How long Does Sealcoating Take to Dry?

Asphalt pavement maintenance is incredibly crucial to upholding and prolonging the structural integrity, aesthetics, and functionality of your commercial or industrial parking lot. One of the most important things you can do to protect your asphalt against the external elements that it’s constantly exposed to is to apply a fresh layer of sealcoat every couple of years. Sealcoating forms a protective barrier that prevents external elements like water, snow, ice, dirt, and debris from penetrating the porous surface of your asphalt and damaging it. It also enhances the quality and safety standards of your asphalt and ensures that your property follows local safety standards.

Hiring asphalt sealcoating services in Toronto guarantees a job well done that will last for many years to come and render a respectable return on investment for your business. Here are a few things you should know about asphalt sealcoating and how it benefits your business.

How Long Does Asphalt Sealcoating Take to Dry?

There are a number of factors that impact the amount of time it takes for sealcoat to completely dry. Weather conditions such as humidity in the air, temperatures, moisture, sunshine, and even wind can all play a role in extending the amount of downtime your business requires during the sealcoating process.

Contractors have to wait for consistently ideal weather conditions that span at least two to three days to allow the sealcoat to fully dry. Another important factor is whether you’re applying a new layer of sealcoat to an existing one. You have to make sure that the fresh sealcoat will adhere properly to the existing layer to prevent structural damages.

The best time of year to sealcoat your asphalt pavement is in the spring or summer months because temperatures are mild, humidity levels are low, and there’s less chance of snow or rain destroying the fresh layer of sealcoat. Be sure to check the weather forecast at least one week before commencing a sealcoating project.

When Is the Best Time of Day to Seal Asphalt Pavement?

Mid-morning or midday in the spring or summer is usually the best time of day to seal your asphalt pavement. This is when the sun reaches its peak strength and can help speed up the drying process significantly.

For the sake of convenience, many commercial and industrial property owners may choose to schedule their sealcoating projects during off-peak hours such as early in the morning or in the evening. Sealcoating your asphalt in the evening gives it more time to dry overnight, provided that the pavement temperatures remain consistent throughout the night and don’t dip below 40 degrees.

Should You Seal Your Asphalt Pavement before It Snows?

Winter is the absolute worst time of year to sealcoat your asphalt pavement. The freezing temperatures combined with various cold weather elements like snow, ice, rain, and hail can all damage the sealer before it even has a chance to adhere to the asphalt.

Moreover, the cold weather conditions cause the sealer to freeze and solidify, which means that it can easily be displaced and expose your asphalt to the elements. As mentioned, the ideal time of year to seal your commercial and industrial asphalt pavement is in the spring or summer when the temperatures are a minimum 10 degrees or higher.

How Long Should You Wait before Using a Freshly Sealed Asphalt Driveway?

As a commercial or industrial property owner, your number one priority is probably to minimize downtime as much as possible. Asphalt sealing isn’t always a convenient process, but it’s certainly necessary if you want to maximize the lifespan and functionality of your asphalt pavement.

Most manufacturers recommend allowing the sealing to dry for about 24 hours. Just to be on the safe side, though, professional asphalt sealing services in Toronto recommend at least 48 hours to guarantee that the pavement is completely dry and ready to be used.

The recommended drying time may be a little longer depending on the weather forecast for that week and the type of usage your property gets. Driving and walking on a freshly sealed pavement before the sealer has fully cured can damage the barrier and prevent it from properly adhering to the asphalt. Furthermore, it can also destroy the smooth aesthetic of the surface layer. Tires can leave deep tread marks, pedestrians leave footprints, and the heavy weight of vehicles driving on uncured sealer can weaken the surface of the pavement.

How Long Does It Take for Asphalt Sealer to Fully Cure?

On average, asphalt sealers require a minimum of four to eight hours to cure before a rainfall or use. But the more time your asphalt sealer has to cure, the better. Longer curing times allow the sealer to adhere better to the asphalt pavement underneath it.

Although your asphalt sealer should be able to withstand a light to normal rainfall about four to eight hours after application, it’s still not ready to use just yet. Give it a minimum of 24 to 48 hours before driving or walking on it. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy, convenient, or possible to schedule a sealcoating application during ideal weather conditions or off-peak business hours, especially since weather forecasts in Ontario can sometimes be unpredictable. Just do your best to give it enough time to cure so that you can reap the benefits of your investment.

How Much Does Asphalt Sealcoating Cost?

Asphalt sealcoating is an affordable and worthwhile investment that can help extend the longevity, functionality, and aesthetics of your asphalt pavement. Contractors typically charge by square footage. Factors such as property size, the condition of your asphalt, and the type of sealer being used all contribute to the cost.

Contact Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance for Sealcoating Services in Toronto

Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. is one of the most reputable sealcoating contractors in Toronto. We use high-quality PolyTar Asphalt Sealer that’s guaranteed to increase your curb appeal and your pavement’s lifecycle by about 50%.

PolyTar is a highly durable that’s mixed with coal tar emulsion, manufacturer-recommended water, and sand. To ensure excellent quality control, the sealer is pre-mixed at the manufacturing facility. As part of a complete property management plan, PolyTar Asphalt Sealer requires minimal maintenance and can save you money. Contact us to learn more.