If you own an asphalt parking lot in Cincinnati, OH, you may be wondering whether it’s too cold to sealcoat it. Asphalt sealcoating will protect your driveway from the damaging effects of the weather, extending its life and keeping it looking fresh throughout.
However, if you don’t do it right, you may end up wasting a lot of resources and time. You need to consult an experienced expert on the best driveway sealing temperature. Ideal temperatures allow the sealcoat material to cure quickly and adhere to the pavement effectively.
This article provides essential details on the best temperature to seal a driveway.
Why Does the Cold Affect My Sealcoat?
When it comes to sealcoating your asphalt parking lot, many factors can affect how long you have to wait for your material to cure. Temperature and rainfall are two of them.
During colder months, you may not be able to apply a sealer on your driveway for some time. This is because when temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, liquid asphalt doesn’t become dense enough for you to use.
While waiting for warmer weather could be more inconvenient than anything else, it can be safer than trying to complete your job with subpar materials at the wrong driveway sealing temperature. If you try sealing your parking lot during the cold season, you are making it prone to potholes and cracks.
Sometimes, it can be hard to predict the temperature in Cincinnati, OH. The winter months keep fluctuating from 20 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with rain and snow also appearing. With these types of conditions, always consult an expert about the lowest temperature to seal a driveway. This is necessary even if the weather seems right for it.
When is the Best Time of Year to Sealcoat My Parking Lot?
The ideal time to sealcoat your asphalt parking lot is in early spring before it heats up for good. Although you may do it at any time of the year, early spring is best because warmer temperatures help create a better bond between fresh sealcoat and old asphalt.
This also means that if you wait until fall, you run a higher risk of water seeping into cracks and weakening your new coat of sealant. It will result in cracks forming around your parking lot sooner than expected.
However, even with the warm temperature and low humidity, you still need to choose the best day in between to sealcoat your asphalt. Many experts recommend sealcoating between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ideal driveway sealing temperature should start at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and rise throughout the afternoon. During the day of application, temperatures should not drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit at any time. These are tricky conditions that only an experienced professional can be comfortable working with.
If you live in any other part of Cincinnati, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our office for more information on sealing your parking lot. Our team can help answer any questions you may have about the best driveway sealing temperature.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Drying?
Cold weather may impact how long it takes for your asphalt to dry. When the temperature drops, water takes a long time to evaporate. For example, a sealer will take longer to dry under 50 degrees Fahrenheit than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold weather also comes along with other factors such as high humidity, increasing the amount of water the pavement sealer retains. The more water the sealer retains, the more it becomes vulnerable to cracks and peels.
If you live in Cincinnati and want to determine the lowest temperature to seal a driveway, try looking up historical average temperatures by month. Your local forecast can also give you an idea of what temperatures to expect in the upcoming days.
Reach Out for a Free Estimate
If you have asphalt in your parking lot or driveway, it’s imperative to sealcoat it to protect against any cracks that can lead to further damage. This will not only save you money down the road but also extend your driveway or parking lot’s lifespan. Though sealing your parking lot is vital, you need to choose an ideal sealing temperature. Doing it at the wrong time, such as during the winter season, makes your driveway prone to early damage.
For the best result when applying a sealer on your driveway in Cincinnati, OH, consult our experienced Neyra Paving experts. We will provide you with insight and recommendations on your project. Contact us today for more information and your free estimate.
Image Source: Jeff Schultes / Shutterstock
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