Can Sealcoating Take Place After A Paving Installation?

After seeing the beauty of a freshly paved parking lot or driveway, your first instinct might be to seal it as soon as possible. Your desire to retain the dark, smooth look of the pavement is admirable, but you could do more harm than good if you rush the maintenance process. Sealcoating too soon can seal in the oils that help to keep asphalt flexible while it cures. Finding out when to plan for this service helps you to avoid premature damage that limits the life span of the pavement.

What Is the Recommended Time Frame for Sealcoating?

Local sealcoating companies typically recommend performing this service at least 90 days following the paving installation for the majority of pavement types. Occasionally, parking lot sealcoating might be done sooner, but you’ll want to check with your contractor to make sure the benefits outweigh the risk of potentially sealing in the oils before they can evaporate. All fresh pavement should be sealed within the first year to stop the oxidation process and fill in small pores and cracks that naturally develop over time.

What Variables Influence When You Should Plan for Sealcoating?

A Treasure Coast sealcoating contractor carefully considers several variables before they recommend when to seal the pavement. The intended use of the pavement plays a role in how soon you’ll need to seal coat. The location and time of year can also impact how quickly the pavement cures. During the drier seasons of the year, you can expect the asphalt to cure faster compared to days with high humidity that slows down the release of moisture into the air.

How Do You Care for the Asphalt While It Hardens or Cures?

Asphalt sealcoating parking lots are the best way to prevent damage from constant streams of traffic, and leaving your new pavement temporarily unprotected might make you nervous. You can rest assured that this is simply part of the process of caring for your pavement, but you can take a few steps to care for your asphalt until the contractors lay the final protective layer of sealant.

For now, you’ll want to encourage people to avoid parking in the same space for too long. If you do happen to notice automotive fluids building up on your driveway or parking lot, then it is best to clean it up as soon as possible. Taking care to avoid using heavy construction equipment on the pavement or harsh movements, such as turning the wheels while in park, can further keep the pavement in good condition until we apply the first seal coat.

Work With a Company That Loves Teaching People about Asphalt Maintenance

Our crew at Asphalt Care Services, LLC always follows up our asphalt paving jobs by letting you know when to plan for asphalt sealcoating. We’ll also walk you through the essentials for parking lot maintenance, including parking lot striping and thermoplastic striping. If you take advantage of our concrete bumper, speed bump and traffic sign installation, then we’re also your go-to source for learning about how to take care of all of the safety features on your property. We love helping people learn how to maintain their asphalt pavement and are ready to answer your questions when you call 772-758-2167, email us at [email protected] or send them to us using our online form.