Latest Blog

When Do Indianapolis Asphalt Sealcoating Contractors Start Their Season?

Asphalt sealcoating is one of the most important aspects of pavement maintenance, but the harsh winter conditions make it tough for contractors to provide this vital service. Fortunately, Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating contractors are ready to act once the weather warms up. But when does sealcoating season officially start?

How Do Weather Conditions Affect How Asphalt Sealcoating Contractors Work?

Asphalt sealcoating in Indianapolis helps protect your pavement from weather exposure, chemical damage and wear. Whether you have a massive parking lot or an industrial complex covered in asphalt, many damaging factors threaten your pavement’s beauty, reliability and safety. Sealcoating is a service you need every few years to maximize longevity and prevent damage.

However, the weather can throw a wrench into the works. Asphalt sealers can contain as much as 70 percent water by volume. These products are asphalt emulsion sealers that contractors must prepare by adding water and sand. Once applied to a paved surface, water slowly evaporates from the asphalt sealer, allowing the remaining elements to bond to the pavement.

Sealcoating in Indianapolis requires warm and dry conditions. Otherwise, evaporation can’t occur. Extreme cold, excessive heat and precipitation interfere with the curing process. If it’s not warm and dry, the asphalt sealer won’t cure properly, resulting in lackluster results and inferior protection.

Why Can’t Sealcoating Contractors Work in the Winter?

The biggest challenge contractors face when sealcoating in Indianapolis is cold temperatures. In this part of the country, temperatures frequently dip below freezing. On average, Indianapolis receives more than 25 inches of snow yearly.

For successful sealcoating results, the ideal temperatures are around 55 to 90 degrees with no more than 50 percent relative humidity. Also, Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating requires 24 to 48 hours to cure. So, conditions must be stable during application and as many as two days after. A few days of consistent warmth in the winter is a rarity in Indianapolis!

It’s sometimes possible for Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating contractors to provide service in the late fall and early winter. However, any reputable sealcoating company will not attempt it if conditions aren’t perfect. Therefore, experienced companies will not do asphalt sealcoating in Indianapolis until temperatures warm up.

When Do Contractors Begin Performing Indianapolis Asphalt Sealcoating Again?

No concrete dates mark the start of asphalt sealcoating in Indianapolis. Weather is unpredictable. Therefore, contractors will keep an eye on the forecast and rely on historical weather data to decide when to start offering asphalt sealcoating services. Generally, sealcoating in Indianapolis begins in the spring when temperatures are consistently above 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s usually around mid-March to early April. Depending on conditions, the season lasts until October.

At Black Hawk Paving, we bring 50 years of experience and knowledge to your asphalt sealcoating project. We understand the complexities involved with Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating and how weather can impact success. Our team never cuts corners or takes risks that could sacrifice the final product. We only use the highest quality materials available and work closely with you to minimize disruptions to your business. We aim to protect your pavement while providing a service you can count on. Black Hawk Paving is available for all your asphalt paving, repair and maintenance needs. We do new paving, repairs, sealcoating, crack routing and filling, ADA-compliant features, warehouse striping, grading and excavation, concrete paving and more.

Call Black Hawk Paving today at (463)225-0400, email info@blackhawkpaving.com or use our online form to get a free, no-obligation quote.