Understand The Factors That Could Impact Springtime Sealcoating
Before asphalt contractors dispatch a crew to apply a sealant, many decisions will need to be made. The contractor must choose the best sealant for the project, select the right crew members, and choose the job’s proper equipment. Contractors must ensure that the sealant is mixed correctly, devise a plan to control traffic, and schedule any repairs they may need to be completed prior to starting the application. Sealcoating contractors can control these factors, but there is one critical factor over which they have no control, and that is the weather. Obviously, you would not expect your contractor to seal your pavement in the middle of a tropical storm, but there are some less-dramatic weather conditions that contractors must consider before performing a sealant application in the spring.
Understand The Factors That Could Impact Springtime Sealcoating
What Weather Factors Must Contractors Consider Prior to Starting a Sealcoating Job?
In the days leading up to a pavement or parking lot sealcoating project, contractors pay extra attention to the weather forecasts. Spring is usually a good time to apply sealants along the Treasure Coast, but the weather can sometimes be volatile. If the weather could interfere with the parking lot repair procedures that need to be performed, it could also interfere with the schedule for the parking lot sealcoating. Contractors are interested in the chances of rain, the upcoming temperatures, the likelihood of a cloud cover, the wind speeds, and the relative humidity levels that are predicted by local meteorologists.
Why Do Weather Conditions Matter for an Asphalt Sealcoating Project?
If rain falls before the sealant is cured, the appearance, longevity, and performance of the sealant will be affected. Under most conditions, sealants need at least 24 hours of curing time before they can withstand a rainfall. Along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, spring is usually not the wettest season, but it is not the driest. Clouds, temperatures, humidity, and wind are all related to the sealant’s ability to evaporate the water that it contains in a controlled, expeditious manner.
Why Is Evaporation Important for Seal Coating Products?
Liquid sealants contain a lot of water, and this water must evaporate so that the sealant can form a hard barrier over the pavement. The rate of evaporation is affected by temperature; the hotter it is, the faster the water will evaporate. Sunlight helps increase temperatures, and it also helps maintain them; clouds limit the amount of assistance that the sun can offer for evaporation. Evaporation is also very dependent upon how much water vapor is already held in the air above a liquid containing water molecules that need to escape into the air. Like a sponge, there is a limit to how much moisture air can hold; when humidity levels are high, the air becomes so saturated with moisture that the water molecules in the sealant have trouble escaping, slowing evaporation. This is where the wind comes into play. If there is a breeze, the saturated air can be moved away, giving water molecules room to escape. Evaporation is controlled more by the combination of all factors than it is by the measurement of a single factor. For example, suppose the temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is a sunny day, a relative humidity of 70% may not prevent a contractor from sealing your pavement. However, if it is a cloudy day, a relative humidity of 60% may be unsuitable, especially if wind speeds are extremely low.
To Learn More, Contact Asphalt Care Services
Asphalt Care Services offers a wide range of paving services, including parking lot maintenance, asphalt paving, thermoplastic line striping, asphalt sealcoating, speed bump installation, parking lot repair, bollard installation, concrete bumpers, and parking lot striping. We are known for our superb craftsmanship, remarkable service, and professionalism. We would be happy to provide you with a free quote if you will use the online form to send us the details. If you prefer to make your request by phone, you can reach us in Hobe Sound at 772-888-2840 or in West Palm Beach at 561-855-1336.
