What Is the Best Weather for Sealcoating in Richmond?
Like many other tasks, asphalt sealcoating Richmond pavements requires a certain level of knowledge if the job is to be completed successfully. Contractors must know which sealant formula is the most suitable for the specific job, how to prepare the mix correctly, and which pieces of equipment will be needed for the application. Furthermore, contractors must know when the weather will allow a successful sealcoating application as well as when the job should be postponed until the weather improves.
What Is the Best Weather for Sealcoating in Richmond?
Is There a Particular Month That Is Ideal for Asphalt Sealcoating Richmond Pavements?
There are some locations in which the weather can offer ideal conditions for asphalt sealcoating for several consecutive weeks or even months. However, Richmond is not one of those locations. Asphalt sealcoating companies define ideal conditions as shown below.
1. The temperature is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit at the start of the job and continues to increase throughout the day.
2. The relative humidity will not exceed 50% throughout the application and curing process.
3. A light wind should be present, but wind speeds should not exceed 10 mph during the application and the early drying stages.
4. Depending on the other factors, the asphalt sealcoating should receive between two and four hours of direct sunlight immediately following the application.
5. There should be no rain in the weather forecast for a minimum of 24 hours after the application. If it rains the night before work is scheduled, the job may need to be postponed.
Therefore, an ideal day would be bright and sunny with a temperature of at least 70 degrees and rising, low humidity, a slight breeze, and not a cloud in sight. Local asphalt sealcoating companies know that all of these ideal conditions will rarely be present on the same day in the Richmond area. Instead, they look for days on which all conditions combine to make sealcoating feasible.
1. Asphalt sealcoating can be successfully applied at temperatures as low as 50 degrees. However, the temperature cannot fall below 50 degrees throughout the application and for the next 24 hours. If it does, the sealant will cure very slowly or fail to cure at all. In addition, the lower the temperature, the more important it is that the other conditions are within tolerances.
2. Few contractors who offer sealcoating as one of their paving services will apply a sealant if the relative humidity exceeds 90%. Furthermore, if the humidity is above 75%, it may be necessary to incorporate an additive in the sealant mix. By volume, sealcoating contains a great deal of water that must be evaporated for curing to occur. In humid conditions, the water in the mix can find its escape route blocked by air that is already saturated with moisture. Since the rate of evaporation is tied to the temperature, a combination of excessive humidity and a temperature below 55 degrees may make sealcoating impossible.
3. A light breeze can help the sealcoating shed its water by clearing saturated air from above the pavement. However, if the wind is too strong during the application process, it can be difficult to ensure an even spray or to keep the spray from drifting onto landscaping, sidewalks, buildings, or vehicles. In addition, in extremely hot weather, too much wind can allow the top layers to dry too rapidly, trapping too much moisture beneath. This can cause the sealcoating to crack or flake.
4. Sealcoating at night or on an overcast day can present problems. If everything goes right, the sealant will cure once it has sufficient sunlight. Highly experienced contractors know how to do it successfully, but most of them prefer not to apply sealants late in the afternoon, at night, or on an extremely cloudy day.
5. Even light rain can mar the looks of uncured sealcoating, and a more substantial rain can thoroughly wash the liquid sealant from the pavement.
6. Sealcoating should not be done before crackfilling has been performed. Furthermore, you will need to have your parking lot striping reapplied after sealcoating; the sealant will cover all pavement markings. Contractors who offer all of these paving services may need to consider what the weather will be like on multiple days before accepting the job.
When you need asphalt maintenance in Richmond, trust US Asphalt Maintenance, we are known for exceptional quality and remarkable customer service. We have been helping companies protect and preserve their pavements for more than 35 years. Our paving services include parking lot striping and pavement markings, asphalt sealcoating, and crackfilling, and we also offer pavement management programs that can save you time and money. In addition, we have a driveway division that serves Richmond, VA homeowners. Contact us for a free quote by calling 804-625-7325 or submitting the online request form.