Since asphalt sealcoating is both a cosmetic treatment and a protectant, it benefits asphalt pavement in several ways. As a cosmetic treatment, it refreshes the color of faded pavement, covers minor flaws in the surface and makes the pavement appear smoother and more even. As a protectant, sealcoating shields the pavement from ultraviolet radiation, preventing the sun from turning asphalt pavement dry and brittle. It also helps prevent the penetration of oil-based automotive fluids that soften asphalt pavement and make it crumbly and easily damaged. In addition, sealcoating makes asphalt pavement easier to clean, helps the pavement resist water penetration and can help prevent damage caused by normal traffic. To be effective, however, sealcoat must be reapplied periodically. Whether you need sealcoating reapplied or have a new pavement that needs to be sealed for the first time, May is an ideal month in Central Texas for sealcoating.
Seal Coating – Why May Is the Ideal Time
To understand why May is a perfect month to have your asphalt pavement sealed, it might be helpful to review what sealant manufacturers describe as acceptable conditions for applying their products.
• Ambient and air temperatures need to be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 24 hours following the application.
• Ambient and air temperatures that exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit will present problems that may require extra work or the use of additives.
• The ideal temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Sealcoating cures best when it is exposed to several hours of sunlight, so sealcoating on overcast days or in late afternoon is not recommended.
• Wind speeds should be at least 3 mph, but it is not advisable to apply sealant during high winds.
When you compare these recommendations to the typical weather in Central Texas, you will notice that May is often the first month of the year in which all conditions can be met.
• Even in late April, overnight lows can fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• By June, the average highs frequently exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• During May, the total hours of sunlight rise by 10 percent or more when compared to the month of April.
• Wind speeds are highly variable, but typically, the strongest winds are accompanied by precipitation, making sealcoating impossible.
• Overall, there is just a much better chance of finding a day in May on which the temperature is hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the winds are cooperative and the sun is shining brightly.
Is May Better Than the Fall?
Some people postpone sealcoating until the fall. However, by the middle of October, the chances that the overnight temperature may fall below acceptable levels increase. Your contractor will probably be extremely busy making asphalt repairs or performing other tasks to help customers winterize their pavement. Waiting means that you may be risking going into the winter without the protection you need for your asphalt pavement. In addition, fallen leaves can blow onto the fresh sealcoating and spoil its looks.
Get Help From the Sealcoating Experts
Alpha Paving is the state’s leading sealcoating contractor in terms of gallons applied annually. Our other services include asphalt repairs, milling, parking lot striping, street maintenance, road construction, asphalt paving, sign installation, asphalt overlays, speed bumps and concrete installation and repairs. Our reputation is impressive — and so is the quality of our work. The municipalities, subdivisions, religious institutions, airports, HOAs, apartment complexes, office parks, retailers, shopping malls, health care facilities, hotels, restaurants, educational institutions and manufacturing facilities we frequently serve can attest to our professionalism, workmanship and customer service. If you have questions about, Seal Coating – Why May Is the Ideal Time or would like a free quote, call our office at (512) 677-9001 or fill out the online form.