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Can Extreme Heat Affect an Indy Asphalt Sealcoating Application?

Indy asphalt sealcoating is a must-do form of preventative maintenance that can help your pavement get through the summer unscathed. But what about summertime application? Extreme heat can significantly impact the sealcoating process, and failing to consider its effects could result in subpar results. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Does Temperature Matter for Asphalt Sealcoating?

Asphalt sealcoating is possible through the process of evaporation. The product that asphalt sealcoating contractors apply to your pavement is an asphalt emulsion containing around 60 percent water by volume. As the sealer cures, the water content evaporates, allowing the protective emulsion within it to bond to your pavement.

Because temperature directly affects the rate of evaporation, it’s an essential factor that sealcoating companies must consider before completing a job.

Other weather conditions matter, too. High humidity levels can also interfere with evaporation and curing. Meanwhile, precipitation can wash the sealer away before it has the chance to cure. Asphalt sealcoating contractors must monitor the forecast to ensure that conditions are suitable for this job.

What Could Happen If Asphalt Companies Ignore High Temperatures?

When sealcoating companies ignore inclement weather, you won’t get the high-quality results you want. The biggest concern with excessive heat is a phenomenon called flash curing. Flash curing happens when the sealer dries too rapidly. In some cases, the pavement will be so hot that the product dries in mere seconds after application.

The problem with flash curing is that the sealer is unable to penetrate the pores of your asphalt. The result is a weak bond that doesn’t last. Sometimes, flash curing can cause asphalt sealcoating to dry unevenly. A dry top and bottom layer can trap moisture in the middle, preventing it from curing at all. These issues can cause disastrous results. In addition to creating an unsightly finish, your pavement will lack the necessary protection to last.

What Are the Ideal Conditions for Indy Asphalt Sealcoating?

Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating companies need warm and dry weather. Temperatures around 70 degrees are best, but most asphalt sealcoating products will work fine between 50 and 90 degrees. It’s when the temperatures approach the 90-degree mark that flash curing becomes a significant risk.

Asphalt sealcoating companies will also pay attention to the humidity levels, aiming for application days when the relative humidity is below 50 percent. Of course, there should also be zero chance of precipitation. Good conditions are necessary beyond the application date. Because sealcoating takes up to 48 hours to cure, the weather should be reliably warm and dry for several days after application.

What Can Sealcoating Companies Do to Beat the Heat?

Asphalt sealcoating companies can work around high temperatures in many ways if rescheduling isn’t an option. The first is to cool the pavement down with an initial coat of watered-down sealer. Increasing the water content for that first coat can cool the asphalt while compensating for flash curing. Afterward, Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating companies can proceed with standard application.

Another option is to fog the pavement, which involves misting it with water. The high temperatures cause the water to evaporate quickly, cooling the pavement in the process. Finally, sealcoating companies can utilize sealer additives. Some sealcoating additives can alter the rate of evaporation, thereby circumventing issues such as flash curing.

Black Hawk Paving sets the bar for other asphalt sealcoating contractors in the Indianapolis area. We’ve served commercial clients like you for five decades. In that time, we’ve perfected our approach to pavement maintenance, allowing us to overcome any challenge while performing work quickly and efficiently to minimize delays for your property. In addition to sealcoating, Black Hawk Paving is available for new paving, repairs, crack routing and filling, concrete paving, warehouse striping, and more.

Call Black Hawk Paving at (463) 225-0400 to discuss your needs in greater detail and receive a complimentary project quote. You can also use our online form or reach our team via email at info@blackhawkpaving.com.