The Effects of Hot Weather on Sealcoating in Dallas Texas
The Effects of Hot Weather on Sealcoating in Dallas Texas
During the spring season, many property owners and managers across Dallas schedule sealcoating service appointments to keep their asphalt surfaces well-protected before the stress of summer arrives. Sealcoating in Dallas Texas shields asphalt paving from water penetration, UV rays, and more, and spring is the ideal time to protect pavement due to the warm conditions. But can it be too hot for sealcoating?
What Conditions Are Ideal for Sealcoating in Texas?
The best asphalt sealcoating companies understand that optimal results require warm, dry weather. The best conditions are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, humidity levels below 50-60%, and at least four hours of direct sunlight. Of course, there should also be zero chance of rain.
Dallas asphalt sealcoating companies can work in temperatures as low as around 50 degrees, depending on the sealer. However, the 70-degree mark ensures proper curing and bonding. At that temperature, the water content in the sealer evaporates without issue, ensuring a smooth 48-hour curing process and excellent results.
When Does It Become Too Hot for Blacktop Sealing?
Many assume there’s no upper limit to the temperature range for asphalt sealcoating. However, that’s not the case. Around 70 degrees is ideal, but Dallas asphalt sealcoating companies must exercise caution as summer heat creeps in.
Sealer manufacturers don’t recommend asphalt sealcoating in Dallas when temperatures surpass 90 degrees. At that point, sealcoating professionals may encounter several problems.
Why Is Excessive Heat So Bad for Sealcoating in Dallas Texas?
The biggest issue with excessive heat is flash curing. Blacktop sealing in Dallas requires a slow, steady cure. However, in extreme heat, the sealer can cure far faster. While that might seem beneficial, it occurs before the sealer has a chance to penetrate the asphalt’s pores. As a result, flash curing doesn’t form a tight bond, leading to peeling and poor longevity.
Another issue with sealcoating in high temperatures is that the sealer can cure unevenly. The sealer’s surface might dry out in minutes. When that happens, the dry surface layer traps the moist sealer below. While everything looks dry, that trapped moisture can’t escape. Try to drive on unevenly cured sealer, and you’ll have tire tracking and inferior protection to deal with.
Can High Humidity Levels Affect Asphalt Sealcoating in Dallas?
High humidity levels can also be a problem. Asphalt sealcoating companies can work when relative humidity is as high as 90%, but they prefer conditions in the 50-60% range. That’s because high humidity can significantly slow the curing process.
The products experts use for asphalt sealcoating in Dallas contain a significant amount of water. As the sealer cures, the water content slowly evaporates. In high humidity, evaporation slows significantly. The air is already saturated with moisture, reducing its capacity to hold any more. In high humidity, the sealer can take substantially longer to cure. In extreme cases, it may not cure at all.
How Do Asphalt Companies Overcome Hot Weather?
Fortunately, there are several ways to overcome hot weather. Asphalt sealcoating experts will monitor the weather forecast and schedule service appointments around extreme heat. However, if that’s not possible, they can also take extra measures to ensure great asphalt sealcoating results.
The best asphalt sealcoating companies already know that successful sealcoating requires several thin coats. That alone can prevent uneven curing that often comes with thicker coats. However, they may also apply more coats when the weather is hot. Doing so effectively cools the asphalt, allowing contractors to build up protection without compromising the bond.
Another option is to cool the asphalt beforehand or use special additives. Misting the surface with water can cool the surface. Once the water evaporates, Dallas asphalt sealcoating companies can proceed with sealing. For additives, several options are available that can actively prevent issues such as flash curing.
When you need blacktop sealing in Dallas, turn to Legacy Paving. We can develop solutions to meet your needs, regardless of the heat. Our goal is to help our clients maintain their asphalt surfaces over the long haul, so we work hard to do things right and overcome any challenges that arise.
In addition to asphalt sealcoating, we offer asphalt paving, repairs, milling, overlays, reclamation, parking lot striping, concrete work, and more. Give Legacy Paving a call today at (214) 771-5726 to learn more and request a complimentary quote. You can also email the team at info@legacypavingtx.com or submit our online form at your convenience.
