5 Reasons Why Winter Asphalt Sealcoating Is A Bad Idea
Think you can schedule an appointment for winter asphalt sealcoating? While sealcoating in the winter is possible in some parts of the country, it’s generally a bad idea here in Austin. Here are five reasons why.
How Does Cooler Weather Interfere with Sealcoating?
One reason asphalt sealcoating in Austin is difficult in the winter is that sealers simply can’t work in cooler conditions. Formulations vary, and all manufacturers provide guidance on how to apply the product. However, most asphalt sealing products require temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
With cooler ground and air temperatures, the asphalt sealer in Austin won’t cure or bond.
Can Contractors Apply Asphalt Sealer in Austin on Warmer Days?
Don’t let those one-off warm days fool you. Asphalt sealing companies keep a close eye on the forecast when scheduling service appointments. A single warm day won’t cut it.
Asphalt sealer in Austin requires up to 48 hours to cure. That means that even on warm days, asphalt sealing companies won’t take the risk. With nighttime temperatures dropping below that 50-degree threshold, the results will be disastrous.
Does Moisture Present Problems for Winter Sealcoating?
Sealcoating in the winter comes with the challenge of dealing with moisture. Precipitation and dew often create a layer of water over every surface, presenting issues for asphalt sealcoating in Austin.
Water will wash away asphalt sealing products or significantly dilute them. It renders the sealer useless, often freezing and causing the product to flake away.
Can Austin Asphalt Sealer Cure in the Winter?
Austin asphalt sealing struggles to cure in the winter. As mentioned earlier, sealcoating in the winter is tough because the sealer isn’t made to cure below 50 degrees. However, even if temperatures are close to that, asphalt sealing products can take significantly longer to dry.
That’s because they cure via evaporation. Moisture must evaporate, leaving the asphalt emulsion behind. The problem is that evaporation slows in cooler weather. So, your 2-day curing timeline can become much longer, making sealcoating in the winter impractical.
Does Winter Asphalt Sealcoating Cost More?
Austin asphalt sealing is still possible in some cases. However, it’ll cost you much more. During the cooler months, asphalt sealcoating in Austin requires additional surface prep, more equipment, and longer wait times for teams. Those expenses add up.
Companies that do Austin asphalt sealing typically reserve service for emergencies, reserving all other appointments until spring to ensure the best results. Doing so will ensure outstanding results and optimal protection for your pavement.
Pana Paving is among the most trusted asphalt sealing companies in Austin. We’ve been in this business for over three decades. As a result, we’ve seen it all and are more than ready to rise to any challenge while delivering five-star results. We’re available for sealcoating, paving, repairs, milling, asphalt overlays, concrete sidewalks, striping, and more.
Ready to get your free project quote? Call Pana Paving at (512) 883-0941, email panapaving@gmail.com, or use our online form today.
