Find out how long it takes sealcoat to dry in a parking lot.
Sealcoating an asphalt parking lot in Tampa Bay is essential to extending the lifespan of your pavement. Asphalt sealcoating also provides your parking lot with a fresh appearance while protecting it against UV rays, oil stains, and water. “How long does sealcoat take to dry?” is a common question, as the curing process depends on weather conditions and various other factors. Keeping a few things in mind can help give you an estimate on the drying time for sealcoating parking lots.
How Long Does Sealcoat Take to Dry?
Asphalt sealcoating can often dry anywhere between 24 and 48 hours under ideal conditions. However, it’s a good idea to wait at least 72 hours after application if it’s cloudy or very humid. Once an asphalt sealcoating project is complete, it’s usually fine to walk on the pavement after six hours, but waiting at least 24 hours is the safest option. You will still need to wait another one or two days for vehicle traffic due to the risk of damaging the sealed asphalt.
What Are the Ideal Temperatures for Asphalt Sealcoating?
An experienced asphalt paving and sealcoating contractor will always check the weather forecast before beginning a project. Dry, warm, and sunny weather is always the best for asphalt sealcoating, which is why the summer months are often a great time to sealcoat a parking lot. However, it’s best not to apply sealcoating in temperatures above 90, due to the risk of the sealant drying out.
On the other hand, it’s not always possible to sealcoat a parking lot under ideal weather conditions. It’s always going to take longer to sealcoat a parking lot if the weather is cloudy, humid, or cool. You will need to wait at least 72 hours for asphalt sealcoating to dry if the temperature is below 70. How long the sealcoat takes to dry is also dependent on whether the air is humid, which is a fairly common occurrence for anyone living in Florida.
Additional Tips for Accelerating the Curing Process
Closing off a parking lot for an extra day or two isn’t only inconvenient, but it can also cost business owners money. Scheduling sealcoating services after business hours can help minimize any disruptions. However, the best way to speed up the curing time of asphalt sealcoating is to make sure the day is warm and bright with no chance of rain. The asphalt sealcoating process occurs much quicker with the combination of heat and dry air.
Additionally, how long the sealcoat process takes to dry can also be sped up by using an additive. Using a sealcoat additive can reduce the drying time by half, which is helpful if rain is in the forecast. Expediting the sealcoating process allows you to begin using your parking lot as soon as possible without causing any damage. An asphalt contractor can help determine if using an additive is the best choice for sealcoating your parking lot.
How Do I Prepare a Parking Lot for Sealcoating?
An asphalt paving contractor will need to perform a few tasks ahead of time to prepare your pavement for sealcoating. For example, the parking lot will need to be smooth, which is why it’s important to seal cracks and patch potholes before sealcoating any asphalt pavement.
Cleaning your parking lot and removing any debris is also a great way to save time and make the repair process much easier. Power washing asphalt pavement one or two days ahead of time can also be beneficial in preparing a parking lot for sealcoating.
Reach Out to PLS for Asphalt Sealcoating Services
Parking Lot Services (PLS) specializes in the installation, repairs, and maintenance of asphalt parking lots in the Tampa Bay area. Focusing on the needs of each client and providing the best customer experience is always a priority. We can answer all of your questions, such as “How long does sealcoat take to dry?” or any other concerns you may have about your parking lot.
Feel free to contact PLS today if you need a free estimate for sealcoating your parking lot in Tampa Bay.