cured, it can be tracked or damaged. Sunlight is critical to the curing process, and there are more hours of sunlight in the summer than in any other season.
3. Until sealants are dry and cured, they should not be exposed to temperatures below approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Although Atlanta weather is unpredictable enough that there have been record lows in the high 30s in June, it is extremely unlikely that the temperature will fall below 50 during the summer.
How Does Having Sealant Applied in the Summer Benefit the Customer?
Whether you need to have parking lot sealcoat applied or another maintenance procedure, you are probably concerned about the length of time that your pavement will need to be closed to traffic. On a hot day, your striping contractor may be able to apply two coats of sealant and still have enough hours of daylight remaining to apply your pavement markings. Your area can be reopened sooner, and you may get a better rate since the contractor only has to move his equipment, supplies, and workers once. If you postpone the job until the fall, your contractor may not be able to fit you into his schedule before cooler weather ends the season; asphalt companies are typically barraged with requests from customers who are desperate to have work performed before winter arrives. Overall, you simply have a better chance of getting a high-quality sealcoating job in the summer.
Trust Greeson Sealcoating for Your Asphalt Maintenance Needs
MH Greeson is a highly respected company focusing on the repair and maintenance of asphalt pavements in Marietta and the greater Atlanta area. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, crack repair, and asphalt patching as well as parking lot striping, traffic sign installation, bollards, and car stops. We are known for our outstanding workmanship and our affordable rates. You can submit the online form or call 770-335-2983 to request a free quote.
